Lassen Peak Trail: Step-By-Step Trail Guide, Photos & Stats

The Lassen Peak Trail is not only one of the most popular hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it also leads to the tallest point in the park at 10,457 feet (3,187 meters). The trail to the top is just 2.4 miles one way, but with a steady ascent and high elevation, this hike is a challenge. Your reward is worth the effort, as views out over the national park only get better as you near the summit.

We hiked the Lassen Peak Trail in September 2025 and it quickly became one of our favorite experiences in Lassen Volcanic National Park. On a clear day, you can see the furthest reaches of the park, along with many of the other sites you may have already visited, such as Brokeoff Mountain or Lake Helen.

Whether you’re looking for a stellar morning hike, the chance to stand atop the world’s largest plug dome volcano, or simply unforgettable views, the Lassen Peak Trail is a must-do for any hiker. It’s a hike that combines challenge with reward, offering incredible views every step of the way.

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Lassen Peak Trail Hiking Stats

Distance: 4.84 miles (7.8 km) round trip
Total Ascent: 2,060 feet (628 meters)
Highest Elevation (Lassen Peak): 10,457 feet (3,187 meters)
Lowest Elevation (parking lot): 8,470 feet (2,582 meters)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 2.5 to 5 hours; our time was 2 hours 35 minutes
Best Time of Day: Morning. Clouds roll in midday and with that comes the potential for thunderstorms. We spoke to a park ranger who recommended being off Lassen Peak by 1 pm.

Lassen Peak Elevation Profile

Lassen Peak Trail Map

About the Elevation

The Lassen Peak trailhead is at an elevation near 8,500 feet (2,590 meters). You will notice the effects of hiking at high-altitude, more so if you’re not acclimated to the elevation. Shortness of breath and increased fatigue are normal, but be alert for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you start to show these signs of altitude sickness, descend rapidly.

We don’t recommend having this hike be the first thing you do in the park if you’re not acclimated, as you can increase your risk of altitude sickness. If you’re spending multiple days within the national park, the Lassen Peak Trail is a great way to start day 2 or 3.

Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

When Can You Hike Lassen Peak?

Highway 89, the main road through Lassen Volcanic National Park and the location of the parking lot and trailhead for this hike, is cleared of snow in late spring. The road typically opens sometime between mid-May to early July, depending on the amount of snowfall the park receives. Snow can linger on the trail through early fall. If you plan to do this hike in June, July, and even early August, be prepared to hike through the snow.

Highway 89 typically closes between late October and late November.

You can see the opening dates of the road here.

Due to these road closures, the hiking window is rather short (it’s best to plan to visit the park in early to mid-July at the very earliest, to ensure the road is open), making the best time to do this hike from mid-July through the end of October.

We hiked Lassen Peak in mid-September and there was still one patch of snow near the peak.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Before you do this hike, check the National Park Service website for updates about road and trail closures. Roads and trails can close for snow and for nearby wildfires.

Lassen Peak Step-By-Step Trail Guide

Trailhead & Parking

We arrived at the Lassen Peak trailhead bright and early at 7:00 am. There’s a massive parking lot here, which was totally empty when we arrived. The parking lot can fill up in the afternoon, but it’s hardly ever a struggle to find a spot. From the parking lot, you get a great view of Lassen Peak and the trail winding up the mountain.

Parking lot with Lassen Peak in the background

We were lucky to have a bright sunny day, unlike the day before when we hiked Brokeoff Mountain. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and we finally had great views of all the surrounding peaks.

With an exposed trail at high elevations above 8,500 feet, expect cold temperatures, especially if you start in the morning. It was a cold September morning for us (40°F), and we all started our hike with a warm jacket and gloves. We warmed up as we hiked, but the air was cool the entire way. We recommend packing an extra layer of clothing.

Lassen Peak Trailhead

On the Trail: 2.4 Miles to Lassen Peak

From the parking lot, follow the trail along a series of switchbacks. It’s a steady climb the entire way to the top. Most of the trail is exposed to the elements, so you’ll have little to no shelter from rain, wind, and sun. However, the trail offers incredible views every step of the way. In the distance you can see Brokeoff and the surrounding mountains, and as you ascend, Lake Helen.

The trail itself is very easy to follow. You’ll hike along a packed dirt trail that gets more rocky and steeper as you near the summit of Lassen Peak. There are no trail splits either, which gets rid of potential confusion. You’ll also be able to spot other hikers off in the distance.

Here is the beginning of the trail in photos.

As the sun climbed higher, so did we. Slowly, the top of Lassen Peak appeared closer and closer. The summit is visible for most of the hike, so you’ll always have a view of your endpoint, which gets pretty rewarding as you near the top!

Did You Know? Lassen last erupted in 1915 with spectacular fashion, blasting out a 1,000-foot-wide crater, spreading volcanic ash over 200 miles away, and devastating the surrounding areas. The volcano is still considered active today and is currently monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

As you hike higher, you get great views of Brokeoff Mountain (the mountain on the left side of the photo). Brokeoff Mountain is another beautiful hike to do in Lassen Volcanic.

