Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Volcanic Winter/Spring Guide National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Winter 2022 - 2023 Visitors enjoy the snow play area near the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center in the Southwest Area. Welcome! Lassen Volcanic National Park receives as much as 30 feet of snow in its winter season. The resulting snowpack often lasts more than half of the year (approximately November to June). Despite the heavy snowfall, sunny skies are common between storms. These windows of "blue bird" days provide excellent opportunities to explore the park by snowshoe or ski or to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of winter. Southwest Area Manzanita Lake Area Steep slopes and sweeping vistas abound in the Southwest Area of the park. Beginning at 6,700 feet elevation, this area receives the most snow. The visitor center here is an excellent first stop for new winter explorers. See page 3 for location. 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 The information desk and park store are available when the building is open. See hours on page 2. Light snacks and hot drinks may be available on weekends. The Manzanita Lake and Southwest Areas of the park are accessible throughout the winter season. Visitors can travel two miles from SR-44 to the Loomis Plaza in the Manzanita Lake Area and five miles north of SR-36 to the Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center in the Southwest Area (See map on page 3). The park highway is closed to through traffic due to snow approximately November through May. During heavy winters, the highway may close to through traffic as early as late-October and open as late as mid-July. Other park roads to Juniper Lake, Butte Lake, and Warner Valley Areas are also closed in winter. Two routes around the park connect the Manzanita Lake and Southwest Areas. Travel time is approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours in normal winter driving conditions. Learn more on page 8. Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Page Facilities and Services 2 Winter Preparedness and Safety 3 General Information 4 Winter Wildlife 5 Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes 6 Southwest Winter Routes 7 Winter Travel 8 Need More Help? Visit nps.gov/lavo Email lavo_information@nps.gov Call (530) 595-6100 Write P.O. Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063 Share Your Experience @LassenNPS #FindYourPark The plaza includes a heated restroom, pay phone, and informational signage. The far end of the plaza is one of multiple access points for the Manzanita Lake loop. Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Route Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk Saturday or Sunday, January through March. Participants will learn basic snowshoeing techniques and explore winter ecology in Lassen. Learn more on page 5. Sledding/Snow Play Area Smaller, gentler slopes are located directly behind the visitor center. Steeper slopes are accessed via a short walk along the snow-covered park highway. Sled with caution; sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season. This 1.8-mile loop offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. Pick up the trail anywhere between the entrance station and Loomis Plaza. This trail follows a narrow shoreline and is not recommended for skiing. More on page 6. Cross-Country Skiing Inside this Guide Content Loomis Plaza Sulphur Works Hydrothermal Area Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the park's most accessible hydrothermal area. Snowshoe or ski one mile from the visitor center along the snow-covered park highway to reach this steamy spot. Learn more on page 7. Don't Get Burned Maintain a safe distance from hydrothermal features. Visitors have been severely burned by hot mud and water. Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Experienced backcountry users will appreciate the spectacular terrain and uncommon solitude in the Southwest Area. Learn more about avalanche safety on page 7. The snow-covered park highway is the most popular cross-country ski route in the park. The Manzanita Lake Area offers a gentler and more gradual climb than in the Southwest Area. There are no groomed trails in the park, however ski tracks often last between storms along this wellshaded corridor. Learn more on page 6. Sledding Areas Small hills on the northern shore of Manzanita Lake and in the Chaos Jumbles Area can be fun with small children or those new to sledding. Steeper terrain can be found at the popular Eskimo Hill snow play area located 1.2 miles east of the park turnoff on SR-44/89 (map on page 3). z Sled with caution; sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season. This visitor guide is made possible through the support of the Lassen Association. Facilities and Services Availability of Facilities and Services Services Southwest Area Manzanita Lake Area M Information Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center open Wed-Sun, 9 am - 5 pm plus some holidays Information kiosks in Loomis