Hidden Valley Route

Overview

The trail begins at Bunny Flat. Head upward on the moderate, heavily-used trail through sparse pines. After 0.1 miles, turn sharply left following signs for the Horse Camp. Continue another 0.9 miles to another trail junction; stay right here, again following signs for the Horse Camp. From here, the grade of the trail steepens and becomes dustier as it heads uphill through the forest.<br><br>The forest breaks into meadows and views of Mt. Shasta just before the Sierra Club cabin at the Horse Camp, 0.7 miles later. Keep left and head around the cabin to pick up the trail to Hidden Valley (marked with a dubious rock sign). If unsure of the trail, ask the volunteer who often hangs out near the cabin, or find the trail closest to the north corner of the cabin.<br><br>The trail is flat for a short distance, then begins climbing at a truly alarming rate upward via switchbacks and vague trails through scree fields. Flags have been strategically placed to aid the hiker in following the trail, although even the flags may be slightly sketchy at times. Views open up of the town of Mt. Shasta, Yellow Butte, Castle Crags, the Trinity Alps, and more.<br><br>About a mile beyond the Horse Camp, the trail turns to the right to begin traversing the hillside, still upward, above a rocky canyon. A couple waterfalls are visible in the canyon below.<br><br>At 3.3 miles from the trailhead, the trail suddenly enters a saddle in the hillside. This is the entrance to Hidden Valley. At the same time, jaw-dropping views of Mt. Shasta and Shastina suddenly open up above Hidden Valley. Hike down to the stream, or opt to scramble around the valley for more spectacular views.<br><br>Note: Hidden Valley may be filled with snow late into the summer months, even after the rest of the trail melted months earlier.

Trail Stats

Photos

Cloudy summit of Mount Shasta

Cloudy summit of Mount Shasta

The snowy slopes of Mount Shasta and Shastina from Hidden Valley.

The snowy slopes of Mount Shasta and Shastina from Hidden Valley.

Eddy Range and Black Butte from the slopes of Shastina.

Eddy Range and Black Butte from the slopes of Shastina.

Far reaching views from the Hidden Valley Route.

Far reaching views from the Hidden Valley Route.

Eddy Range from the steep ascent up Hidden Valley.

Eddy Range from the steep ascent up Hidden Valley.

Mount Eddy and Black Butte from the Hidden Valley Route.

Mount Eddy and Black Butte from the Hidden Valley Route.

The Horse Camp below Mt. Shasta offers fantastic views of the mountain.

The Horse Camp below Mt. Shasta offers fantastic views of the mountain.

Sierra Club Horse Camp

Sierra Club Horse Camp

The cloudy summit of Mount Shasta.

The cloudy summit of Mount Shasta.

Mt. Shasta (R) and Shastina (L) tower above the talus fields of Hidden Valley.

Mt. Shasta (R) and Shastina (L) tower above the talus fields of Hidden Valley.

Sierra Club Horse Camp in front of the cloudy summit of Mount Shasta

Sierra Club Horse Camp in front of the cloudy summit of Mount Shasta

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