When was Lassen Volcanic National Highway built?
Usa, north-america
54.71 km
2,604 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California? You *have* to take the Lassen Volcanic National Highway! This beauty, built back in '26, winds for 34 miles right through the heart of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances. Get ready for some up-close encounters with the park's killer volcanic features.
The whole road is paved, but be prepared for curves and twists galore as you climb! You'll peak at a whopping 8,543 feet above sea level near Lassen Peak itself.
Word to the wise: this road is a no-go in the winter thanks to the Cascade Range's heavy snowfall. They usually start clearing the 30-mile main park road in April, but it takes a couple of months to dig it out. Plus, keep an eye on the weather – it can close down intermittently. Heads up – no guardrails here due to the massive snow removal efforts!
As you wind through the mountains from CA-44 to CA-36, watch out for wildlife and falling rocks. The southern part gets especially windy with some serious switchbacks. And if you're in a rig longer than 45 feet, you might want to skip this one. Happy driving!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 54.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,604 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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