Plaza (unstaffed) = First Aid In visitor center during regular hours Call 911 after hours - emergency phone in 24-hour vestibule Call 911 - pay phone in Loomis Plaza E Fuel Gas is not available in the park in the winter/spring snow season. View nearby gas stations on the map on page 8. Do not rely on the electric vehicle charging station; it is often offline in winter due to power outages. m Restrooms Inside the 24-hour vestibule at visitor center entrance In Loomis Plaza Ö Supplies & Gifts Gift Shop and Lassen Association Store inside (See hours below) Not available W Lodging No winter lodging in the park October through May View information about accommodations in the area at go.nps.gov/lavo/lodging } Dining Light snacks and hot drinks may be available weekends, 11 am - 2 pm Vending machine items available Wed-Sun, 9 am - 5 pm Not available − Campground Camping in vehicles permitted between islands in parking area Check that status of the oversnow tent area on the park website. Not available ç Backcountry Permits Ask a ranger or check the backpacking webpage go.nps.gov/lavo/backpacking. Southwest Area Facilities and Services Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Southwest Area Map Make Lassen’s year-round visitor center your winter visit basecamp. The visitor center may close at any time due to inclement weather. Winter/Spring Season: November 1 through April 30 Open Closed Wednesday through Sunday 9 am to 5 pm Mondays and Tuesdays Thanksgiving and Christmas 0 m Keep Clear Falling snow and ice Open 11 am to 2 pm, weekends only* *May also be open on selected holiday period weekdays. Open during visitor center hours Browse books, maps, trail guides, and videos about the park’s natural and cultural history at the Park Store. Choose from a wide selection of educational gift merchandise to enhance your park experience and take home as memories. All profits go directly to the park. Lost & Found Drop off or retrieve lost and found items found items inside the Kohm Yahmah-nee Visitor Center. Wi-Fi 200 Feet Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Lassen Café & Gift Park Store 100 Safest paths around building January 16, 2023 (MLK Day) February 20, 2023 (Presidents’ Day) Browse the gift shop for souvenirs including art and crafts from local artists, or enjoy café offerings including self-serve frozen items, snacks, and hot and cold beverages during operating hours. North z Sledding Area Sulphur Works 1 mile do not sled z Please into walkway Snow ramp to snow-covered highway and sledding area 2Ä ` Park Highway Winter Route Separate tracks for skiers and snowshoer/hikers ké Overnight Parking Area − Free Wi-Fi is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. You must open a browser and agree to terms of use to connect to NPS Visitor WiFi. Please note that Internet outages occur frequently during the snow season. ké− Winter Camping Check that status of the oversnow tent area on the park website. Fires and fire pans are not permitted in the winter. Self-contained barbecues are allowed in the paved parking area. The fee for tent or vehicle camping is $10 per night. Tents are permitted only in the oversnow tent camping area, not in the parking area. Overnight vehicles must park between islands to allow for snow plowing operations and pay for each parking stall used. Please self-register at the entrance station. Road closed here in winter Southwest Entrance Station Pay Camping & Entrance Fees Here Water Treatment Building ^ Ä Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks Ranger-led snowshoe walks are offered in the Southwest Area only. Learn more on page 5. 2 Winter Roads and Services Map 44 89 Butte Lake Area Eskimo Hill Snow Play Area 1.2 miles US Forest Service Facility Not accessible by vehicle in winter Butte Lake Lost Creek Northwest Entrance Chaos Crags 44 Station i Ranger not staffed regularly Hot Rock Cluster Lakes Loomis Plaza ^Mm7ä Information kiosks only Snag Lake Park Highway Winter Route Twin Lakes Closed to vehicles in winter Ä2 Summit Lake 2021 Dixie Fire Area Lassen Peak Be prepared for post-fire hazards Terrace, Shadow & Cliff Lakes 8 Horseshoe Lake Lake Helen Emerald Lake Juniper Lake Area Cold Boiling Lake Kings Creek Ridge Lakes Brokeoff Mountain Sulphur Works Not accessible by vehicle in winter Kings Creek Falls Juniper Lake Warner Valley Area Not accessible by vehicle in winter Mill Creek Falls Devils Kitchen Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Boiling Springs Lake Mount Harkness Southwest Campground Southwest Entrance Terminal Geyser 89 To Chester To McGowan Cross-Country ToSki McGowan Cross-Country Area 2.5 miles Ski Area 2.5 miles US Forest Service Facility US Forest Service Facility 0 2 Kilometers 1 0 1 North 2 Miles To 36 Designated Wilderness area 2021 Dixie Fire area Road open to vehicles Over snow highway route Over snow route Road closed for winter Closure Gate Cell service M Information 7 Water ô Wheelchair-accessible = First Aid C Food − Campground i Ranger Station m Restrooms Winter Preparedness and Safety You are responsible for your safety. Wear clothes in several layers