Hike to Lassen Peak

Towards the end of summer vacation this year in July, we decided we want to tackle a summit hike and since we didn't have a lot of time to train, Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park seemed like a good hike. Its about 2.5 hours drive from Sacramento on I-5 driving north.

You can partake in the experience of our hike through the video at the end.

The Lassen summit is at 10,457 feet elevation and the trailhead is at 8500 feet elevation; total its a two and half mile climb which took us about two and half hours to climb. We were all in reasonable fitness shape but not terrific and we didn't have much time to train.

We hiked with our daughters and since pets aren't allowed on the trail, our puppy couldn't accompany us. It was a good family time, with deep conversation and some heated debates. The hike inspired us to talk about our aspirations and shortcomings and most importantly persistence.

We enjoy the outdoors and we realized early on that kids are never too young to be introduced to nature and the outdoors. My girls have been hiking since they were infants, initially on our backs and once they were toddlers, on their own two feet. Acknowledging the power and vastness of nature creates an awareness about ones own being; the surrender that this universe demands and the role we humans play. Watch a little video of our hike up and the vistas at the top...