Date: October 8, 2010
Contact: Darlene M. Koontz, (530) 595-4444, ext. 5101
Lassen Volcanic National Park closes Lassen Peak Trail for the season due to weather. This past week saw sustained 50 mph winds and the beginning of winter weather. Snow drifts on the peak trail have accumulated up to four feet in depth. "The snow caused us to completely shut down trail rehabilitation operations. We will resume trail work as the snow melts in the spring" said Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz.
Lassen Volcanic National Park Trails Crew and California Conservation Corps began work this summer on the five-year Reach the Peak Trail Rehabilitation Project. Milestones for the project include a project kickoff and opening of the trail in the spring, the successful completion of the largest helicopter transport operation in the park's history, reconstructing retaining walls, and building a series of steps above the Grandview area. Trails work leader Joe Pettegrew said, "This project is complex and hands down, this was the best trail crew I have ever worked with."
"A big thank you to our Reach the Peak project partners, Lassen Park Foundation, Lassen Association, California Guest Services, and California Conservation Corps who continue to support this momentous project. The Lassen Peak Trail was closed this summer to accommodate trail work and we want to thank our visitors and surrounding communities for their patience. The completed project will be well worth the wait" stated Koontz.
Trail accessibility information is available on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/lavo/parkmgmt/current-lassen-peak-trail-status.htm .
For additional park information, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo or call (530) 595-4480.
