California · Hiking

Steam Donkey

2.0 mi
round trip
756 ft
climb
5,036 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Steam Donkey open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It doesn't name Steam Donkey, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

Steam Donkey is a moderate hike of about 2 miles in the Mt. Shasta Ranger District of Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back with a one-way climb of about 750 feet, starting at roughly 4,270 feet and reaching about 5,036 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mt. Shasta show July highs around 85°F with only about two wet days, while winter brings highs in the mid-40s and rain on roughly 13 days a month. Bikes are allowed on the natural-surface trail, and the route is close to other outings. Bear Springs is about 0.1 mile away and Supernatural Singletrack about half a mile. Climbers can head to the Mount Shasta Area, about 1.7 miles off, and McBride Springs Campground is about 3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Steam Donkey

    Best months: April–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

      44° / 27°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      48° / 28°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 31°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      59° / 34°

      11 wet

    5. May

      68° / 40°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 46°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 51°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 49°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 44°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      64° / 38°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 31°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Shasta, CA, 3.5 mi away at 3,613 ft. The station sits about 1,400 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.

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