Summary:
Reflections of snow-flecked peaks on a relaxing walk around two beautiful lakes.

An easy, level trail loops each lake, and they are easily connected with a short section of the road. The Chaos Jumbles and Chaos Crags form a backdrop to the lakes – take your time to enjoy the sight of snow-covered peaks and pine trees reflected in the still water. This tranquil walk is best in the early morning or evening when there are fewer people around.

Miles of trails give further options if you wish to explore the variety of scenery in the National Park. Other trails along Lassen Park Road include:

* Summit Lake Loop. A full day, 9 mile/15 km trail that loops through forest and past many of the lakes in the central area of the Park. Heading east from Summit Lake, the trail climbs 500 ft in the first mile to a junction that signals the start of the loop. Keep right and descend a total of 500 ft to reach firstly Echo Lake, and then Upper Twin and Lower Twin Lakes. Keep left at the trail junctions to loop back via the Cluster Lakes. Trailhead: east side of Summit Lake, accessed by a trail from the North or South campgrounds, which are almost midway between the NW and SW entrances.

* Terrace-Shadow-Cliff Lakes Trail. Descends 350 ft to Terrace Lake and Shadow Lake (ignore the side trail on the left early on). A further descent of 300 ft, and a spur trail to the right, leads to Cliff Lake. Total distance of this out and back trail is 3 miles/5 km. Trailhead: turnout 21 miles from NW entrance, 8 miles from SW entrance.

* Lassen Peak. A steep climb to the volcano’s 10,457-ft summit, where you can view lava flows from the 1915 eruption and a panorama stretching to Mount Shasta on a clear day. 5 miles out and back, total ascent of 1,994 ft/608 m. Trailhead: parking area 22 miles from NW entrance, 7 miles from SW entrance.

* Mill Creek Falls. 4.5 mile/7 km out and back trail leads through forest to the highest waterfall in the National Park. Undulating nature of trail means total climbing there and back of about 600 ft/180 m. Trailhead: Southwest campground, close to SW entrance station.

* Brokeoff Mountain. First part of the trail follows a stream as it climbs steadily 2,600 ft/790 m to the 9,235-ft summit. Out and back hike totals 7.5 miles/12 km. Trailhead: turnout 0.25 mile south of SW entrance.

Directions: Hwy 89 (Lassen Park Road) runs through the western half of the National Park, from the north-west (NW) to the south-west (SW) entrances. From I-5, take Hwy 44 east to connect with the 89 and the NW entrance. The SW entrance is reached via I-5 and Hwy 36 east.

Trailhead: Just beyond the NW entrance.

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: Negligible

Duration: 1 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow.

Features: Alpine scenery.

Climate: Hiking usually only possible June to October, as heavy snow in winter closes the Lassen Park Road. Some trails accessible in winter with snowshoes.

Accommodation: Five campgrounds along Lassen Park Road, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside SW entrance – motels and cabins at Mineral and Mill Creek, 9 miles west and 9 miles east respectively on Hwy 36. Outside NW entrance – B&B and cabins at Shingletown, 19 miles west on Hwy 44, and north on Hwy 89 at Old Station and Hat Creek.

Trail Notes: Be aware of altitude and possible snow on trails. Hiking maps available at both ends of Lassen Park Road – Loomis Museum visitor center at Manzanita Lake and the Southwest Information Station.

Summary:
Descend through meadow and forest to a beautiful cascade.

The trail follows the creek as it descends through picturesque forest and open meadow. Keep the creek to your right at all times by veering left at the trail fork and ignoring two subsequent side trails to the left, the second just before you reach the falls.

Kings Creek Falls is a lovely place to sit for a while. When you are ready to return to the trailhead, you have a choice: either retrace your steps alongside the creek, or take a higher path through the forest. For this alternative route, continue beyond the falls for a short distance and, as the trail veers away from the creek, turn left at the junction to return through the forest. Eventually you rejoin the main trail, where you keep the creek to your left as you head back to the trailhead.

Miles of trails give further options if you wish to explore the variety of scenery in the National Park. Other trails along Lassen Park Road include:

* Summit Lake Loop. A full day, 9 mile/15 km trail that loops through forest and past many of the lakes in the central area of the Park. Heading east from Summit Lake, the trail climbs 500 ft in the first mile to a junction that signals the start of the loop. Keep right and descend a total of 500 ft to reach firstly Echo Lake, and then Upper Twin and Lower Twin Lakes. Keep left at the trail junctions to loop back via the Cluster Lakes. Trailhead: east side of Summit Lake, accessed by a trail from the North or South campgrounds, which are almost midway between the NW and SW entrances.