including waterproof outwear, warm underlayers, a hat, and gloves. Avoid cotton clothes of any kind, including jeans, sweatshirts, underwear, or socks. They retain moisture and put you at risk for hypothermia. Wear polyester or wool whenever possible, these fabrics wick moisture from your skin and help keep you dry. Wear sunglasses to protect from light reflected by snow; polarized lenses are best. Know the Risks Enjoying winter at Lassen involves risk. Be aware of and prepared for winter conditions and their associated risks: • • • • • • Deep snow/heavy snowfall Sudden changes in weather Cold temperatures Sun exposure Avalanche terrain Sport-related injuries (sledding is the number one cause of injury) • High elevation/altitude effects LASSEN V Even in winter conditions, you can improve your comfort and safety by dressing properly. A few suggestions to help you improve your safety: XP ARK LP NA Are You Prepared? NIC NATI CA O OL E Dress for Success Burned Area Safety LO RE SAF Y EL Wear waterproof and insulated footwear Bring water and extra food Carry extra layers for warmth Take breaks often Carry sunscreen Bring a flashlight or headlamp Finish your outing before dark Tell someone where you are going and when you will return Check the weather forecast at the visitor center or online at go.nps.gov/lavo/current Effects of High Elevation Hiking at high elevation can aggravate preexisting medical conditions. Carry plenty of water, take breaks often, and do not exceed your abilities. If you start to experience any symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, pain behind the eyes, nausea), descend immediately. Seek medical attention from a ranger or doctor. Be Alert in Open Burned Areas Hazards include: • Falling or fallen trees or limbs • Hidden stump holes • Loose or falling rock • Undefined or unmarked trails • Higher than normal stream flow • Unstable shorelines • Increased danger on windy or rainy days Stay out of Closed Areas Closures are in place in some fire-affected areas to reduce the risk to visitors and damage to park resources repair. Weather With elevations from 5,650 feet to 10,457 feet, a wide variety of weather conditions occur in the park. Expect a 5° temperature decrease for every 1,000 foot increase in elevation. Month Average High/Low Date Sunrise Sunset November 56/21 oF 11/15 6:56 am 4:51 pm December 50/14 F 12/15 7:26 am 4:43 pm January 50/13 oF 1/15 7:31 am 5:06 pm February 51/13 F 2/15 7:03 am 5:44 pm March 53/16 F 3/15* 7:21 am 7:16 pm April 61/23 oF 4/15 6:31 am 7:48 pm 5/15 5:52 am 8:19 pm o o o Data for Manzanita Lake Area (5,850 ft elevation) Daylight Savings Time begins 3/12/2023 3 General Information ô Accessibility ` Dogs in the Park Facilities in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Plaza are accessible. Audio description and assisted listening devices are available for exhibits and the park film. An Accessibility Guide to Lassen Volcanic is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and online at go.nps.gov/lavo/access. Dogs and other pets are welcome anywhere a car may go and in designated campsites. Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted on trails/routes (including in a carrier) or inside buildings. Service animals are allowed in all facilities and on all trails unless an area has been closed by the superintendent to protect park resources. Service animals must always be leashed or harnessed, under control, and attended at all times. ç Backcountry Permits Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight use outside of the southwest oversnow tent camping area. Ask a ranger for information or check the backpacking webpage at go.nps.gov/lavo/backpacking. Cell Service Cell service (AT&T and Verizon) is very limited in the park and surrounding areas. View spots with limited coverage on the map on page 3. = Emergencies If you have an emergency call 911. If phone service is not available, contact a park employee or go to the Loomis Ranger Station or Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (during business hours). Entrance Fees Entrance fees are required year-round. Display your fee receipt, Lassen Annual Pass, or Interagency Pass on your vehicle’s dashboard. 1-7 Day Vehicle Fee December 1 to April 15 - $10 April 16 to November 30 - $30 Annual Passes Lassen Annual Pass - $55 Also valid at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Visit www.pay.gov or call (530) 595-6120. Interagency Passes The passes listed below cover all national park units and other federal recreation areas with entrance fees. Visit storeusgs.gov/pass or call 888-ASK-USGS ext1. Pass Price Annual $80 Senior $20 Annual / $80 Lifetime Access Free with documentation of permanent disability Military Free with identification CAC Card/DD Form 1173 4th Grade Free at everykidoutdoors.gov Fourth graders and their families can get free access to hundreds of parks, lands, and waters for an entire year. Equipment Rental Equipment rental is not available in the park. Equipment rental may be available in Mineral, Childs Meadow, Chester, Redding, and Chico. Firearms Visitors