Black Butte Trailhead - Hiking area in Mt Shasta - , USA

Challenging. Rock slides over a lot of the path make those areas difficult. I would wear high tops or tred very carefully. Not recommended for dogs (at the top part) small children or the mobility challenged. Views are awesome though. Bring plenty of water.

The Black Butte trail is one of the most spectacular hikes I’ve been on in the USA, especially if you consider how accessible it is from major population centers (I mean, compared to say the Grand Canyon, which is cool and all but more out of the way). The view from the top is world-class... and you certainly earn it, climbing 1800 feet in about 2.7 miles. The trail is rugged to say the least, wear solid footwear (or get bitten by a radioactive mountain goat) and pay close attention so you don’t miss a switchback and end up in a precarious unstable rubble field with nothing to hold on to! This is definitely not a good trail for people who are afraid of heights; the Butte is very steep and there are any number of places where you feel like you could go careening off into the void, although the reality is that you would actually tumble down a slope covered in razor sharp volcanic rocks... flying off into the void like your vertigo is telling you, would be much nicer... So this hike is intense and spectacular and totally worth it, but not for the faint of heart. On my way down I passed a couple trail-running up with weight vests... and then a hail thunderstorm hit... so there are plenty of people who can do this with nary a second thought, and if you’re one of them I envy you. But don’t underestimate it.

This trailhead is the start of the beautiful, scenic, but rugged 5.2 mile and 2000 ft elevation gain, roundtrip hike to top of Black Butte. Getting to this trailhead takes a little navigation and driving on dirt roads (several miles of Forest road 4N18 and 4N18A) to reach, but the trailhead itself is well signed at the turnaround at end of narrow dirt road up the hill a little. You can park on side of road just before the turnaround, but If crowded or if you rather not drive up the last part which is narrower and slightly steeper grade, you can always park at the bottom of the last hill section at the big clearing at junction of dirt roads (4N18 and 4N18A, if i remember correctly), and hike the last 1/2 mile up the hill. The hike itself is mostly open, so its best do go very early in morning, or late in afternoon or evening. I went at dawn, and the sunrise over Mt Shasta was beautiful, and the warm soft morning light gave wonderful colors and soft shadows and dimensionality to the scenes. The immediate environment is rocky, open forest, to treeline like at top, with many sub alpine flowers. In morning, Shasta itself is back lighted, so if you want clear views of Shasta, evening light would be better - but don't get stuck on the mountain after dark, as it would be harder to navigate, find footing, and safely come down the rocky trail. Talk about rocky and sideways steep, the trail is not well suited for those with poor balance, weak ankles or knees, or those with faint of heart. Although I thought the trail or route itself was mostly safe, you do have to go through a lot of rocks and scree and even couple of short sections of hopping boulders up to several feet across. The middle part has lots of rocks, and one section has rocks held back by wire mesh but still sliding across the trail, but a use "trail" goes around and below it. Good thing there was no earthquake here when i went across that. The final part to the low walled square structure, at top, you have to climb down a little and back up, unless you want to hop over narrow slanted boulders with class 3 exposure. Wear sturdy shoes, unless you're light weight and have good balance.

Was told that this trail would not disappoint for a little challenge. The rangers weren't kidding..😅..it's one of there "moderate" trails. Just keep in mind it'll be a rocky one..💪..trail has plenty of rocks, majority of the trail. Watch your step my buddy called it #anklebreaker. Enjoyed the hike we made it to the very top and you'll know when you get there. Map we had didn't have the extended trail we continued to the top. Half way up, the view will definitely given an idea where the mountain got it's name. At the very top, a very beautiful view of Mount Shasta and it's near by cities.

Nice lil hike. Couldn't reach the summit. Lots of snow at the midway switch back.

This is a rating for the trailhead. The trail is great, but the trailhead itself is pretty cramped and there are no amenities. So be prepared and bring solid shoes and water.

Great hike! Incredible views and interesting rocky terrain. Wear good hiking shoes with ankle support.

A great exercise hike. Pretty constant grade plus good balance testing on rocks. I have mild brain damage so I found it to be a good challenge. It is a great hike for the cardio minded.