* Terrace-Shadow-Cliff Lakes Trail. Descends 350 ft to Terrace Lake and Shadow Lake (ignore the side trail on the left early on). A further descent of 300 ft, and a spur trail to the right, leads to Cliff Lake. Total distance of this out and back trail is 3 miles/5 km. Trailhead: turnout 21 miles from NW entrance, 8 miles from SW entrance.

* Lassen Peak. A steep climb to the volcano’s 10,457-ft summit, where you can view lava flows from the 1915 eruption and a panorama stretching to Mount Shasta on a clear day. 5 miles out and back, total ascent of 1,994 ft/608 m. Trailhead: parking area 22 miles from NW entrance, 7 miles from SW entrance.

* Mill Creek Falls. 4.5 mile/7 km out and back trail leads through forest to the highest waterfall in the National Park. Undulating nature of trail means total climbing there and back of about 600 ft/180 m. Trailhead: Southwest campground, close to SW entrance station.

* Brokeoff Mountain. First part of the trail follows a stream as it climbs steadily 2,600 ft/790 m to the 9,235-ft summit. Out and back hike totals 7.5 miles/12 km. Trailhead: turnout 0.25 mile south of SW entrance.

Directions: Hwy 89 (Lassen Park Road) runs through the western half of the National Park, from the north-west (NW) to the south-west (SW) entrances. From I-5, take Hwy 44 east to connect with the 89 and the NW entrance. The SW entrance is reached via I-5 and Hwy 36 east.

Trailhead: Turnout 17 miles from the NW entrance, 12 miles from the SW entrance.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: -700 ft / -213 m
Ascent on return.

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow when snow-free. Snow may cover the higher trails into late summer – map and compass recommended in these conditions.

Features: Meadow and forest, stream and waterfall.

Climate: Hiking usually only possible June to October, as heavy snow in winter closes the Lassen Park Road. Some trails accessible in winter with snowshoes.

Accommodation: Five campgrounds along Lassen Park Road, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside SW entrance – motels and cabins at Mineral and Mill Creek, 9 miles west and 9 miles east respectively on Hwy 36. Outside NW entrance – B&B and cabins at Shingletown, 19 miles west on Hwy 44, and north on Hwy 89 at Old Station and Hat Creek.

Trail Notes: Be aware of altitude and possible snow on trails. Hiking maps available at both ends of Lassen Park Road – Loomis Museum visitor center at Manzanita Lake and the Southwest Information Station.

Summary:
Explore the heart of the Park’s geothermal activity, with a close look at mud pots, steam vents and boiling springs.

The popular trail to the main thermal area of the National Park climbs steadily 500 ft/150 m through pine trees, with views over the surrounding hills. From the high point, it is a descent of 250 ft/75 m into the aptly named Bumpass Hell.

Boardwalks lead through an eerie landscape of yellow, sulphur-stained rocks, plumes of steam, bubbling mud pots and hot springs. Be sure to stay on the trail in this area – the ground is thin and scalding water is close to the surface.

This is not a loop trail so you will need to retrace your steps to return to the parking area.

Miles of trails give further options if you wish to explore the variety of scenery in the National Park. Other trails along Lassen Park Road include:

* Summit Lake Loop. A full day, 9 mile/15 km trail that loops through forest and past many of the lakes in the central area of the Park. Heading east from Summit Lake, the trail climbs 500 ft in the first mile to a junction that signals the start of the loop. Keep right and descend a total of 500 ft to reach firstly Echo Lake, and then Upper Twin and Lower Twin Lakes. Keep left at the trail junctions to loop back via the Cluster Lakes. Trailhead: east side of Summit Lake, accessed by a trail from the North or South campgrounds, which are almost midway between the NW and SW entrances.

* Terrace-Shadow-Cliff Lakes Trail. Descends 350 ft to Terrace Lake and Shadow Lake (ignore the side trail on the left early on). A further descent of 300 ft, and a spur trail to the right, leads to Cliff Lake. Total distance of this out and back trail is 3 miles/5 km. Trailhead: turnout 21 miles from NW entrance, 8 miles from SW entrance.

* Lassen Peak. A steep climb to the volcano’s 10,457-ft summit, where you can view lava flows from the 1915 eruption and a panorama stretching to Mount Shasta on a clear day. 5 miles out and back, total ascent of 1,994 ft/608 m. Trailhead: parking area 22 miles from NW entrance, 7 miles from SW entrance.

