Lassen Park Panoramic Road Itinerary
Take a scenic drive through the Lassen Park Panoramic Road, a 54 km route from Manzanita Lake to Sulphur Works. This drive is best enjoyed in the summer and fall months, when you can take in the majestic views of the park's volcanic landscape and its many meadows, forests and mountain vistas. The road is in excellent condition, so you can enjoy the sights without worrying about the quality of the road. This is an unforgettable experience that is suitable for all drivers and can be managed with a moderate budget. Take your time and enjoy the spectacular views, and make sure to take plenty of photos to remember this amazing road trip.
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54 km
route length
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low
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START
Manzanita Lake
Distance 54 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
14.1 kWh
Airports
SMF
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Manzanita Lake is a beautiful, serene lake located in Northern California, and it is the perfect place to begin your road trip along the Lassen Park Panoramic Road. This lake is a must-visit for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the region. At Manzanita Lake, visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shoreline, take a kayak out for a leisurely paddle, or go fishing for the local trout. There is even a campground nearby for those who want to stay longer and take in more of the lake's beauty.
For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is the Redding Municipal Airport (RDD). From there, visitors can rent a car and hit the road to Manzanita Lake. Along the way, there are plenty of interesting sights to see, including the Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lake Almanor, and the Feather River Canyon.
Manzanita Lake is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Lassen Park Panoramic Road. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, this lake is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful getaway. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer stay, Manzanita Lake is sure to provide a memorable experience.
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Manzanita Lake
- Lassen Volcanic N.P.
- Sulphur Works
Distance 54 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
14.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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The journey from Manzanita Lake to Sulphur Works is a 34 mi drive that will take you less than an hour. Start your road trip at Manzanita Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by pine forests and mountains. While there, you can take a stroll around the lake, enjoy the views and take some pictures.
Continue your journey to the Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you can explore the unique volcanic landscape and admire the majestic Mount Lassen. Here you can also find various hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful meadows.
Finally, your journey ends at Sulphur Works, where you can take a look at the bubbling hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Sulphur Works - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Sulphur Works
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Sulphur Works is a small town located in the United States, and is the ending point of the famous Lassen Park Panoramic Road. This spectacular drive offers travelers breathtaking views of the Lassen Volcanic National Park, and is a great way to end a road trip.
Sulphur Works offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The Sulphur Works Thermal Area is a must-see for those interested in geology, as it is home to a variety of boiling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. There are also a variety of hiking trails to explore the area, as well as a number of campgrounds for those looking for an extended stay.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the town offers a number of restaurants and cafes. There is also a museum, which showcases the history of the region.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). This airport offers a variety of flights and is only a few hours away from Sulphur Works.
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Sulphur Works is the perfect destination to end your Lassen Park Panoramic Road road trip. With its geothermal attractions, hiking trails, and other attractions, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Lassen Park Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Manzanita Lake
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End:
Sulphur Works
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Distance:
54 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embarking on a Road Trip along the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, also known as the Lassen Park Panoramic Road, is an enthralling 54-kilometer (33-mile) journey that stretches from the northwest entrance near Manzanita Lake to the southwest entrance near Sulphur Works. This scenic byway provides travelers with the opportunity to explore a diverse volcanic landscape, adorned with lush meadows, dense forests, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The route is dotted with awe-inspiring natural features, including the majestic Lassen Peak, which at 3,189 meters (10,462 feet) is not only the largest plug dome volcano in the world but also one of the few places on Earth where all four types of volcanoes can be found. The crystal-clear waters of Manzanita Lake offer a tranquil setting perfect for kayaking and fishing, with Lassen Peak reflecting on its surface. The park's geothermal wonders, such as the boiling springs and mud pots at Bumpass Hell and the fumaroles at Sulphur Works, provide a glimpse into the Earth's fiery interior.
Best Time to Go:
The peak season for visiting is during the summer and fall months when the weather is most favorable, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of the park's landscapes and partake in activities like hiking, camping, and stargazing under clear skies.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should be mindful of sudden meteorological shifts, which can include thunderstorms and temperature drops, as well as wildlife on the Roads. Additionally, volcanic activity and heavy snowfall may lead to temporary closures of certain areas within the park, so checking conditions in advance is advised.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Trip is suitable for a moderate budget and is accessible to drivers of all skill levels.
- The park offers amenities such as campgrounds, picnic spots, and visitor centers, but it’s advisable to confirm the status of these facilities before your Trip.
- Park entrance fees apply, so plan accordingly, and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for the journey.
A good choice for:
As you navigate the twists and turns of Lassen Park Panoramic Road, take the opportunity to create enduring memories by capturing photographs and respecting the pristine natural environment you're passing through. This region is steeped in geological history; for example, the last series of eruptions at Lassen Peak occurred between 1914 and 1917, making it one of the most recent volcanic eruptions in the contiguous United States, a reminder of nature's enduring power.