Visiting July 11 - Main road open?

Question

Hello all - we're passing through the area and expect to have a full day to explore Lassen on July 11. Do we anticipate the main road will be clear by then? We know Bumpass Hell may not be open, but I will be 6 months pregnant and may not have been able to handle the smell. We'll still attempt if it's open but it's not a dealbreaker for us! We're looking for some easy hikes and viewpoints, nice picnic spots, and perhaps a good area to cool off in the water!

Thanks!

Answer

Great question! Yes — you have a pretty good chance that the main park road in Lassen Volcanic National Park (Highway 89) will be open by July 11, but it's not guaranteed, and some high-elevation areas and trails may still have snow or be partially inaccessible.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the road status, trail / area access, and what you can reasonably plan for if you're visiting on July 11.

What the Road Status Looks Like in July

The Lassen National Park Highway (the 30-mile stretch of SR-89) typically opens for vehicle traffic sometime between late May and mid-July, depending on snow-clearing.
For 2025, snow-clearing was underway in June.
The National Park Service confirms that road openings “can occur anytime from May through July” depending on snowpack.
One NPS news release noted that when the road does open, there can still be winter-like conditions at higher elevations, so you should expect possible delays or rougher driving.

Bumpass Hell & High Country Trail Access

The Bumpass Hell Trail is frequently closed early in the season due to lingering snow. According to NPS, it “remains closed due to snow coverage into July.”
Some trailheads in the high elevation region (Lassen Peak, Tuolumne-style alpine meadow areas) may still have snow patches even in July, so be prepared.
According to Reddit users, the road tends to open in late June or early July, but trail access (especially Bumpass Hell) is very iffy early in the season.

Recommended Things to Do (Given Your Interests)

Since you're pregnant and are looking for easier hikes, viewpoints, picnic spots, and perhaps a place to cool off in water, here are some good options that are more likely to be accessible and comfortable:

Manzanita Lake Area: A fairly easy, scenic spot — great for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying lake views. The visitor center is nearby, too.
Devastated Area Viewpoint: This area shows the aftermath of past volcanic activity. It's a short, interpretive area and accessible once the road is open.
Lakes for Cooling Off: According to the NPS trip-planner brochure, lakes like Manzanita or Summit Lake are on the map for summer activities.
Short Scenic Hikes / Lookouts: Some lower-elevation trails will likely be snow-free; check current conditions before arrival.

Things to Be Careful About / Bring With You

Dress in layers — summer days may feel warm, but high elevations and evening can be cool.
Bring sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) and ample water.
Check the current road conditions right before your trip via the NPS Lassen website or their “Current Conditions” page.
If you're going for viewpoints or hikes, bring good footwear — some patches of snow or wet ground may remain.

Bottom Line

Yes, there's a good chance that on July 11 the main park road through Lassen will be cleared for vehicle use — but don’t count on *every* section being fully open or snow-free. Some high elevation trails (like Bumpass Hell) may remain closed or partially covered. You can plan for easy, lower-elevation viewpoints, picnic spots, and possibly accessible lakes for relaxing or cooling off.

Visiting July 11 - Main road open?

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