Manzanita Lake Winter Routes

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NPS map

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Trailhead

The Manzanita Lake Area, near the park’s northwest entrance offers gentle slopes, scenic lakes, and the easiest routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park. The parking area for Manzanita Lake routes is next to Loomis Plaza; the park road is closed to vehicle traffic beyond this point. Loomis Plaza has 24-hour restrooms and water. The park bookstore in the Loomis Residence may be open with limited hours in winter months.

Learn more about winter safety before starting your adventure.

Beginner Routes

Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Loop

This route is not recommended for skiing
Distance: 1.8 mile (2.9km) loop
Elevation: 5800 to 5850 feet
Average Time: 1.5 hours

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 Loop

This route is not recommended for skiing
Distance: 0.5 mile (0.8km) loop
Elevation: 5800 feet
Average Time: 30 minutes

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 Loop

Distance: 1.5 mile (2.4km) loop
Elevation: 5800 feet
Average Skiing Time: 1.5 hours

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 Routes

Chaos Jumbles Area

Distance: 1.2+ miles (1.9+km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5900 to 6187 feet
Average Time: 1+ hour

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 Route

This route is not recommended for skiing
Distance: 4 miles (6.43km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5900 to 6650 feet
Average Time: 3-4 hours

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 Route

Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5875 to 6275 feet
Average Skiing Time: 3-4 hours

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 Creek

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.1km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5850 to 7100 feet
Average Skiing Time: 6 hours

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 Destinations

The park highway route begins at the road closure gate just beyond the parking area.
Destinations beyond Lost Creek Campground area are recommended for overnight trips only.

Sunflower Flat

Distance: 5 miles (8km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5995 feet
Estimated Time: 2 hours

Lost Creek Campground

Distance: 8 miles (12.9km) roundtrip
Elevation: 5628 feet
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

Hot Rock

Distance: 13.4 miles (21.6km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6157 feet
Estimated Time: Overnight

Devastated Area

Distance: 17.4 miles (28km) roundtrip
Elevation: 6456 feet
Estimated Time: Overnight