* Mill Creek Falls. 4.5 mile/7 km out and back trail leads through forest to the highest waterfall in the National Park. Undulating nature of trail means total climbing there and back of about 600 ft/180 m. Trailhead: Southwest campground, close to SW entrance station.

* Brokeoff Mountain. First part of the trail follows a stream as it climbs steadily 2,600 ft/790 m to the 9,235-ft summit. Out and back hike totals 7.5 miles/12 km. Trailhead: turnout 0.25 mile south of SW entrance.

Directions: Hwy 89 (Lassen Park Road) runs through the western half of the National Park, from the north-west (NW) to the south-west (SW) entrances. From I-5, take Hwy 44 east to connect with the 89 and the NW entrance. The SW entrance is reached via I-5 and Hwy 36 east.

Trailhead: Parking area 6 miles from the SW entrance, 23 miles from the NW entrance.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 500 ft / 152 m
Total ascent of 750 ft/230 m.

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow. Boardwalks in the thermal area.

Features: Geothermal activity.

Climate: Hiking usually only possible June to October, as heavy snow in winter closes Lassen Park Road. Some trails accessible in winter with snowshoes.

Accommodation: Five campgrounds along Lassen Park Road, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside SW entrance – motels and cabins at Mineral and Mill Creek, 9 miles west and 9 miles east respectively on Hwy 36. Outside NW entrance – B&B and cabins at Shingletown, 19 miles west on Hwy 44, and north on Hwy 89 at Old Station and Hat Creek.

Trail Notes: Be aware of altitude and possible snow on trails. Thin ground in thermal area makes wandering off trail potentially dangerous. Hiking maps available at both ends of Lassen Park Road – Loomis Museum visitor center at Manzanita Lake and the Southwest Information Station.

Summary:
A leisurely walk around a pretty meadow and lake, with beautiful views of Half Dome and other granite cliffs.

From the shuttle bus stop, follow the cycle/foot path the short distance towards Tenaya Creek. At Tanaya Bridge, a number of paths converge; turn left to follow the south bank of the creek. After 0.75 mile, you reach a bridge crossing the creek. Either cross here to loop clockwise around the lake and meadow, or continue ahead to follow the trail anti-clockwise.

The trail passes along the edge of Mirror Lake and then on through meadow, looping back to return to the lake after a couple of miles. If the lake is full, the reflection in the water of Half Dome and other granite peaks is a beautiful sight.

At this point, a choice of paths leads through woods to the north of the creek, turning left after about 0.5 mile to return to Tenaya Bridge.

This trail is very popular, and we would certainly recommend it outside of the main summer season when there are fewer crowds. Wildflowers, and the lake itself, are at their peak in June. At any time of year, however, it is a relief just to get away from the traffic that blights the beauty of Yosemite Valley.

Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter).

Trailhead: Accessed from shuttle bus stop 17.

Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined.

Features: Meadow and lake (may be dry by end of summer), granite cliffs.

Climate: Valley is hot in summer. Best out of the busy season – daytime temperatures warm in spring and fall, and mild in winter, with minimal snow on valley floor.

Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley.

Trail Notes: Valley gets very crowded and entrance may be restricted at busy times of year. Arrive early, park, and walk or take a shuttle bus to the trailhead.

Summary:
Explore a water-carved canyon in the heart of one of the hottest, driest places in North America. And follow in the footsteps of R2D2!

Here you can continue on the main trail for another 0.25 mile – turn right when you reach the old Golden Canyon car park to get to the base of the Red Cathedral (yes, a road used to run through the canyon, before a flood washed it away in 1976).

An alternative trail to the right leads for another 1.75 miles along the base of Manly Beacon, over undulating badlands and through colorful rock formations, to the car park at Zabriskie Point. From here, there is a great view over the Death Valley badlands. The trail is unmaintained and sometimes hard to follow. It is steep in places, climbing another 570 ft / 175 m, and strenuous in the heat.

Other trails in Death Valley National Park include:

* Mosaic Canyon. Just west of Stovepipe Wells, a dirt road off the 190 leads for 3 miles to the trailhead. This 4-mile, out and back trail climbs gently through a narrow canyon with beautifully patterned, polished walls.

* Wildrose Peak. Trail starts at the Charcoal Kilns, 7 miles east of Wildrose campground. It can be accessed via the 178 (unsuitable for long vehicles) or off the 190, 8 miles west of Stovepipe Wells. The 8-mile return climb to the 9,064 ft rounded summit offers great views east over the valley to the Funeral Mountains.

