Hi all,

Looking to do Lassen Peak in May. I realize the road won't be completely plowed, but is it safer to follow the road or to cut off the saddle between Diamond Peak and Pilot Pinnacle? Also I understand there's probably a lot of skiing going on at that time (I don't ski, but I do have good snow travel and ice axe experience), so would one expect to see a ski trail broken by then?

Thanks!

Definitely take the shortcut... no doubt about it. I was on it just last Saturday.

It is easy to follow. If too far to the right (on the way up) a little steep sidehilling, over on the left you see some geothermal stuff. Just go your own way and you will hit the road pretty quick. Might be a track, but you don't need one.