Trail Guides

The MSTA is pleased to offer this information on trails in the Mount Shasta area, encouraging you to discover new places to hike and enjoy.

Hiking entails some risk, and many trails in the area are inconsistently marked.

You are responsible for your own safety.

  • Cell service is often poor on trails
  • Download or print maps beforehand
  • Check in with an emergency contact

Easy Trails

Easy trails are suitable for anyone. No previous hiking experience required.

Trail Region Distance (mi) Gain (ft) Features
McCloud River’s Three Waterfalls McCloud 3.8 300 Waterfalls, River, Forest
Great Shasta Rail Trail McCloud 40 Varies Multi-use, Historic, Seclusion
City Park to Downtown Greenway Mt Shasta City 2 0 Sacramento River Headwater
Elsa Rupp Trail Mt Shasta City 1 0 Interpretive Trail, Forest
Bear Trail Weed 1.5 0 Forest
Lake Siskiyou Loop Mt Shasta City 7 300 Lake, Swimming, Views
Box Canyon Trail Mt Shasta City 3 300 Forest, River
Castle Lake Trinity Divide 1 0 Interpretive Trail, Lake, Swimming
Upper Sacramento River Trail Castle Crags 2.2 100 River, Swimming

Moderate Trails

Moderate trails offer a wide variety of options. Be sure to read the details of each trail – some are quite the challenge!

Trail Region Distance (mi) Gain (ft) Features
Gateway Trail System Mt Shasta City 10.7 480 MTB Trails, Views
Spring Hill Trail Mt Shasta City 3.25 650 Views
South Gate Meadows Mt Shasta 4.6 1100 Altitude, Views
Castle Lake to Heart Lake Trinity Divide 2.2 600 Lake, Views
Castle Lake to Mount Bradley Ridge Trinity Divide 6 950 Lake, Views
Caldwell Lakes Trinity Divide 4.2 1,200 Lakes, Seclusion, Views
Burstarse Falls Castle Crags 6.4 950 River, Waterfall, Views
Girard Ridge Castle Crags 9 400 Seclusion, Views

Strenuous Trails

Strenuous trails will challenge many hikers. Previous experience and some fitness is advised.

Trail Region Distance (mi) Gain (ft) Features
Castle Dome and Indian Springs Castle Crags 5.4 2200 Views
Sisson Callahan Trail (upper portion) Trinity Divide 10.4 2750 Altitude, Views
Black Butte Mt Shasta City 5.2 1850 Altitude, Views

Safety

Hiking trails and driving to trailheads entails certain potential dangers. We describe how to get to the trail and how to stay on the trail. However, you need to be prepared for anything and everything that nature and people can do to you. You bear responsibility for your actions and their consequences, not us. That said, prepare well and then get out there and explore and enjoy!

Other Resources

Looking for more? You’ve only scratched the surface! Siskiyou county offers endless hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming; if it involves the wilderness, you can do it here!

Check out our Resources and Links page for links to other local trail guides, hiking clubs, maps, local stores and more.