{"id":4384,"date":"2021-07-29T16:51:10","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T23:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4384"},"modified":"2025-12-22T07:49:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T14:49:40","slug":"heart-lake-trail-reroute-new","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/29\/heart-lake-trail-reroute-new\/","title":{"rendered":"Hike the New Heart Lake Trail near Mount Shasta in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hike the Shasta area’s iconic Heart Lake Trail in 2026 on the recently rerouted path. This article has all the details of everything you need to know to enjoy this popular hike, including a detailed trail description, trailhead directions, and a Heart Lake Trail map.<\/p>\n

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Heart Lake and Mount Shasta, taken several years ago when there was snow on the south side of the mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The Heart Lake Trail Is in Two of My Hiking Guidebooks…<\/h2>\n

\"Spring<\/p>\n

It’s Hike 51 in my Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/em><\/a>, and it’s Hike 49 in 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California<\/em><\/a>, fourth edition. Both books are available at many bookstores, outdoor stores, and visitor centers. (Call first to make sure they have it.) Of course, they’re also on Amazon.<\/p>\n

Castle Lake to Heart Lake Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
\nDifficulty: Moderate
\nType: Day hike
\nElevation gain: 650 feet
\nHigh point: 6080 feet
\nSeason: June to October, although it may be snow-free in May and November
\nContact: Mount Shasta Ranger Station, Shasta-Trinity National Forest<\/a>
\nMaps: , Mount Shasta Area map from Green Trails Maps<\/a>, USGS Dunsmuir, USGS Seven Lakes Basin
\nPermits: no permit needed
\nNotes: dogs allowed; toilet near trailhead at Castle Lake; great swimming at Castle Lake on warm summer days<\/p>\n

Castle Lake Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Take the Central Mount Shasta exit off I-5 (Exit 738). Go west 0.2 mile and then turn left on South Old Stage Road. Go straight onto W.A. Barr Road at 0.5 mile, cross Box Canyon Dam at 2.5 miles, and then turn left at 2.7 miles on paved Castle Lake Road for the final 7.1 miles to the trailhead on the north shore of Castle Lake.<\/p>\n

Castle Lake Trailhead (for Heart Lake) GPS coordinates: N 41 3.822 W 122 22.895<\/p>\n

The New Heart Lake Trail is Covered in this New Map<\/h2>\n
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Comprehensive Trail Map for the Greater Mount Shasta Region<\/h4>\n

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This map is perfect for exploring Mount Shasta and the nearby areas of natural beauty:<\/strong><\/p>\n