Lassen 2009, Day 7 - Cinder Cone

I have always considered Cinder Cone to be one of the highlights of any trip to Lassen. Cinder Cone itself resembles a 700' high ant hill, and the trail up it is about as steep as they could build it at 22 degrees (which is about a 40% grade--a steep grade on an interstate highway is typically more like 6-7%). As a result, climbing up it is a bit challenging, as you tend to slide backwards a bit with each step up, much like you would climbing a sand dune. Once you get to the top, however, you get spectacular views of the brilliant reds and oranges in The Painted Dunes, as well as great views of the Fantastic lava Beds.