Bunny Flat to Sand Flat — Mount Shasta Volcanic Backcountry via Everitt Memorial Highway
Volcanic pumice and 14k views above Shasta.
Everitt Memorial Highway is California’s highest paved road, but the dirt spur from Bunny Flat to Sand Flat and the rough forest tracks threading the lower flanks of Mount Shasta are where the real backcountry begins. You’re driving across ancient lava flows, through red fir forest that gives way abruptly to open pumice flats, with the 14,179-foot summit filling every gap in the trees. The Sand Flat area sits at roughly 6,800 feet and serves as a staging ground for climbers — but for overlanders, it’s a quiet camp above the noise with views that justify every mile of rough road to get there. Spur roads off FR 31N06 poke into timber harvest units and old logging benches, each one a dead-end worth exploring.
High clearance is sufficient for most of this terrain — it’s not technically demanding, but steep grades, loose pumice, and snow that lingers well into June demand caution and a spare tire. The road is managed by Shasta-Trinity National Forest and closes seasonally; call the Mount Shasta Ranger District before committing. Bring all water — none is reliable near the upper trailheads. Cell service disappears fast above 6,000 feet. Summer through early fall is the window. No permits for dispersed camping here, but camp 200 feet from water and roads per Leave No Trace guidelines.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (4WD recommended) |
| Nearest town | Mount Shasta, CA |
| Land manager | Shasta-Trinity National Forest — Mount Shasta Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Mount Shasta Ranger District Shasta-Trinity MVUM |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes. A stock high-clearance truck or SUV handles this fine under normal summer conditions. The road is dirt and gravel with some embedded volcanic rock — nothing that demands a lift or lockers, but a low-clearance car will scrape badly and shouldn't attempt it.
When does the road actually open after winter, and can you run it in early June?
Everitt Memorial Highway typically reopens to Sand Flat between late May and early July depending on snowpack — 2024 was a heavy snow year and pushed that opening later. Check current road status directly with the Mount Shasta Ranger District before you go; don't guess on this one.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive or camp here?
No permit is required to drive the road or use dispersed campsites below the wilderness boundary. If you're hiking above the trailhead into the Mount Shasta Wilderness, a free Wilderness Permit and Summit Pass (if going above 10,000 ft) are required — but that's on foot, not in your rig.
What's the roughest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The stretch approaching Sand Flat gets looser and rockier as you gain elevation through the pumice fields — surface gets chunky and traction on loose volcanic gravel is the main challenge, not big obstacles. Nothing technical, but the combination of altitude, loose surface, and limited turnout space keeps you honest.
Is there any water source along the route, or do I need to carry everything in?
There is no reliable water source along this road — you're crossing dry volcanic terrain above the treeline. Carry all your water in; plan for at least a gallon per person per day plus extra for the altitude and heat that comes off the exposed pumice fields in summer.
Trail track
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