are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable State of California, local, and federal firearms laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park identified by posted signs at public entrances. For more information visit oag.ca.gov/firearms or email lavo_information@nps.gov. Why Are Dogs Limited to Paved Areas? All dogs leave behind a territorial scent that disrupts the behavior of native animals like the Sierra Nevada red fox. Dogs are predators that could chase, scare, kill, and transmit diseases to wild animals. Wild animals can transmit diseases including bubonic plague to pets (and then to humans). Pets are permitted in most areas of the surrounding Lassen National Forest. Learn more about the McGowan Ski Area near the Southwest Entrance on page 7 or other nearby areas to take your pet at go.nps.gov/lavo/pets. Prohibited Activities These activities are dangerous or destructive and carry legal penalties, including fines: ` Bringing pets on trails/routes; including over the snow or in a carrier. − Camping outside of designated campsites or overnight parking areas. Feeding wildlife (includes littering). Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) on park lands and waters. Park Partners Lassen Association is a non-profit partner that promotes the discovery of Lassen Volcanic, enriches the experience of visitors, and supports the preservation and protection of the park for future generations. Shop the Store, Support Your Park Profits from Lassen Association stores directly support park research, conservation, and education programs. Browse a wide selection of books, maps, trail guides, videos, and educational gifts in park stores or online. Lassen Association (530) 595-3255 lassenassociation@yahoo.com www.lassenassociation.org Lassen Park Foundation provides philanthropic support to Lassen Volcanic National Park and invites all, especially youth, to experience and preserve the natural and cultural resources of this special place. With the generosity and dedication of our supporters, the non-profit Park Foundation has provided funding for projects including the winter snowshoe education program, Kohm Yah mah-nee Visitor Center, and Volcano Adventure Camp (youth camping facility). Lassen Park Foundation (530) 768-1110 info@lassenparkfoundation.org www.lassenparkfoundation.org Å Snowmobiling within park boundaries. Carrying a firearm into park buildings. Traveling or camping too close to hydrothermal areas. Visitors have been severely injured by walking too close to hydrothermal features. This is only a partial list of regulations. For more information, consult 36 Code of Federal Regulations and the Superintendent's Compendium available at go.nps.gov/lavo/regs. The Lassen Resilience silkscreen print by Chico artist Jake Early features Lassen Peak and a mosaic of wildfire effects. Sales of the limited edition print benefit park Dixie Fire recovery and education efforts. Prints are available at park stores or at lassenassociation.org Spring Snow Clearing Lassen Association and Lassen Park Foundation, in partnership with Lassen Volcanic National Park, created the Lassen Resilience campaign to showcase the park’s resilience and bolster recovery efforts following the 2021 Dixie Fire.You can learn more about how you can support Dixie Fire recovery efforts within the park through the Lassen Resilience campaign on our partner websites. Spring road clearing near the Southwest Entrance and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Snow removal from the park highway usually begins in April and continues for about two months before the highway opens to through traffic. Visit go.nps.gov/lavo/snowclearing for spring road information. It is not possible to predict when the highway will open to through traffic. Plow operators have encountered snowdrifts up to 40-feet-deep. Deep snowfall and steep slopes can hold snow well into the early summer months. Year Date plowing began Date highway opened Date highway closed 2012 April 21 June 1 November 19 2013 March 21 May 24 December 18 2014 April 2 May 19 December 1 2015 March 30 May 3 November 8 2016 April 18 June 12 October 30 2017 April 4 July 26 November 10 2018 March 30 May 27 November 20 2019 April 22 June 22 November 29 2021 April 5 May 17 October 21 2022 March 16 June 3 Lassen Resilience Dixie Fire Recovery The Dixie Fire started on July 13, 2021 approximately 40 miles southeast of Lassen Volcanic. By the time it was fully contained on October 26, the fire reached a total size of 963,309 acres, making it the largest single fire in California history. The Dixie Fire footprint covers 69% of Lassen Volcanic, however effects within the park are more moderate than in other areas of the fire. Weather, firefighting efforts, and 30 years of fuel reduction helped to slow the fire's progression through the park and resulted in more varied levels of burn severity. Areas burned by the Dixie Fire can aid the return of natural patterns of wildfire. Park fire management activities support regular cycles of smaller, natural wildfires that contribute to forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire. Wildfire is one of many powerful forces that shape this park formed by volcanoes, carved by ice, and altered by hydrothermal activity. Lassen Volcanic is itself a story of resilience told through its continuous cycles of regeneration and renewal. Learn more at go.nps.gov/dixie. 