California · Hiking

Cold Springs

0.2 mi
round trip
22 ft
climb
6,491 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Cold Springs open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Lassen National Forest. It doesn't name Cold Springs, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Lassen National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Cold Springs is a short, easy hike in the Almanor Ranger District of Lassen National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 0.24 miles long and rises about 22 feet from a low point of 6,459 feet to a high of 6,491 feet, making it a quick out-and-back. The route is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The trail sits in a forest district where other trails and campgrounds lie within a few miles. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Mineral weather station show July and August highs around 82°F with lows in the low 40s, while winter highs there hover in the low 40s and lows in the mid-20s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the hike run cooler. Snag Lake is about a mile away, and Sunflower Flat and Soda Creek are within 3.5 miles. For an overnight stay, Cherry Hill campground is about 6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Cold Springs

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 24°

    2. Feb

      45° / 24°

    3. Mar

      49° / 26°

    4. Apr

      54° / 29°

    5. May

      63° / 35°

    6. Jun

      73° / 40°

    7. Jul

      82° / 44°

    8. Aug

      82° / 42°

    9. Sep

      77° / 38°

    10. Oct

      64° / 32°

    11. Nov

      50° / 27°

    12. Dec

      42° / 24°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mineral, CA, 20.5 mi away at 4,875 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.