On this bike tour explore the wonder and beauty of a dramatic volcanic landscape that stretches from Lassen Volcanic National Park to Mount Shasta, making this California's Volcano to Volcano Scenic Byway.
Along the way we explore volcanic parks, craggy mountain reaches and high-desert wetlands. This summer tour also climbs two dormant volcanoes - Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta.
Day |
Weekday |
Ride Day |
Route |
Elevation Gain |
Miles |
1 |
Sunday |
... |
Reno Shuttle 8:00am |
--- |
--- |
2 |
. |
1 |
Lake Almanor / Hike Lassen Peak |
500' |
30 |
3 |
Monday |
2 |
Lassen Volcanic National Park |
6,000' |
60 |
4 |
Tuesday |
3 |
Modoc Volcanic Byway |
5,000' |
84 |
6 |
Thursday |
5 |
Mount Shasta - Layover / Hike |
--- |
--- |
5 |
Wednesday |
4 |
Climb Mount Shasta |
4,530' |
29 |
7 |
Friday |
6 |
Mt Shasta to Weaverville |
4,000' |
70 |
... |
Return
Shuttle to Reno |
--- |
--- |
||
... |
. |
... |
Total |
29,000' |
380 |
Route
Route map for General Info only. We don't ride on Rte 89 or Rte 5..
Bicycle Tour of California's Volcanic Scenic Byway
This bicycle tour starts in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. Fly into Reno Saturday night for an early Sunday morning departure. Our shuttle will pick you up Sunday morning at 8:00am and take you to Lassen Volcanic National Park for the start of the ride.
Our cycling vacation starts in Lassen National Forest, where we'll climb up into Lassen Volcanic National Park, skirting the park's 10,457 foot dormant Volcano. The 6-8% grade climb up Lassen is punctuated by outstanding 100 mile views and bubbling hot springs. You'll actually smell the sulfur in the air from all the thermal activity! The peak typically retains some snow year-round, and after summiting, you'll enjoy a 16 mile downhill through the north end of the park on our way to Hat Creek Resort, a charming rustic hotel and the only civilization for miles.
60 miles / 6,000 ft. elevation gain
Today we follow the Modoc Volcanic Byway
as it dives down into the Shasta -Trinity National Forest,
making our way toward the town of Mount Shasta and the towering 14,162' peak that gives it its name. The day starts with a 20 mile gradual climb through forests broken by lava fields. A series of rolling hills will pack on the climbing on our way to Shasta and the Best Western Treehouse, our hotel for the next two nights.
84 miles / 5,000 ft. elevation gain
It's only a 29 mile ride today but odds are you'll feel it by the end of the day as we climb our second volcanoe for the week - Mount Shasta. Although the grades never go beyond 6-8%, the climb is 14 miles without a break until reaching the end of the road at 7,800'. Need we say the views from the top are outstanding! After lunch, that same 14 mile climb is now a well earned 14 mile descent back to Shasta and the chance to explore this eclectic outdoors town for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight, with numerous restaurants in walking distance.
29 miles / 4,530 ft. elevation gain
Mount Shasta
102 miles / 7,000 ft. elevation gain
Mount Shasta
40 miles / 4,000 ft. elevation gain
Mount Shasta
65 miles / 2,000 ft. elevation gain
After the Ride we shuttle back to Reno where we say goodbye to our new cycling friends until next time.