Welcome to the Lassen Volcanic National Park Tour
Explore the volcanic wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park with this self-guided driving audio tour. Cruise along the rocky slopes of this active volcano and witness remnants of the park’s explosive past. Then get up close and personal with the volcano on the Lassen Peak Trail. Bask in the serene beauty of Emerald Lake. Discover steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots. In this Lassen Volcanic National Park driving tour, you’ll also learn all about the history of this unique national park.
About the Tour
Your adventure begins on the road into Lassen Volcanic National Park. Don’t forget to stop and snap a selfie at the iconic national park sign!
A pair of optional trails await just ahead. Brokeoff Mountain Trail leads to a mountain vista, while Mill Creek Falls Trail takes you to the serene beauty of the park’s tallest waterfall. Then, visit the historic Sulfur Works and uncover their wild history.
The Diamond Peak Scenic Vista, next, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic peaks, and the Little Hot Springs Valley Overlook provides a panorama of the park’s geothermal activity.
Then there’s Emerald Lake and Lake Helen, with crystal-clear waters and stunning wilderness all around. And you won’t want to miss the bizarre story behind how Bumpass Trail got its name!
If you want to get up close and personal with the volcano, you’ll next arrive at Lassen Peak Trail, which leads right up to that soaring volcanic summit! Or, for an easier hike, stroll around the haunting Devastated Area Loop, which showcases the aftermath of Lassen’s last major eruption.
This self-guided driving tour of Lassen Volcanic National Park, California is the best way to experience this park on your own schedule. As long as that schedule doesn’t coincide with a scheduled eruption, of course!
Note: For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
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Lassen Volcanic National Park Trail Map
Where To Start?
We recommend Starting From either of the locations:
Northbound: Mineral, California, USA
Southbound: Summertown, California, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The entrance fee varies but is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Individual and annual passes are also available. For more information, visit the National Park Service’s Official Website.
The best time to visit for full access to trails and facilities is generally from July to September, when the main park road is usually open and the weather is mild. Spring and fall can be beautiful, but may have limited access due to snow. Winter offers snow activities, but with significant road closures.
Guided tours are one option, but our Lassen Volcanic National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour allows you to explore at your own pace. With GPS-triggered narration, you’ll hear all the fascinating stories and geological insights — without schedules, group constraints, or extra costs. It’s a flexible and affordable way to experience the park’s volcanic wonders at your own pace.
While some trails like the Devastated Area Nature Trail offer accessible paths, others can be steep or rugged. That’s why our Lassen Volcanic National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour is a great option — it lets you experience the park’s top sights and hear its stories right from your vehicle, making it ideal for all accessibility levels.
Yes, the 30-mile scenic park highway (Highway 89) connects the northwest and southwest entrances and provides access to many key viewpoints and trailheads. However, this road is typically closed due to snow from late fall/early winter until late spring/early summer.
Currently, reservations are not required to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, reservations are highly recommended for campgrounds within the park and are required for backcountry camping. For more information, visit the National Park Service’s official website.