Trail

Cinder Cone Trail

Trail
A panoramic view of a cinder cone volcano with sparse conifers at its edges. Two hikers walk on a su

The 4-mile round-trip to Cinder Cone's summit tests your physical and mental limits. You'll gain 846 feet of elevation over loose cinders that drain your energy fast—the final 200-foot ascent is relentless and fully exposed. But the earned panoramic views are worth every step: Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, and the Fantastic Lava Beds spread below you at 6,907 feet. This interpretive trail follows the historic Nobles Emigrant Trail and demands fitness, hydration discipline, and respect for high-altitude exposure.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
846

Trail profile

Distance Miles
4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
846
Estimated Time
3 hours if fit; 4–5 hours if managing cinder footing carefully or photo-stopping at views.
Trail Surface
Loose cinders (similar to coarse sand); unstable footing, especially on steep sections.
Trail Features
  • Cinder Cone volcano
  • Fantastic Lava Beds
  • Painted Dunes
  • Panoramic summit views
  • Historic Nobles Emigrant Trail
  • Cinder Cone crater
Trail Highlights
Earn a 360-degree summit panorama: Lassen Peak dominates the south, Snag Lake glimmers to the north, Prospect Peak rises to the east. The Fantastic Lava Beds stretch across the landscape. The Painted Dunes are visible from the mile-1.2 fork. Crater access offers an extra scramble reward from the summit.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Butte Lake parking area, northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. 24 miles east of Northwest Entrance via Highway 44, then 6-mile dirt road.
Shuttle Required
0

Permits & conditions

Fees
$30 per private vehicle (7-day pass). Winter rate: $10. Motorcycle: $25 ($10 winter). Per person: $15 ($10 winter). America the Beautiful annual pass: $80.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Road access closed approximately November through May due to snow accumulation.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Dry trail with no water sources. Drinking water available at Butte Lake Campground (seasonal, when open). Carry 2–3 liters minimum; triple it in summer heat.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Steep, loose cinder surface with no paved alternatives. 846-foot elevation gain. Narrow footing on exposed summit sections unsuitable for mobility devices or balance issues.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • High elevation (6,900 ft)
  • Loose, unstable cinder footing
  • Steep sections (200-foot summit ascent)
  • Full sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Lightning hazard on exposed summit
  • Wildlife (bears)
Hazard Details
Loose cinders make footing unstable and energy-draining, especially on steep sections. The final 200-foot summit ascent is relentless (30+ degrees) with poor footing. High elevation (6,900 ft) and full sun create severe dehydration risk. The exposed summit invites afternoon lightning strikes; storms form rapidly. Keep 100 yards from bears.
Crowd Level
Moderate to high, especially summer weekends. Shoulder season (June, October-November) offers more solitude.
Best Season
June through November
Best Time To Visit
Start by 6 AM to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon storm risk. The exposed summit is a lightning magnet between 2 PM and sunset. Carry triple your expected water consumption—the cinders, full sun, and 6,900-foot elevation create brutal dehydration risk. June through November only; road access closes November through May due to snow.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 2–3 liters of water minimum. The cinders drain you faster than trail elevation suggests.
  • Start by 6–7 AM. Afternoon lightning storms form rapidly at the exposed summit.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat with neck coverage. The cinders reflect UV like a mirror.
  • Tighten your boot laces before the summit push. Loose cinders shift under your feet on steep sections.
  • At mile 1.2, take the left fork (south) to see the Painted Dunes viewpoint—don't skip it.
  • Eat a solid meal before the final summit push. The last 200 feet is a mental commitment.
  • Make noise on the trail. Bears are present; keep 100 yards distance. Stay alert and carry bear awareness.

More details

Park Area
Butte Lake Area
Trail Markers
Well-marked trail with interpretive handout available at visitor centers and trailhead. Numbered posts highlight features along the route.
Shade Level
Full sun above the treeline (mile 1.2+). Limited shade from Jeffrey pines in the lower section. Exposed summit offers zero shelter.
Emergency Contacts
Contact park visitor center or call 911 if cell service available. Remote location with unreliable cell signal means self-reliance and trip planning (notify someone of your itinerary) are mandatory.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
November through May (approximately). Road access closes entirely; trail is snow-covered and inaccessible.
Insider Tips
  • The trail fork at mile 1.2 (left/south) reaches the Painted Dunes viewpoint—this is mandatory, not optional.
  • Take a shade break under the Jeffrey pines at the trail fork before the relentless summit push.
  • The false summit around mile 1.8–1.9 will fool you. The real summit is slightly higher—keep pushing.
  • The crater is accessible from the summit rim; a short extra scramble rewards you with a unique perspective.
  • Lassen Peak and Snag Lake views expand progressively with elevation—the visual payoff stacks mile by mile.
  • Bail-out option: Turn back at the mile-1.2 fork if the summit doesn't feel safe. The 2.4-mile out-and-back to the base is still a quality hike.
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children. The steep 200-foot summit push and loose cinder footing challenge even experienced young hikers. Older children (12+) with strong fitness and high-altitude experience may succeed with hand-holding support on steep sections. Remote location with unreliable cell service adds risk.
Nearby Facilities
Butte Lake Campground (seasonal). No food, lodging, gas, or water sources nearby except campground. Bring all supplies from town (24+ miles away).
Review Summary
Hikers consistently report the loose cinder surface is the true challenge—more energy-draining than the 4-mile distance suggests. The exposed summit views are panoramic and worth the effort. Most say the 200-foot final push is steep but not technical; fitness, mental toughness, and hydration discipline are the determining factors.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How steep is the final summit push?

The last 200 feet averages 30+ degrees. It's not technical scrambling, but the loose cinder footing shifts under your feet on every step. Trekking poles provide stability and reduce knee strain.

Can I hike this alone safely?

Yes, but it's remote with unreliable cell service. Self-reliance is mandatory. Tell someone your exact itinerary, estimated return time, and bailout plan. Carry a whistle and know self-rescue basics.

Will the loose cinders hurt my knees?

They're harder on the descent than the ascent. Use trekking poles, control your pace, and strengthen your quads beforehand. A slow, deliberate descent is safer than rushing.

Can I turn back at the base (2.4 miles)?

Yes. The base-only option (2.4 miles RT, 200-foot gain) is still a quality hike with Painted Dunes views and volcanic scenery. The summit is the real payoff, but the base is a legitimate bailout if conditions worsen.

What if I'm worried about altitude sickness?

The 6,900-foot elevation can trigger AMS in unprepared hikers. Ascend slowly, drink constantly, and eat regularly. If you develop severe headache, dizziness, or nausea, descend immediately. Acclimatize by starting early and taking breaks.

Is water available on the trail?

No. Butte Lake Campground (seasonal) is the only nearby source. Carry 2–3 liters minimum; triple it in summer heat. Dehydration is the biggest hazard on this hike.

Walk Manzanita Lake Trail

Easy alpine loop with alpenglow views—but respect the 5,900ft altitude. Volcanoes and wildlife await.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.