4 More Winter Activities Ä Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks Dates Saturdays and Sundays January through March Time/Location 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Meet outside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Space is limited; obtain a free ticket at the front desk the day of the program. * Spring Hiking and Biking Become a Junior Ranger Hike and Bike the Highway (HBH) is an opportunity for visitors to enjoy cleared sections of the highway before they open to vehicles. When conditions and timing allow, the Saturday before the highway opens to through traffic is promoted as the final opportunity for HBH. Kids age five and older are invited to participate in our Junior Ranger program. Choose from a variety of activities to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. The park highway usually opens in segments as snow clearing operations progress. The usual order of opening is: Cost Loomis Museum to Devastated Area - 10 mi Suggested $1 donation for snowshoe maintenance. Southwest Entrance to Sulphur Works - 1 mi Ages Sulphur Works to Bumpass Hell parking - 7 mi Lassen Peak parking area - 8 mi 8 years and older. Infants and children in carriers are not allowed for safety reasons. What to Bring Boots, warm layers, water, lunch/snacks. Ranger-led snowshoe walks are an excellent way to learn or practice snowshoeing techniques and explore winter at Lassen. As participant experience and fitness levels may vary, so too does route and distance. A ranger will demonstrate how to put on snowshoes and how to move around at the beginning of the walk. Our younger explorers are welcome to participate in the Chipmunk Club. Kids can learn more about wildlife in the park and earn a Chipmunk Club sticker. Pick up your Chipmunk Club card or Junior Ranger booklet at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center or print one online at go.nps.gov/lavo/jr. Open to through traffic - 30 mi You can view which segments of the highway will be open during your visit on the spring road opening map at go.nps.gov/lavo/snowclearing. Generally, the timing of openings is largely dependent on snow depth, snow clearing operations, and conditions at the time of anticipated opening. Learn more about HBH at go.nps.gov/hbh. Winter Wildlife Can you spot tracks, scat, or these winter residents themselves? These animals have adaptations to survive Lassen's harsh winters, such as storing food and developing thicker coats. Lassen's Own Sierra Nevada Red Fox Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stelleri This large, dark jay swoops on its broad, rounded wings. Keep an eye on your winter picnic as they are quick to spot unattended food. Steller's and Blue jays are the only northern American jays with crests. Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli Sparrow-sized, small-billed bird often sighted in trees throughout the winter months. Makes two distinctive calls, "chicka-dee-dee-de" and another that sounds strikingly like "cheeseburger!" Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana This member of the crow family caches thousands of seeds each year. Easy to spot throughout the park as they swoop between trees. Listen for their frequent long, grating calls. Snowshoe Hare Lepus americanus Slightly larger than rabbits, with taller hind legs and longer ears. Their large, furry feet help them move atop snow and a snow-white winter coat turns brown when the snow melts each spring. American "Pine" Marten Martes americana Cat-sized weasel with a long, slender body, short legs, rounded ears, and a bushy tail. The marten may be active as little as 15% of the day in the winter. Spotted occasionally in the Southwest Area. Help Keep Wild Animals Wild Enjoy your food, but please do not share with park animals. Winter residents each have their own special adaptations that help them survive the long winter season. Bad for wildlife: A Sierra Nevada red fox captured on a motion-sensor camera in Lassen Volcanic. Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of two known locations of Sierra Nevada red fox (SNRF). Although once found throughout the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade mountain ranges, the species is now one of the rarest mammals in California. Researchers estimate the Lassen area population consists of only about 20 individuals, based on survey findings from 2009 to 2011. An ongoing survey effort in and around Lassen Volcanic may provide our best opportunity for understanding and fostering Lassen’s native red fox. Smaller in size than low-elevation red foxes, SNRF generally weigh 4.5 to 9 pounds, have a narrow pointed muzzle, large pointy ears, and a slender body and legs. SNRF are typically yellowish to reddish brown, but, despite their name, can also be black or silver. Handsome