Southwest Area Winter Routes

Explore Lassen's winter wonderland on skis or snowshoes!

NPS photo

The Southwest Area offers steep slopes and sweeping vistas with increased danger of avalanches. 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). Beginning at 6,700 feet in elevation, this area receives the most snow and offers steeper slopes than those found in the Manzanita Lake Area. The parking area is located in front of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which offers the only visitor services in the winter season.

Recreate Safely

• Know where you’re going and bring a map with you. Trails look different in the winter and visibility can be poor if it’s windy or snowing.
• Choose an activity based on the skill/ability level of the weakest, youngest, or least experienced member of your group. Trails and elevations you explored in summer may be more difficult in winter.
• Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C). Be flexible with your trip plan and have backup options. Reasons to change plans may include: group member comfort levels, changing weather conditions, park closures for safety concerns, or gear malfunction. Remember, it is always okay to turn around or delay your adventure to another day or time.
• Tell someone not in your travel group your plans. Even if you are visiting with a group, tell someone else your itinerary and any alternate plans, your group members and size, and when you expect to return. Don’t forget to reach out after your trip to let them know you’re safe!

 

Winter Etiquette

Improve everyone's safety and enjoyment by adhering to the following winter etiquette recommendations:

• Do not walk on ski tracks. Footprints and snowshoe tracks create hazards that make skiing more difficult.
• Snowshoe parallel to the ski track. Using a separate track ensures snowshoers remain clear of downhill skiers.
• Yield to faster skiers or downhill traffic. Step to the side to allow skiers traveling downhill to safely pass. In all other cases, yield to those traveling uphill, as they are working harder and have the right of way.

 

 

NPS graphic

 

Beginner Routes

Sulphur Works Hydrothermal Area

Distance: 2 miles (3.2km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6700 to 7000 feet
Average Skiing Time: 1 hour

From the parking area, follow the park highway route 1 mile (1.6km) to the Sulphur Works viewing area. The left side of the route is bordered by steep side hills; there is a small avalanche-prone slope. Return along same route.

Hydrothermal Area Safety: Maintain a safe distance from hydrothermal features. The snow surrounding these areas may look solid but can be a weak layer hiding pools of acidic boiling water. Visitors have been severely burned by hot mud and water.

 

Intermediate Routes

Ridge Lakes

Distance: 4 miles (6.4km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6700 to 8000 feet
Average Skiing Time: 4 hours

From the parking area, follow the park highway route about ¾ mile (1.2km), crossing the bridge before Sulphur Works. There is a flat area to the left (Sulphur Works parking area) – the Ridge Lakes route begins at the far/north end of this flat area. The route climbs rapidly along the east side of West Sulphur Creek to the Ridge Lakes basin (1.1mi/1.8km). Return along same route.

Backcountry Camping: Several good camping spots can be found on the north shore of Ridge Lakes. If weather is severe, more protected camping can be found about ¼ mile below Ridge Lakes along its outlet creek. Avoid the area south of Ridge Lakes during periods of increased avalanche danger.

Hydrothermal Area Safety: Maintain a safe distance from hydrothermal features. The snow surrounding these areas may look solid but can be a weak layer hiding pools of acidic boiling water. Visitors have been severely burned by hot mud and water.

Diamond Peak

Distance: 4 miles (6.4km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6700 to 8000 feet
Average Skiing Time: 4 hours

From the parking area, follow the park highway route 1.5 miles (2.4km) to Windy Point. Veer left at the marker for the Ranger Cutoff just beyond the point. The route climbs a gentle slope to a ridge with excellent views of Brokeoff Mountain and Sulphur Works. Stop here or continue along the ridge as it gradually narrows, providing views of Lassen Peak and eventually opening onto a steep slope at the western foot of Diamond Peak (~0.5mi/0.8km). Return along same route to avoid avalanche-prone slopes above Sulphur Works and along the park highway route north of Windy Point.

 

Advanced Routes

Travel outside of the highway corridor is recommended only for experienced winter travelers.

Brokeoff Mountain

Distance: 7 miles (11.3km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6650 to 9250 feet
Average Skiing Time: 8 hours

Traditional routes use the Forest Lake route (near parking area) or the summer trail that begins near the park entrance. Numerous avalanche paths exist on all aspects of the mountain. Travelers should use extreme caution. Many skiers reserve travel to the summit for spring when snow conditions traditionally stabilize. Summit conditions during inclement weather often include high winds with little or no visibility. Be cautious of overhanging cornices at the summit.

Lassen Peak

Distance: 17 miles (27.4km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6700 to 10457 feet
Average Skiing Time: 3 days

Most travelers allow three days to summit Lassen Peak in the winter. Be prepared for high winds in the Lassen Peak and Lake Helen areas. Conditions on the mountain are most stable in early morning hours; afternoon travel is not recommended. The safest route up the mountain follows the summer trail through the forested section and continues on the southeast ridge to the summit. Weather conditions on Lassen Peak can deteriorate rapidly, creating white out conditions and high winds.

It is advised to travel the Ranger Cutoff to avoid the road corridor skirting the base of Diamond Peak which is prone to avalanche. Travel beyond Ranger Cutoff may be impassable due to snow-drifted areas along the Emerald Sidehill.

 

Routes Outside the Park

McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area

The McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area is located in Lassen National Forest, 2.5 miles south of the Southwest Entrance. Marked routes travel across a flat and slightly descending landscape. Pets are welcome in this Lassen National Forest area south of the park.

 

 

Know Before You Go

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  Know Before You Go (in the Snow!)

  Winter Safety

  Driving, exploring, weather and more - safety is paramount in enjoying a visit to Lassen in winter.

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  We See Planning in the Forecast

  Weather

  Find specific forecast information for different parts of the park and related links.

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  Views from Right Now

  Webcams

  See what the park currently looks like though continuously updating webcams.