Prospect Peak Trail

Prospect Peak Trail is about a 6.9-mile out-and-back from the shared Cinder Cone and Prospect Peak trailhead at Butte Lake, with roughly 2,230 feet of climbing and about five hours on foot. Published round trips range from 6.6 to 7.6 miles, depending on the mapped route and whether you follow the faint spur to the true high point. Plan for about seven miles. This is a moderately strenuous climb above 8,000 feet, and much of it is exposed to sun.

Follow the Cinder Cone path for the first 0.4 mile, then turn right at the signed Prospect Peak junction. The opening stretch follows part of the Nobles Emigrant route. Look across the dark Fantastic Lava Beds toward Butte Lake before leaving the shared trail; the Cinder Cone and Prospect Peak paths split after this short approach.

The grade gets steadily steeper after the junction, with few level breaks and little shade. Lower slopes carry scars from the 2021 Dixie Fire. Watch for an inconspicuous left continuation, then a sharp turn west toward two switchbacks below the summit. Lassen Peak first appears through the trees near the upper switchbacks. Burned areas can still have standing dead trees that fall without warning.

The obvious trail end has a north-facing view toward Mount Shasta. Just before it, a faint spur on the right reaches the true high point, only about 5 to 10 feet higher, and is easy to miss as the trail levels out. The higher point opens a broad view west toward Lassen Peak. From the marker, look north; take the short spur if you want the actual high point and the wider westward panorama.

Butte Lake Road is six miles of dirt and gravel from Highway 44. Prospect Peak shares a small trailhead parking area with Cinder Cone; a larger nearby lot serves Butte Lake and Bathtub Lake, with limited room for RVs and trailers. A park pass or entrance-fee receipt is required. There is no cell service, no food service, and water and flush toilets are seasonal. Pets are not allowed on park trails.