Summary 
| Difficulty | 5 Advanced |
| Length | 4.6 round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6750 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1200, -1200 round trip |
| Navigation | Road and map |
| Time | Half 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 | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center located one mile past the Southwest Entrance Station. |
Description
The summit of Diamond Peak is a spectacular destination. Its small, knife-edged summit gives you a magnificent 360-degree vista, an opportunity to explore the lay-of-the-land from a great height, and the feeling that you are in more remote surroundings.
While the direct route described in this tour is relatively straight forward to follow, the ascent once you have left the security of Lassen Park Road is steep, and the final 0.1 mile extremely dangerous. The steep terrain, wind-packed snow, and icy conditions create hazardous skiing for even expert skiers. It is also very important not to attempt the peak when avalanche conditions exist. Nevertheless, Diamond Peak is an extraordinarily fine destination when conditions are just right.
The route described in this tour is the most direct route to the summit of Diamond Peak. An easier route, but longer, is described in the Diamond Peak From Diamond Peak Saddle tour. That tour includes an alternate return via the direct route described here thereby creating a loop.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.7
Elevation change: +200
From the trailhead (1) ski north on Lassen Park Road for 0.7 mile until you reach the bridge (2) across West Sulphur Creek. The bridge is the turnoff point for Ridge Lakes tour.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.7 - 0.8
Elevation change: +50
Ski northeast on Lassen Park Road for 0.1 mile until you reach the Sulphur Works (3). At the Sulphur Works, an active hydrothermal area, you can hike the short nature trail (boardwalks) located on the north (left) side of the road. The Sulphur Works Cutoff tour also begins here. The cutoff shortens the tour to Emerald Lake and Lake Helen by 2.1 miles and bypasses the portion of Lassen Park Road east of Diamond Peak that is prone to avalanche.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 0.8 - 1.5
Elevation change: +100
Ski southeast on Lassen Park Road for 0.7 mile until you reach Brokeoff Mountain Viewpoint (4). The viewpoint, also called Windy Point, offers an excellent view to the west of Brokeoff Mountain, the largest remaining part of Mt. Tehama, an 11,000-foot volcano.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 1.5 - 2.2
Elevation change: +700
Leave the road to the north and climb north on the obvious ridge for 0.7 mile until you reach the west ridge of Diamond Peak (5). The route up the ridge is often referred to as the Ranger Cutoff.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 2.2 - 2.3
Elevation change: +150
Ascend to the southeast, slightly on the south side of the ridge, for 0.1 mile to the summit of Diamond Peak (6).
Return to the trailhead
Miles: 2.3 - 4.6
Elevation change: -1200
Retrace your route for 2.3 miles to the trailhead (1).
