Old Ski Bowl - Image 1
1 / 3

Old Ski Bowl

4.8
·217 reviews·McCloud, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light shows

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Old Ski Bowl - Image 1

Old Ski Bowl

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light shows

CrowdMedium

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.

4.8
(217 reviews)

"Absolutely spectacular views! Don't miss this drive, its worth every mile."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles

Old Ski Bowl summit

Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over Mount Shasta.

Instagram+1
Alpine Touring Adventures

Alpine Touring Adventures

Slopes of Mount Shasta

Experience the thrill of backcountry skiing and snowboarding in a unique alpine environment.

Instagram
Spiritual and Scenic Drive

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.

Instagram+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Old Ski Bowl offers stunning vistas, but weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts before you go, especially for sunrise or sunset viewing. Some visitors note that while the immediate area is stark, trails leading east offer more tranquility and better hiking experiences. Reddit

Access and Amenities

While the drive up is scenic, be aware that amenities like bathrooms or water refill stations are scarce at the trailhead. Plan accordingly. Some visitors have noted people camping in vans and RVs, though official overnight camping isn't permitted at road's end. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter Mornings
Why
Fresh powder awaits
Crowd
Low
When
Fall Afternoons
Why
Crisp air, clear views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

still glowing from this epic collab at the “old Ski Bowl” on Mount Shasta in California, with soaring vocals by Cyrenity; live looping with Chapman Stick & beats; and all that dreamy sunset glow ✨ 🎥handheld camera work by Grant Walter
flintblade
0 likes • 3.7K views

Check Weather Before You Go

Conditions change fast! Pack layers and be prepared for wind and temperature shifts. InstagramReddit

Bring Your Own Water

No water stations or bathrooms at the trailhead. Stay hydrated and plan accordingly. Reddit

After Completing the Abundance Tape, (TBA) Tribe Makes the assent to the top of Mt Shasta (Old ski Bowl) To celebrate with the sunrise 🌅 ☀️🎶 #mtshasta #nature #love #gaia #wellnessjourney #highvibetribe #healing #medicine #mountains @casscadeflow @colibree.ananda @sierendipityyy @itsatrill_starseed @grandfather_records @inventeur8 @highvibetriiibe @ness @divinellis
zephgogo
72 likes • 2.9K views
Windy morning today in the Old Ski Bowl on Mt Shasta. #alpinetouring #mtshasta
rootsnatty1
30 likes • 217 views

Explore Beyond the Bowl

The immediate area is stark; trails east offer more tranquility and better hiking. Reddit

Respect the Area

While some overnight van camping occurs, official camping isn't allowed at road's end. Reddit

First day of the ‘24-‘25 season in the Old Ski Bowl #mtshasta. Currently 9” base❄️🌶️❄️🦈❄️
shastaguide
196 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Weather Before You Go

Conditions change fast! Pack layers and be prepared for wind and temperature shifts. InstagramReddit

Bring Your Own Water

No water stations or bathrooms at the trailhead. Stay hydrated and plan accordingly. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Bowl

The immediate area is stark; trails east offer more tranquility and better hiking. Reddit

Respect the Area

While some overnight van camping occurs, official camping isn't allowed at road's end. Reddit

Capture the Magic

The sunset glow and mountain vistas are incredible for photos and videos. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(217 reviews)

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. Reddit+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

Spectacular views
Dramatic landscape
Spiritual atmosphere

What People Dislike

Stark immediate area
Lack of amenities

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The drive is described as dramatic and scenic, offering expansive views as you ascend Mount Shasta. Be prepared for a mountain road experience. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the Old Ski Bowl. It is a natural area accessible by road. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit+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. InstagramReddit+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. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

The views are described as absolutely spectacular and dramatic, offering a high-altitude perspective of the surrounding landscape. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit+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. Instagram+2

Sunrise and sunset are highly recommended for their stunning light and colors. Golden hour offers a beautiful, soft light for landscape photography. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The drive to the Old Ski Bowl offers scenic views that can captivate children, and there's a picnic area available. While extensive hiking might be challenging for younger ones, the dramatic landscape and the sheer scale of Mount Shasta can be awe-inspiring. Consider visiting during daylight hours and bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Reddit

For families looking for a less strenuous experience, enjoying the views from the accessible areas and perhaps a short, gentle walk near the picnic site can be a pleasant outing. The unique environment provides a different kind of natural exploration compared to typical forest hikes. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers

The Old Ski Bowl is a prime location for those drawn to Mount Shasta's spiritual energy. Many visitors report feeling a profound sense of peace and connection here, especially during sunrise and sunset. InstagramReddit

This area is ideal for meditation, quiet reflection, or simply absorbing the powerful, serene atmosphere. The vastness of the landscape and the imposing presence of the mountain create an environment conducive to introspection and spiritual practice. Instagram

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Old Ski Bowl is a dream destination, particularly for landscape and astrophotography. The dramatic, high-altitude terrain provides a unique canvas, and the unobstructed views make it perfect for capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets. Instagram+1

Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a tripod for low-light shooting. The stark beauty of the volcanic landscape offers endless creative possibilities, from sweeping panoramas to intimate details of the alpine environment. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Landscape of Old Ski Bowl

The Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta presents a stark, high-alpine environment. Unlike lush mountain meadows, this area is characterized by volcanic rock, sparse vegetation, and a dramatic proximity to the mountain's summit. This unique terrain offers a different kind of beauty, one that is raw and powerful. Visitors often note the starkness but also the dramatic scale of the landscape. Reddit

While the immediate area might seem barren, the trails that branch off to the east offer a more traditional hiking experience, leading into areas with more tranquility and diverse flora. This contrast makes exploring beyond the main bowl a rewarding endeavor for those seeking a deeper connection with the mountain's natural beauty. Reddit

This area was historically a ski resort, hence the name 'Old Ski Bowl.' Remnants of its past might be subtle, but the elevation and the sheer presence of Mount Shasta make it a memorable destination. The drive itself is a significant part of the experience, offering ever-changing, spectacular views as you ascend. Instagram+1

Experiencing Mount Shasta's Spiritual Aura

Mount Shasta is renowned for its spiritual significance and energy, and the Old Ski Bowl is often cited as a place where this aura is palpable. Many visitors describe the area as 'spiritual' and a place of deep tranquility, even amidst the stark landscape. Reddit

This spiritual connection draws people for sunrise and sunset rituals, meditation, or simply to soak in the powerful atmosphere. The high elevation and the majestic presence of the mountain contribute to a sense of awe and introspection. It's a place where many feel a profound connection to nature and themselves. Instagram+1

Whether you're seeking a spiritual experience or simply appreciate the profound beauty of nature, the Old Ski Bowl offers a unique setting. The combination of dramatic scenery and the mountain's energetic reputation makes it a destination that resonates deeply with many visitors. Instagram

Winter Adventures at Old Ski Bowl

When winter blankets Mount Shasta in snow, the Old Ski Bowl transforms into a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. The area is known for its backcountry skiing and snowboarding opportunities, offering a unique alpine touring experience. Instagram+1

Conditions can be challenging, with significant snowfall and potential for high winds. It's crucial for anyone venturing out in winter to have the appropriate gear, avalanche safety knowledge, and to check weather and snow reports meticulously. The '9" base' mentioned in early season posts indicates the potential for good snow conditions. Instagram

Even if you're not skiing or snowboarding, the winter landscape of the Old Ski Bowl can be breathtaking. The stark beauty of the snow-covered volcanic terrain against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Shasta is a sight to behold. Instagram

You may also like