Current Lassen Peak Trail Status (1/27/2012)
The Lassen Peak trail is OPEN TO THE SUMMIT. Hikers must stay on the trail or snow.

Lassen Peak 2012 Access Dates
To provide limited access to the summit, the trail will be open to the summit on the following dates only:

• Saturday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 4
• Thursday, August 2* through Sunday, August 5
• Friday, August 31 through Monday, September 3
• Friday, September 28 through Sunday, September 30

• Monday, July 2 - Full Moon
  
• Thursday, August 2 - Full Moon; *the trail will open at 5 p.m.
  
• Friday, August 31- Full Moon
• Saturday, September 29 - National Public Lands Day, Fee Free
  
• Sunday, September 30 - Full Moon

Download the 2012 Reach the Peak bulletin (789 KB, pdf)

NPS Photo

Protect the safety of yourself and others

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.

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.

NPS Photo

View from atop Brokeoff Mountain

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.