Haystack Butte

Haystack Butte

Haystack Butte Trail – Mount Shasta Wilderness

Location: Montague, CA
Length: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Hiking trails, backpacking, wilderness, bird watching, dogs allowed, wildlife observation, horseback riding

About the Haystack Butte Trail

The Haystack is a small volcanic dome with stunning scenery of the massive, snowy plateau of Mount Shasta. Haystack Trail offers a 2.55-mile hike touring the Haystack’s summit plateau, with spectacular sceneries seen in all directions such as Mount Shasta, the Shasta Valley, and the Klamath Mountains.

Trails In The Mount Shasta Wilderness

The Haystack Butte emerges from the sloping valley at the north of Mouth Shasta. The Haystack Butte Trail begins on the high side of the slope from Highway 97. Once you get there, you will observe that the Haystack is actually bigger than the trailhead appears to be. Since the trailhead begins from the southern side, the change in elevation needed to reach the peak of Haystack Butte is less than it would have been from any other side, with an ascent of 375 feet. The trail is primarily enjoyed for hiking, walking, and nature trips by families or group of adventurous friends.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Bring Lots of Water

It is recommended to bring lots of water, especially if you’re a heavy hiker.  You will surely need it along the way – considering the location’s overall trail.

2) Take A Break Enjoy The Scenery

Some hikers are too focused on the trail that they forget to pause and look around the beauty of nature. Never miss the opportunity to feed your eyes with Haystack’s majestic sceneries.

3) Wear Light and Comfortable Gear

It is extremely important to wear the right outfit and gear when hiking on the Haystack Butte trail, as it will allow you to move easily. For example, a heavy backpack will eventually cause you to grow tired quickly. This is also true when it comes to wearing slippery footwear.