Hike and Bike the Highway

Bicyclists take advantage of spring clearing operations to explore the park highway without vehicles.

NPS photo

During spring road clearing, Lassen Volcanic Park Highway (Hwy 89) opens to pedestrian travel before it opens to vehicles. During this time, visitors can travel the road by walking, running, or biking. Leashed pets are also welcome on the park road when it is clear of snow.

 

New for 2025

Road access status updates will appear in Alerts (section above). A map denoting open/unopened sections of road is also available on the Current Conditions page.

 

When & Where

Spring road clearing typically begins in March or April and occurs in sections. These sections will open to pedestrian (Hike & Bike) traffic once the road crew completely clears it of snow. Section opening dates vary by year and depend on weather and plowing abilities. We cannot predict when sections of the park road will open. Previously opened sections may close again with severe inclement weather. Check historic opening dates for the Highway to vehicle traffic.

Once sections of the road are cleared of snow, this provides an opportunity for bicyclists to travel without vehicles. There is no determined date when the entire road will be cleared and there is no date set aside for a hike and bike event. Instead, expect a short period of time for this opportunity once the entire road (30 miles) is cleared and before it opens to vehicles for the season. Note that sections within the 30 miles will be open to vehicles prior to complete opening. Use the chart below for the cleared sections and the status of the road. Pedestrian and bicycle use is still allowed after the road opens, but extreme caution is advised. There are numerous sharp turns, no bike lane, and little to no shoulder.

The table indicates the road sections in the order that they are cleared. During road opening, clearing is actively taking place. Expect cleared roads within or beyond the indicated section if active clearing is indicated on the chart. Clearing distance will not be indicated beyond the section.

2026 Road Clearing

Road Section	Cleared and Open to Hike and Bicycle (status)	Cleared and Open to Vehicles (status)	Active Road Clearing (status)
1. Loomis Plaza to Devastated Area (10 miles)	Yes	No	Yes
2. Southwest Entrance to Sulphur Works (1 mile)	No	No	No
3. Sulphur Works to Bumpass Hell or Lassen Peak parking area (6-7 miles)	No	No	No
4. Lassen Peak to Devastated Area (12 miles)	No	No	No

Common Waypoints (South to North)

Section	Waypoint	Elevation (feet)	Distance from Last Waypoint (miles)
2	Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center	6740	0
2	Sulphur Works	7000	1
3	Bumpass Hell parking area	8200	5.2
3	Lassen Peak parking area / road summit	8511	1
4	Kings Creek Picnic Area	7445	3.3
4	Summit Lake	6700	6.1
4 / 1	Devastated Area	6460	2.5
1	Hot Rock	6415	2.8
1	Loomis Museum / Manzanita Lake parking area	5905	3

 

 

Visitors enjoying the Lassen Volcanic Park Highway should consider:

Safety

• Share the road and maintain a safe distance between walkers and cyclists. Bicycle helmets are strongly encouraged. The park highway is narrow and winding; sharp turns may prevent unobstructed views of what lies ahead.
  
• Stay alert for rockfall, travel in the lane farthest from a downward slope, and maintain an appropriate speed. Residual ice may be present on cleared sections of the road.
  
• Stay alert for active road clearing operations and equipment on closed sections of the road. Don't assume the driver sees you.
  
• Cell phone service is spotty at best. Do not rely on cell phone coverage for emergencies.
  
• 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.

• Wear layers and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Even on overcast days, sun exposure is greater at higher elevations.

Be Prepared

• Dogs must be leashed (5 feet or less) and are only permitted on the road. Dogs are not permitted on any park trails.ness

• Is your bike ready to ride? Check that your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride.

• Restrooms are available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works parking area, Devastated Area, and Loomis Plaza.

• Parking is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum.

• Water is available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

• Visitor centers may have limited operating hours. Check visitor center hours before you go.