Hi all,

I'm looking to climb Shasta later this month after flying into Sacramento. Here's the challenge: how do I get from the airport to Shasta and back within the strict limitations imposed by a grad student budget? I've looked at trains and bus lines, but it seems that nothing stops close to Mt Shasta City. If all else fails I suppose I could rent a car, but I can't help but think there are reliable, less expensive ways to get to and from the airport. (I've hitchhiked before in support of climbs, but not sure how the CHP views this...)

Thanks in advance!

Jarpup wrote:Hi all,

I'm looking to climb Shasta later this month after flying into Sacramento. Here's the challenge: how do I get from the airport to Shasta and back within the strict limitations imposed by a grad student budget? I've looked at trains and bus lines, but it seems that nothing stops close to Mt Shasta City. If all else fails I suppose I could rent a car, but I can't help but think there are reliable, less expensive ways to get to and from the airport. (I've hitchhiked before in support of climbs, but not sure how the CHP views this...)

Thanks in advance!

I think your best bet will be one of those Orbit, Expedia etc; deals that show rental cars at $9.95 per day with unlimited mileage.

And in California, hitchiking is not legal on the U.S. Interstate systems (I-5), but you are fine on State Route 99.

Search for a Craigslist rideshare going up I-5 on your arrival day, and down I-5 on your departure day. Might require a little extra phoning and plan solidification but that would def be your cheapest option.

Amtrak's Coast Starlight Line will get you from Sac to Dunsmuir for $38.00. Of course, you have your return trip to deal with, so double the price.

When are you looking to make you trip? I commute from Shasta to the Bay Area once a month, so I could give you a lift if it fits my schedule.

Thanks, gents. I'll have to take a look at these options. Part of me wants the adventure of thumbing it; the other part of me has seen too many serial killer specials on A&E. Hmm.

I don't have a firm date in mind, but roughly: 13 or 14 June fly to Sac, returning to Sac on/about the 22nd. I'm pretty flexible on the tail end, but can't go any earlier than that. I'd love to share a ride (more than happy to chip in on gas too!) but understand if your schedule isn't conducive. I could also fly into SFO or Oakland too, if that made it easier.

Jarpup wrote:Thanks, gents. I'll have to take a look at these options. Part of me wants the adventure of thumbing it; the other part of me has seen too many serial killer specials on A&E. Hmm.

I don't have a firm date in mind, but roughly: 13 or 14 June fly to Sac, returning to Sac on/about the 22nd. I'm pretty flexible on the tail end, but can't go any earlier than that. I'd love to share a ride (more than happy to chip in on gas too!) but understand if your schedule isn't conducive. I could also fly into SFO or Oakland too, if that made it easier.

If the ride doesn't work out, look to thumbing it. Take a bus/taxi, whatever, outa the airport, and start heading north. Get as far north as you can w/out it costing you much, ie. bus to Redding, or something like that. Find a good onramp, one that looks pretty busy, stand tall, look clean, and make sure the people see your backpack, gear etc. You'll be in Shasta before you know it. Course, probably not too expensive to bus it all the way either, but,. . . by the time you mess around with all of that, and if you're on a bus that makes many stops, you could be there already by hitching.
I used to hitch when in college all the time. Duke's part about it being illegal on the highway-I5- is correct, but you're still allowed to stand on the onramps. I used to hitch all-around that area, and up and down the eastside of the Sierra. Some great rides. Usually faster than the Greyhound(Slowhound), and certainly cheaper. But, I was practiced at it. Do what you're comfortable with. Don't really worry about Serial killers. Mostly just hype from tv and the movies to sell scary, shitty movies. Most people are worried about picking you up. But, if you're clean, look good, smile, etc. You'll get the rides, because there are many good people out there. Maybe even make a sign for "Shasta." Good luck.

Future wife read me the riot act today about hitchhiking. Goodbye thumbing. Hello Hertz.

Jarpup wrote:Future wife read me the riot act today about hitchhiking. Goodbye thumbing. Hello Hertz.

HAHA!! Good girl!
Tina and I flew into Sac and rented a car 4 years ago. DAMMM! What a rotten long drive after flying.....and climbing. That's why I will just drive the 11 hours from home from now on.

Jarpup,

I'm picking up my friend at the Sacto Airport on Sunday, June 26 to go to Shasta. You could have a ride with us for a nominal donation to the fuel fund. But it sounds like you're going a week & half before us.

Deb... I suspect a conspiracy...
Yeah, she (and her parents) were none too thrilled by any talking of hitchhiking, so Hertz it is for me. I'm not looking forward to that drive, especially since it will begin at 11:00pm (or 1am EST) when I arrive. The things we do to climb, right?

Hey Rick. I appreciate the offer, but I went ahead and plunked down the cash for a rental. But that's really nice of you to offer. Too bad it couldn't work out.

Can't wait to climb Shasta! Looove this mountain!