* Telescope Peak. Trail starts at Mahogany Flat campground, 2 miles further on from Charcoal Kilns along a rough dirt road. This all-day, 14-mile round-trip climbs 2,916 ft/889 m to the highest point in Death Valley. As you would expect, the views from the 11,049 ft summit are fabulous. NOTE: be sure to check trail conditions in winter, as ice axe and crampons may be needed.

Directions: The Park can be accessed from the west via US 395, from Nevada via US 95, and from the south via I-15. Furnace Creek visitor center lies along Route 190 in the center of the Park.

Trailhead: The parking area is 3 miles south of the visitor center along route 178.

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 300 ft / 91 m

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Main canyon trail is clearly defined.

Features: Water-carved rock, colorful cliffs.

Climate: Extremely hot in summer – daytime highs of 110 F and more are common May into October. Warm and dry in winter.

Accommodation: Within the National Park – lodging at Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek and Panamint Springs (reservations advised, essential in winter); nine campgrounds, three open year-round, mainly available on first-come, first-served basis. Outside the Park – the nearest motels are in Beatty, Nevada, 40 miles from Furnace Creek.

Trail Notes: This is desert country – take plenty of water. Trail maps available at visitor center.

Summary:
From the stunning views at Glacier Point, descend through the High Sierra past three majestic waterfalls to Yosemite Valley.

Returning to the car park, the Panorama Trail is clearly signed to the left. As you head through open woods, you soon leave the crowds behind and can start to enjoy the splendor of Yosemite in peace and quiet. After 1.75 miles, the trail branches to the left, leading to remote Illilouette Fall and, after another 0.5 mile, a bridge over the river.

A short distance later, the trail divides – the Panorama Trail continues to the left. A little over 1.5 miles later, you reach another junction; again take the left-hand track. The constant descent continues through forest as you head north towards the Merced River. 5 miles into the trail, and after travelling down switchbacks for some time, you reach the junction with the John Muir Trail.

Ignore the sign pointing left to Vernal Fall, and instead turn right. A short distance on you come to the top of awesome Nevada Fall. A guardrail allows you to look right down the 600-ft drop – a dizzying sight. Follow the rock trail over the falls and briefly head northeast to the junction with the Mist Trail.

The John Muir Trail continues ahead and leads, after another 5 miles or so and a strenuous climb of 2,800 ft, to the 8,842-ft summit of Half Dome. The reward for the grueling effort (including a vertigo-inducing haul up fixed cables on the final steep ascent) is an unsurpassed view of Yosemite Valley. Leave this for another time and instead turn left to continue your descent down the Mist Trail.

As you follow the track down, with Nevada Fall to your left and the towering 7,000-ft Liberty Cap to your right, the numbers of people on the trail will be steadily increasing – Nevada and, particularly, Vernal Fall are a popular destination from the valley. At Emerald Pool, cross the Merced River and continue following the south bank to the top of Vernal Fall – the 6.5 mile mark. As you carefully descend through the spray down the wet and slippery steps alongside the waterfall, you will understand how well the trail is named.

At the base of the fall, continue heading west, following the south bank of the river. Pause along the way to admire the views of Vernal Fall and surrounding peaks. Footbridges cross the river a couple of times as you round Grizzly Peak and head to the valley. The trail ends at Happy Isles Nature Center, where you can pick up a shuttle bus back to your car.

For those seeking a longer and more strenuous hike, forego the bus to Glacier Point and instead climb there from the valley via the Four-Mile Trail. The trailhead is on Southside Drive – watch out for the parking area about 1.5 miles after Three Brothers Vista. There are great views of the valley, Yosemite Falls and the High Sierras on the 3,200-ft climb to Glacier Point, from where you pick up the Panorama Trail. The total distance of this combined hike is 13.3 miles/21.3 km and it will take around 10 hours to complete.

Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter).

Trailhead: Park your car in Yosemite Valley and take an early morning tour bus up to Glacier Point. Book at least a day in advance to ensure you get a seat – buy tickets at Curry Village or the lodge tour desks.

Length: 8.5 miles / 13.6 km

Trail Type: One way

Elevation Change: -3,179 ft / -969 m
Includes climb of 760 ft / 230 m.

Duration: 6.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined. Trail closed in winter due to snow.

Features: Alpine views, waterfalls.

Climate: Pleasant in the high country in summer and early fall. Deep snow in winter and spring. High summer temperatures in the valley.

Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley.

Trail Notes: Access road to Glacier Point is closed in winter due to snow and does not reopen until June.