Crags dawn.
The Castle Crags are the Mount Shasta region’s other unforgettable landmark. Mighty granite towers, seemingly transported from the Sierra Nevada, erupt from the vast forests of the Sacramento River Canyon. The Crags are foreboding, looming ominously above the surrounding landscape. They are also nearly impenetrable. The inner core of the formation is the domain of intrepid scramblers and rock climbers. Hikers are relegated to trails that skirt the periphery of the massive spires. Hikers in most parts of the country should be so lucky to be able to enjoy trails at the feet of such incredible majesty! While the interior of the Castle Crags is difficult to access, they feature prominently in vistas from other trails in the Mount Shasta area, especially those of the Trinity Divide. Some trails boast staggering views of the granite jumble while other hikes tease nature lovers with the tips of the towers peaking out over ridges. Wherever you hike, any view of the Castle Crags is rewarding and a powerful reminder that Mount Shasta is not the only magnificent landscape in the area!
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