Old Ski Bowl
Experience the dramatic, high-alpine beauty of Mount Shasta's Old Ski Bowl, a place of stark landscapes and profound spiritual energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light shows
Old Ski Bowl
Best Time
Magical light shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the dramatic, high-alpine beauty of Mount Shasta's Old Ski Bowl, a place of stark landscapes and profound spiritual energy.
"Absolutely spectacular views! Don't miss this drive, its worth every mile."
Check Weather Before You Go
Conditions change fast! Pack layers and be prepared for wind and temperature shifts.
Bring Your Own Water
No water stations or bathrooms at the trailhead. Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 217 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles
Old Ski Bowl summit
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over Mount Shasta.
+1Alpine Touring Adventures
Slopes of Mount Shasta
Experience the thrill of backcountry skiing and snowboarding in a unique alpine environment.
Spiritual and Scenic Drive
Road to Old Ski Bowl
Enjoy a dramatic drive with expansive views, leading to a spiritually charged and visually striking location.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather Before You Go
Conditions change fast! Pack layers and be prepared for wind and temperature shifts.
Bring Your Own Water
No water stations or bathrooms at the trailhead. Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
Explore Beyond the Bowl
The immediate area is stark; trails east offer more tranquility and better hiking.
Respect the Area
While some overnight van camping occurs, official camping isn't allowed at road's end.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather Before You Go
Conditions change fast! Pack layers and be prepared for wind and temperature shifts.
Bring Your Own Water
No water stations or bathrooms at the trailhead. Stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
Explore Beyond the Bowl
The immediate area is stark; trails east offer more tranquility and better hiking.
Respect the Area
While some overnight van camping occurs, official camping isn't allowed at road's end.
Capture the Magic
The sunset glow and mountain vistas are incredible for photos and videos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely spectacular and dramatic views from the Old Ski Bowl, calling the drive well worth the miles. While some find the immediate area stark, others appreciate the unique alpine environment and the tranquility found on trails leading east. The spiritual atmosphere is also frequently mentioned as a highlight. +1
"Absolutely spectacular views! Don't miss this drive, its worth every mile. 5☆👌😎"
Skinner Classics VW
"This is not a super scenic area, but it is very high up, and dramatic. The trail up into the very old ski area is rather stark, with the mountain too close for views. It is however an interesting place to visit, and the trails east into the wilderness quickly get you into tranquility. It should be known that while there is technically no camping here at road’s end, I saw plenty of people sleeping in RV, vans and such. I imagine the USFS and sheriff only likely moves people along during summer weekends and busy times."
Phil Anderson
"Beautiful view and nice trail. There is a picnic area right at the start and we didn’t go very far into the trail but did hike up a bit. I wish there were bathrooms at the begging of this trail or at least a bottle refill station. Overall a beautiful stop and interesting to drive. I probably would go to mount shasta before coming back here unless you just want to hike the summit."
April Somerville
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Ski Bowl is accessible via a scenic drive up Mount Shasta. The road can be winding and may require a vehicle capable of handling mountain terrain, especially in winter conditions. Check road status before heading up.
The road's accessibility varies greatly with the seasons. It's often open for driving in summer and fall, but can be closed due to snow in winter and spring. Always check local conditions before your trip.
Yes, you can drive to the Old Ski Bowl area. It's a popular destination for its views and as a starting point for further exploration on the mountain.
The drive is described as dramatic and scenic, offering expansive views as you ascend Mount Shasta. Be prepared for a mountain road experience.
Road closures are typically due to snow and ice during winter months. It's best to consult with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest or local ranger stations for the most up-to-date information on road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Old Ski Bowl. It is a natural area accessible by road.
Typically, there are no entrance fees for the Old Ski Bowl itself. However, if you plan to use specific facilities or access certain trailheads within the broader Mount Shasta area, there might be associated fees or permits required.
The Old Ski Bowl is an outdoor natural area and does not have set operating hours. It is generally accessible whenever the road is clear of snow and ice.
Yes, there is parking available at the Old Ski Bowl, especially at the road's end. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Overnight camping is not officially permitted at the road's end in the Old Ski Bowl. While some visitors have been seen sleeping in vans and RVs, it's advisable to check with the US Forest Service for designated camping areas nearby. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, photography, hiking on trails east into the wilderness, and experiencing the dramatic alpine environment. It's also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing. +1
The immediate area around the Old Ski Bowl is described as stark. However, trails leading east into the wilderness offer more traditional hiking experiences and tranquility.
While the immediate area is stark, the trails to the east offer good hiking opportunities. Some visitors mention wanting to return for a hike with less incline. +1
The views are described as absolutely spectacular and dramatic, offering a high-altitude perspective of the surrounding landscape.
The drive itself offers scenic views, and there's a picnic area near the start. While extensive hiking might be challenging, the dramatic landscape can be appreciated from the accessible areas. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Old Ski Bowl is fantastic for capturing dramatic mountain landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light creates a magical glow. The stark alpine environment also offers unique photographic subjects.
Sunrise and sunset are highly recommended for their stunning light and colors. Golden hour offers a beautiful, soft light for landscape photography.
The entire area offers panoramic views. As you drive up and reach the Old Ski Bowl, pull over at designated spots or safe turnouts to capture the expansive scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset and for sharper images.
While not a primary wildlife viewing area, keep an eye out for birds of prey or other alpine creatures. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their habitat.
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