NPS photo The Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 elevation) consists of gentle slopes and scenic lakes. It offers the easiest routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park. Vehicle access in the park is limited to the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Areas in the snowy winter and spring seasons (usually December through April). A parking area is located adjacent to the Loomis Plaza, which offers 24-hour restrooms with water. There are no visitor services in the Manzanita Lake Area November through early May. Recreate Safely
NPS map Beginner RoutesManzanita Lake Snowshoe LoopThis route is not recommended for skiing From the parking area, head west through the plaza and circle Manzanita Lake in either direction.This route provides excellent views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Please stay off lake ice - it is unstable and shores may be difficult to recognize under snow. Reflection Lake Snowshoe LoopThis route is not recommended for skiing From the parking area, cross the park highway and circle Reflection Lake in either direction. It may be necessary to follow the park highway for a short section of the lake edge closest to the road. Please stay off lake ice- it may be unstable and shores can be difficult to recognize under snow. Manzanita Campground LoopDistance: 1.5 mile (2.4km) loop From the parking area, head west through the plaza and turn left past the restrooms. Cross the footbridge, turn right and follow the road to the campground for approximately a quarter mile to where it turns to the right through a set of large rocks. The route covers a half-mile loop through several sections of the campground. Intermediate RoutesChaos Jumbles AreaDistance: 1.2+ miles (1.9+km) roundtrip From the parking area, follow the park highway route 0.6 mile (0.97km) to an open area of stunted trees. Veer to the right up toward Chaos Crags. Here, the undulating topography slopes up into the bowl of the Crags. The terrain is easy to moderately difficult with excellent views at the higher elevations. Return along same route. Chaos Crags RouteThis route is not recommended for skiing From the parking area, head west through the plaza and turn left past the restrooms. Cross the footbridge, turn left and follow the road to the Chaos Crags Trailhead sign. Follow yellow tree markers as the route climbs steeply up to a ridge. If you decide to descend to Crags Lake, beware of potential rockfall and high winds. Return along same route. Nobles Emigrant RouteDistance: 5.2 miles (8.4km) roundtrip Pick up the route north of Reflection Lake or at the trailhead off a service road west of Reflection Lake. Follow the orange tree markers along the base of Table Mountain. The trail climbs over a flank of Table Mountain into fir forest and rejoins the park highway at Sunflower Flat. Return the way you came or via the park highway to make a loop. Manzanita CreekDistance: 7.5 miles (12.1km) roundtrip From the parking area, head west through the plaza and turn left past the restrooms. Cross the footbridge, then turn right onto the Manzanita Lake Campground road. Travel through the campground to the Manzanita Creek trailhead sign. The route is mostly a gradual climb. Beware of avalanche chutes off Loomis Peak that may reach the upper end of the route. Return along same route. Additional Park Highway DestinationsThe park highway route begins at the road closure gate just beyond the Loomis Plaza parking area. Destinations beyond Lost Creek Campground area are recommended for overnight trips only. Know Before You Go!
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Last updated: November 21, 2024