Name: Mt. Ashland Summit Trail #51938
Rating: 4.5

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This trail is open except when the ski area is in operation (typically late November to late April). After the ski area closes, the upper portions of the trail may still be covered with snow until late May or early June.

Need to Know

When the ski area is closed, there are no services at the trailhead. Toilets can be found at the Mount Ashland Campground which is 0.6 miles west of the ski area parking lot.

Description

This route was, for many years, an unofficial one from the parking lot at the Mount Ashland Ski Area to the summit of Mount Ashland. This year volunteers, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, converted this use trail into an officially designated trail. It starts at a kiosk at the ski area parking area and climbs steeply up under the lifts to the summit, which is graced by a round, white NEXRAD weather radar site.

The trail can be climbed out-and-back for exercise at altitude - most of it is over 7,000 feet - and for spectacular views of Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, and Pilot Rock. Further expansive views to the west are available at trail's end on the summit of Mount Ashland.

Alternatives to a straight out-and-back are to climb to the summit on the trail and return via the NEXRAD service road and Forest Road 20. Or do this loop in reverse so you descend, rather than climb, the #51938 - same gain but with less pain, and the views are as equally stunning!