Bunny Flat to Panther Meadows — Mount Shasta Summit Road

Mount Shasta is hard to ignore — it dominates the northern California skyline from a hundred miles out. The road from Bunny Flat Trailhead up to Panther Meadows climbs the southern flank of the volcano along Everitt Memorial Highway, a paved-to-gravel transition that tops out near 8,000 feet with views across the Cascades, the Trinity Alps, and on a clear day, all the way to Lassen Peak. The meadow itself is considered sacred by the Wintu people and sits in the shadow of the Red Banks, a rust-colored volcanic formation that marks the high-route to the summit. Wildlife sightings — black bear, mule deer, Clark’s nutcracker — are common in the lodgepole and red fir zones on the way up.

The road is largely passable by stock high-clearance vehicles in summer, though late-season snowpack can close the upper section through June. Stick to designated pull-outs; the meadow restoration zones are sensitive and roped off for good reason. Nearest fuel and services are in Mount Shasta City, 12 miles south. Dispersed camping is prohibited on the upper mountain — use the designated Panther Meadows campground. Best window is July through October. No permit required to drive the road, but summit climbers need a self-issue permit above 10,000 feet.