Crags Trail to Castle Dome
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mileage: 6 mi
Region: Castle Crags State Park
Elev. Gain: 2,201 ft
When to Go: Apr—Oct
Avg. Time: 3 hr
Parking: Small paved lot
Type: Out + Back
Pass: California Explorer, Golden Poppy or $8
Know Before You Go:
Purchase your pass ahead if you plan to arrive before 6am or after 8pm as the guard station will be closed - (if you have cash on hand you can pay at the self serve pay station any time).
The road to the trailhead is paved but extremely steep, narrow and twisty - RVs and vehicles with trailers aren’t allowed.
The lot tends to fill up by late morning, if there are no parking spots you can park at the general day use lot and hike up to the trailhead, this adds a little over a mile each direction.
Be sure to keep an eye on the weather, the top of this trail is extremely exposed and weather systems can roll in quickly.
Bring layers for the top as it can get quite windy.
You’ll be treated to amazing views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding hills all the way up.
Get an up close view of these incredible crags worthy of the Dolomites.
Be sure to make a quick stop at the viewpoint before you head out. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
