Castle Crags Vista Point Trail

This little jaunt was not scheduled, but I noticed this view as I was parking to walk the Indian Creek Trail. When I returned to my car after the hike, I decided to go exploring. I had paid the day use fee, why not make the most of it?

I followed the signs toward Vista Point, through the camping area (noting the numbers of campsites I want to return to), and up to the top of the mountain. The road is narrow and windy and gorgeous. I got to see the tall, majestic pines at every level, from the ground below to above their highest boughs. Reaching the end of the road, I parked in the small, paved lot, and headed out on foot. The path is short and wheelchair accessible (according to the sign) and leads you along the side of the mountain where you can look down at the canyon far below and up to the tippy tops of the trees. Definitely worth a pause!

I'm glad I had time to spend, because this was the view:

The Gray Rocks to the left, Castle Crags straight ahead, and Mt. Shasta to the right. I'm rolling my eyes right now because these photos don't do the view any kind of justice. In real life you can see shading on the Gray Rocks, snow on Mt. Shasta, and paths of pines growing on the granite surface of Castle Crags. With a picnic table, a few benches, and viewing telescopes, this place is made for people to sit down and take it all in.

There is an $8 day use fee, but the park is just minutes from the highway. Totally worth the stop on a road trip or just to get the family outside for a picnic.