dark-brown markings adorn the top of their ears and shins, and white covers their chest and stomach. Their bushy fox tail always has a white tip, is long and flowing and carried close to the ground where it adds an additional dimension to their length. Wildlife will become dependent on people (they’re wild animals!) and they will forget how to forage for food on their own. Wild animals can become unhealthy or die from eating human food instead of their natural food. Fed animals hang around parking lots and roads and could be hit and killed by cars. Animals that are fed can become nuisances and may have to be destroyed. Bad for you: Small rodents and birds can and will bite the hand that feeds them, transmitting a variety of diseases. Animals may carry rabies and you will have to get shots if bitten. Fed animals lose their wariness of people and become aggressive. Larger animals, such as deer, have been known to buck or kick suddenly and cause serious injuries. Wildlife may carry diseases that your pets are not protected from. ö Report a Red Fox Sighting If you observe a red fox in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascade, or Klamath mountain ranges above 2,500 feet elevation, please report your observation by providing: date and time observed, location, terrain (e.g. rocky slope/ forest/meadow), photos, and GPS location. Learn more or report a sighting at go.nps.gov/lavo/SNRF. 2.3 - 3.1 inches long These fox prints and scat seen on the snow-covered Lassen Park Highway last winter suggest SNRF use ski and snowshoe tracks to facilitate winter travel and may be sighted in the vicinity. 5 Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes Beginner Routes Intermediate Routes Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Loop Chaos Jumbles Area Manzanita Creek Distance: 1.2+ miles round-trip Elevation: 5,290 to 5,300 feet Average Time: 1+ hour Distance: 7.5 miles round-trip Elevation: 5,850 to 7,400 feet Average Skiing Time: 6 hours Head up the park highway for 0.6 mile 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. From the Loomis Ranger Station, cross a 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 of Loomis Peak that may reach the upper end of the trail. This trail is not recommended for skiing Distance: 1.8 mile loop Elevation: 5,800 to 5,850 feet Average Time: 1.5 hours Begin at the trailhead at the end of Loomis Plaza and circle the 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. Chaos Crags Trail Reflection Lake Snowshoe Loop This trail is not recommended for skiing Distance: 0.5 mile loop Elevation: 5,800 feet Average Time: 30 minutes This trail is not recommended for skiing Park Highway Destinations Distance: 4 miles round-trip Elevation: 5,290 to 6,650 feet Average Time: 3-4 hours The 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. Cross the footbridge at the end of Loomis Plaza, turn left and follow the road to the Chaos Crags Trailhead sign. Follow yellow tree markers as the trail climbs steeply up to a ridge. If you decide to descend to Crags Lake, beware of potential rockfall and high winds. Begin at the shore across the highway from the Loomis Museum and circle the 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. Sunflower Flat Distance: 2.5 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 400 feet Estimated Time: 2 hours Lost Creek Campground Distance: 4 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 200 feet Estimated Time: 3-4 hours Nobles Emigrant Trail Distance: 5.2 miles round-trip Elevation: 5,875 to 6,275 feet Average Skiing Time: 3-4 hours Manzanita Campground Loop Distance: 1.5 mile loop Elevation: 5,800 feet Average Skiing Time: 1.5 hours Hot Rock Distance: 6.7 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 400 feet Estimated Time: Overnight Pick up the trail 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. Cross the footbridge at the end of Loomis Plaza, 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. Devastated Area Distance: 8.7 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 580 feet Estimated Time: Overnight Manzanita Lake Area Winter Routes Map 1.5mi 2.4km Winter Etiquette 5628ft 1715m 6919ft 2108m tR an r g i Em s e bl 2.8mi No 2Ä Lost Creek Campground Table Mountain ou te Sunflower Flat 5995ft 1827m Do not walk on ski tracks Destinations beyond Lost Creek Campground recommended for overnight trips only. Footprints and snowshoe tracks create hazards that make skiing more difficult. 2.7mi 4.3km 1.9mi 3.1km Snowshoe parallel to ski tracks Using a separate track ensures snowshoers remain clear of downhill skiers. 4.5km Reflection Lake Loop 0.5mi 0.8km 0.6mi 1.0km 1.8mi 2.9km Hot Rock 2.0mi 3.2km Crags aos Ro h C ut e 6650ft 2027m Loomis Plaza Hw 1.5mi 2.4km y 8530ft 2592m CHA Manzanita Lake Campground Loop 2.0mi 3.2km OS AG te Devastated Area 6456ft 1968m S n aC re ek za n Ro u CR Ma nit nza Ma 3.4mi 5.4km 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. 6157ft 1877m k Par Manzanita Lake Loop Yield to faster skiers or downhill traffic Chaos Jumbles 5900ft | 1798m it a ute Ro Cr ee k 0 2 Kilometers 1 0 1 North 2 Miles Park