Summary 
| Difficulty | 5 Advanced |
| Length | 7.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6400 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+2800, -2800 round trip |
| Navigation | Map and compass |
| Time | Full day |
| Season | December through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Lassen Peak |
| Start | Highway 89, 1.0 mile north of the McGowan Road Trailhead, 3.0 miles north of the junction of Highways 36 and 89, and 2.5 miles south of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. There is room to park on the east side of the highway. Additional parking space is located on the east side of the highway and 0.1 mile north. The tour begins on the west side of the highway. |
Description
Brokeoff Mountain, at 9235 feet, may only be the second highest peak in Lassen Park, but many consider its vertical, broke off face as magnificent as monolithic Lassen Peak. The mountain's southwest slope forms a vivid contrast to its vertical face and offers a route for advanced skiers to ascend.
It goes without saying that the views from the summit of Brokeoff Mountain are superb and only surpassed by views from Lassen Peak itself. When you stand on the summit of Brokeoff Mountain you can also look across its face and admire the cornices which overhang. Stay back from the edge.
Although the southwest slope provides a route to the summit, the route can be treacherous when icy and avalanche conditions exist. When conditions are just right, however, the ascent is relatively straightforward and the descent can be a thrilling series of linked turns from the very top. The trailhead is 2800 feet below.
If you want to get hooked on the thought of climbing Brokeoff Mountain, take time to admire the mountain as you drive up Highway 89 toward Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. From the road you get an excellent view of both the vertical face and the southwest facing slope along which you ascend the mountain. Brokeoff Mountain Viewpoint on snow-covered Lassen Park Road also affords an impressive view of the mountain's face.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: +150
From the trailhead (1), climb west up a steep slope for 0.1 mile to a level area (2). Sometimes the snowbank along the road is high and you will need to look for a good spot to get over it.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.1 - 1.6
Elevation change: +600
Ski northwest, at first on a broad ridge, for a total of 1.5 miles until you reach a small lake (3). It is not important that you find the lake; it is simply a waypoint along the climb to the northwest. In this section the climb is modest.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.6 - 2.7
Elevation change: +800
Continue to ski northwest for 1.1 miles until you are directly south of the ridge that ascends Brokeoff Mountain (4). In this section you will pass to the west of two knobs. The low point on the ridge (waypoint 7) between the two knobs, just to the northwest of the southeast knob, is an excellent addition to the tour. Be aware that the east side of the ridge is a steep drop and sometimes corniced. Be careful.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.7 - 3.1
Elevation change: +400
Ski north up a relatively broad ridge for 0.4 mile until the ridge becomes noticeably less broad (5).
