MINERAL, CA –Spring has come early to Lassen Volcanic National Park this year. Due to the lower than normal snowpack, plowing operations were successful in clearing the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway in near record time. "Spring presents the perfect opportunity to open Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway to bicyclists and walkers before the highway opens to vehicles for the season," stated Superintendent Steve Gibbons.
The highway will open on Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m. for non-motorized travel only (except administrative and emergency vehicles) from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Loomis Museum Plaza. It is highly recommended that you complete your bike ride or walk by sunset as the cool nights may create icy conditions on the road. Travel on the highway during the vehicle free day is weather dependent and may be canceled at any time. Rock fall hazards may occur along the highway and we ask visitors to heed all warning signs.
A map is available for reference with distances and altitudes at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Come prepared for cool weather especially in the early morning and late evening. Lassen is a high elevation park ranging from 5,650 to 10,457 feet and weather can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before your visit and come prepared for the conditions. It is recommended you wear layers and bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Even on overcast days, sun exposure is greater at higher elevations.
Weather-dependent, the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is anticipated to open for through traffic on Sunday, May 3. "Coming to the park this time of year provides visitors with the unique pleasure of experiencing both spring's rebirth at lower elevations and winter's last grasp at higher elevations," stated Gibbons. The Warner Valley and Butte Lake Roads are open with little to no snow. The Warner Valley area provides an opportunity for visitors to hike to Boiling Springs Lake and Devils Kitchen, two of the park's hydrothermal areas. The Juniper Lake Road is closed as crews work to clear the remaining snow and winter debris from the road.
The Lassen Peak Trail is only open for over-snow travel and mountaineering equipment is strongly recommended. An ice axe, crampons or skis are necessary to safely travel on Lassen Peak. The Bumpass Hell trail remains closed due to snow.
The entrance fee into the park is $10 per vehicle or $5 per person ($10 per family) on a bicycle. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Plaza.
The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please visit the website http://www.nps.gov/lavo or contact the park at 530-595-4480 or lavo_information@nps.gov
