The Manzanita Lake route offers spectacular views of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak.
A pair of common snowshoes.
NPS
Explore a Winter Wonderland
Snowshoes offer a way to explore the park when the roads and trails are hidden under snow.
Benefits of using snowshoes:
Winter boots are not the same as snowshoes. Snowshoes are fitted with bindings that strap onto your winter boot. They have spikes underfoot to provide increased stability over hard-packed and icy snow. Decking is attached to a frame, creating a large surface area which prevents post-holing through deep snow.
Snowshoes allow for safer and more enjoyable winter environment exploration!
Hiking or walking with snowshoes is possible in winter environments with deep snow coverage.
If you plan to snowshoe in the park, please note:
Snowshoe rentals are not available in the park. See below for additional locations that offer snowshoe rental.
Oversnow travel in the park involves risk. Learn more about winter safety including avalanche safety, recreating in a remote area, and route selection.
Pets are not permitted on snow-covered routes. Leashed pets are permitted in parking areas.
Choose Your Destination:
The Southwest Area (6,700 - 10,457 ft) offers steep slopes and sweeping vistas just beyond the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which offers the only services between November and early May. Numerous routes in the Southwest Area offer trails of greater difficulty, many with spectacular winter views.
The Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 - 7,200 ft) consists of gentle slopes and scenic lakes. It offers the easiest routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park.
Additional Snowshoe Rentals
The following locations are provided in no particular order to help visitors obtain snowshoe rentals near the park. Calling ahead of time to verify availability and business hours is highly recommended.
Mineral Lodge - Mineral, CA
Highlands Ranch Resort - Mill Creek, CA
Bodfish Bicycles/Quiet Mountain Sports - Chester, CA
Redding Sports Ltd - Redding, CA
The Hermit's Hut - Redding, CA
Chico Sports Ltd - Chico, CA
Mountain Sports - Chico, CA
Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks
Public Snowshoe Walks
Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered on the weekends at the Southwest Area beginning January 6th through March*, 2024.Snowshoes are provided for visitors age 8 and older for the duration of the ranger-led walk.
Winter Ecology Snowshoe Program for School Groups
Lassen's Education Program offers ranger-led snowshoe walks and winter ecology programs for school groups grades 3 through 8. Programs are by reservation only. Please visit our Field Trips page for more information.