From this point, it is just a half mile to go to reach the summit.

An hour into our hike, we reached a false summit at 2.3 miles. This is a great spot to catch your breath, prepare yourself for the final push to the top, but also enjoy the view. You’ll be treated to some incredible 360-degree views from up here. You may even find snow or ice along the trail.

When you’re ready, you’ll cross the saddle and begin a final short but steep climb to the official summit. Be prepared for a much steeper trail that crosses over boulders, and in some places you may do some easy rock scrambling. The trail is much less defined here, so it becomes a “choose your own adventure” on your way to the top. It can get technical along this section and watch your step as ice may lie along the trail.

On the Summit

At 2.5 miles, you’ll reach the official summit of Lassen Peak, and the highest point within Lassen Volcanic National Park and the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Congrats! The view from the top is breathtaking, and arguably the best viewpoint within the national park. Take your time up here, you earned it.

Do expect it to be breezy and cold at the summit. We threw our jackets and gloves back on for the short time we stood at the top of Lassen Peak.

Lassen Peak Best Hike in Lassen Volcanic

Great views from up here! Off in the distance, through the haze, is Mount Shasta.

The Return Hike

When you’re ready, return the way you came. Be extra careful with the first descent down to the false summit, as the trail is steep and slick. We slid a few times, so always watch your step and keep your hands free.

Even on our sunny day, Lassen Peak began to cloud in around 10:45 am. Storms can form on the mountain in the afternoon, so it’s best to hike Lassen Peak first thing in the morning. You’ll have the best chance for clear skies, along with fewer hikers on the trail.

Here are a few photos from the descent.

The panoramic views of the park are amazing!

In this photo, you can see Lake Helen and the parking lot for the Lassen Peak Trail.

What to Bring on the Hike

Hiking shoes. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are ideal, as there is a good chance you will hike through snow, even in the summer. Julie did this hike in trail running shoes but there was minimal snow in September.

Hiking poles. Hiking poles take the stress off of your legs and help to ease leg pain and fatigue. They also help you keep your balance on the snow crossings.

Traction Cleats (Yaktrax) can also be helpful for the snow crossings, although we did just fine without them.

Water and snacks. At least 1 liter of water in the summer.

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. For most of this hike you will be exposed to the sun, with very little shade.

Camera. Even a smartphone will do.

Rain jacket or fleece. Be prepared for all weather conditions, even snow. Pack a rain jacket and/or fleece and even another layer of clothing. Gloves are a good idea, too.

Hiking Gear Guide

Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?

If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.

Must-See Sights & Experiences in Lassen Volcanic

There are a number of great trails and viewpoints throughout Lassen Volcanic that are worth your time to visit. We spent three days exploring the park, and these five experiences (in addition to the Lassen Peak Trail) stood out as our favorites.

Lake Helen: Seated just below Lassen Peak, this vibrant blue lake is a great spot for a picnic.
Bumpass Hell Trail: This short hiking trail leads through an active hydrothermal area filled with bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.
Brokeoff Mountain Trail: Hike through lush, mossy forests, climb into alpine meadows, and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the national park. This 7-mile trail is challenging but rewarding.
Cinder Cone: We thought this hike was amazing. It’s located in a remote part of the park (near Butte Lake) but what a unique experience! Hike to the top of a cinder cone volcano; at times it looks and feels as if you are walking on a different planet.
Manzanita Lake: Swim, kayak, or walk around this serene lake with Lassen Peak as a backdrop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hike Brokeoff Mountain or Lassen Peak?

Summitting both Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak are two of the top things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Lassen Peak is the highest point in the national park, so you get an incredible view from the summit. Brokeoff Mountain is a much quieter trail with far fewer people, the trail itself is more diverse, and you can look out at Lassen Peak.

Our family is split on which hike we like more (Julie loved Brokeoff, Tim and Tyler’s favorite was Lassen Peak), so we like to say, why not hike both?!

What’s the best time of day to hike Lassen Peak?

We recommend hiking the Lassen Peak trail in the morning, starting no later than 8:00 am. Even on clear days, the peaks within Lassen Volcanic National Park begin to cloud in at around 1:00 pm, and sometimes much earlier than this, and afternoon storms are also a possibility. You will also find fewer hikers along the trail the earlier you start.

Should I worry about altitude sickness?

Not entirely. As long as you take things slow and are somewhat acclimated to the elevation, you’ll be fine. The trail itself starts at an elevation of 8,500 feet (2,590 meters), with a peak height of 10,457 feet (3,187 meters). You will notice the effects of hiking at high-altitude, such as difficulty breathing or increased effort level. Be on the lookout for symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness, as these are early signs of altitude sickness. We don’t recommend hiking Lassen Peak as the first thing you do if you’re not already acclimated to the elevation, as this could increase your risk of altitude sickness.

If you have any questions about how to hike the Lassen Peak Trail, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to California

How to hike the Lassen Peak Trail, one of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. Hiking stats, map, and expert tips.