Current Lassen Peak Trail Status

New! 2013 Reach the Peak project bulletin (357 KB, pdf)
Explore Safely Lassen Peak Trail Guide (Print version | Viewing version)
Reach the Peak Project

 

Snow field on Lassen Peak traverses a steep slope witha 1,500 foot run out.

Current Lassen Peak Trail Status (6/13/13)

The trail closed due to hazardous winter conditions. Over-the-snow, off-trail travel is permitted. Winter travel equipment including skis, snowshoes, crampons, and ice axe are highly recommended.

Open to Grandview Monday, June 17
The trail will be open to Grandview (1.3 miles) beginning Monday, June 17. Expect large patches of snow. Sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are recommended. Trail crews are in the process creating paths through snow fields for Monday's trail opening.

Evening Closure June 21 - June 23
The Lassen Peak trail will be open to the summit Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23. The trail will close each evening from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. A few lingering snow fields pose considerable hazard to hikers which increase with low evening temperatures and limited visbility. Hikers are encouraged to consider Cinder Cone, located in the Butte Lake area, as an alternative full moon hike.

Lassen Peak 2013 Access Dates
Lassen Peak Summit access dates for summer 2013 are as follows:

Friday, June 21 - Sunday, June 23 (full moon)
Thursday, July 4 - Sunday, July 7
Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18
Friday, August 30 - Monday, September 2 (Labor Day weekend)

 

Protect the safety of yourself and others

NPS Photo

Lassen Peak Off-trail Travel Restriction
As the multi-year Reach the Peak trail restoration project continues, off-trail access to the summit is restricted. Please view the off-trail travel restriction map below for more information on the closure area. Download bulletin including closure map (pdf, 347KB)

Ensure the safety of visitors
Off-trail travelers may unknowingly travel through potentially dangerous rock fall zones under ongoing trail work.

Ensure the safety of park employees
Off-trail travelers may unknowingly dislodge rocks that could roll down the mountainside and endanger trail workers.

Improve the rate of trail work progress
Hikers may accidentally enter above or through the work zone, requiring the trail crew to halt work.

Traveling in closure area is against the law, and endangers yourself and others.

Closure Boundary	Latitude	Longitude	Elevation
West side of Lassen Peak parking area to the summit of Eagle Peak	40.4771°	121.4792°	9180'
Summit of Eagle Peak to the Crescent Cliffs	40.4870°	121.5291°	7740'
Crescent Cliffs to the Crescent Crater	40.5034°	121.4941°	8175'
Crescent Crater to the intersection of the Terrace and Hat Lake trails	40.4787°	121.47918°	7903'
Summit of Terrace Lake and Hat Lake trails following the Terrace Lake trail to the Terrace Lake trailhead on the Lassen Park Highway	40.4762°	121.4792°	8045'
Following the Lassen Park Highway to the Lassen Peak parking area

 

Reach the Peak Project Continues
This summer we will continue the multi-year Reach the Peak project. Part of this project includes the restoration of the Lassen Peak Trail. Because of this, access to Lassen Peak will be limited or closed as necessary. Closure of this route at anytime is possible throughout the season. The trail will be closed at "Grandview", approximately 1.3 miles from the peak parking lot. Read more about Reach the Peak, or watch the Reach the Peak video.

 

Safety and Preparedness

• Always read and follow the signs posted at the trailhead and visitor centers.
  
• Stay on the trail and don’t cut switchbacks.
  
• Parts of the trail will be closed during construction. Respect these closures. They are for your safety.
  
• Check weather reports, www.nps.gov/lavo, telephone recordings, and talk with rangers about the most up-to-date information.
  
• When work is not actively going on, tools and materials may be located next to the trail and in the parking lot. They will be marked “closed” or “stay off." Do not climb on or venture close to these areas.
  
• Climb with a partner if you can, or let someone know your itinerary.
  
• Weather can change rapidly, and snow is possible any month of the year. Get an early start to avoid afternoon storms and lightning.
  
• If coming from an elevation near sea level, a day or two of acclimatizing can help.
  
• If you start to experience any symptoms of altitude related ailments (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, nausea), Descend Immediately. Seek medical attention from a ranger or doctor.
  
• Practice trail etiquette. People going up have the right of way, please carefully step off the trail to allow them to pass or when taking a breather.
  
• Drink plenty of water and bring snacks. Carry at least a liter of water per person.
  
• Wear sturdy hiking boots.

Be Prepared for the Season
Winter – Due to park road closure, travel to Lassen Peak involves some method of over the snow travel for several miles. A winter ascent can require one or more nights of backcountry camping. Conditions on the mountain can be severe including strong winds, sub-zero temperatures, and avalanche potential. Sunshine can be a serious hazard. Use sunscreen and eye protection even on cloudy days. Use of technical climbing gear (i.e. ice axe, crampons, etc.) may be required, and experience in its use is highly recommended. Prior experience with winter camping is also recommended. Due to the remote location and possibly hazardous conditions, emergency response could require an extended period of time. Be self reliant.

 

Lassen Peak closure area

 

View from atop Brokeoff Mountain

NPS Photo

Climb Another Volcano
While access to the Lassen Peak summit is limited this summer, Brokeoff Mountain offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak from part of the eroded rim of what was once the park's largest volcano. Well before the formation of Lassen Peak, Brokeoff Volcano, or Mount Tehama, once towered over this area of the park. Remnants of this ancient volcano include Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Diller, Pilot Pinnacle and Mount Conard. See if you can identify the rim as you gaze out from the top of Brokeoff Mountain. Read more about Brokeoff Mountain trail.
NOTE: Parking is limited at the Brokeoff Mountain Trailhead. An early ascent is advised. Park entrance fees apply.