This is the last day of a gorgeous Memorial Day Weekend. In the midst of reflecting on what the day commemorates, getting outside appreciating the beauty of the land that we have been blessed with is certainly appropriate. As this time comes to a close, it is a good opportunity to enjoy another spectacular Mount Shasta sunset. Of course, many of the most popular trails, like Heart Lake, can get pretty busy. If you want to enjoy solitude and still take in the stunning alpenglow display, there are still numerous trails in the Mount Shasta area from which to enjoy the spectacle.
With all the people attempting to climb Mount Shasta right now, as well as hikers using the trailhead, Bunny Flat can seem like a real zoo. However, heading up on the Green Butte Ridge Trail will quickly leave the vast majority of the crowd behind and it is likely that you can have a grand seat to the sunset display from the ridge above Avalanche Gulch. Snow may still be lingering at the uppermost elevations of the path but one does not need to climb too high before getting a grand vista. It is a memorable way to watch the color on the mountain.
Pacific Crest Trail To Seven Lakes Basin
This is a popular trail but it is likely that most people will have headed home by the time one heads out in the afternoon to watch the sunset. The PCT from Gumboot Saddle is a gently undulating trail that heads along the spine of the Trinity Divide. Situated high above the headwaters of the South Fork of the Sacramento River, it boasts a prime vantage from which to watch the evening light on Mount Shasta. With its gentle grade and short distance to grand views, this is an easy hike to take kids on too, giving the little ones a chance to appreciate an alpine sunset.
The Scott Mountains don’t get too much attention but they ought to. They extend many of the best characteristics of the Trinity Divide several miles to the west, connecting the might Trinity Alps. The easiest trail in the range to reach is also one of the least used, leading to the small but beautiful Caldwell Lakes. On the way up, the path features staggering views of both Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy. Climbing to the rocky knoll above the trail as it passes by Lower Caldwell Lake will bring hikers one of the finest sunset views around. You are guaranteed splendid isolation here, and a majestic setting in which to enjoy it!
Hike Mt. Shasta 
Plan to arrive at your viewpoint as much as 90 minutes before sunset and stay at least 10 minutes after the sun has set and no longer illuminates the buttes and pinnacles in the canyon, don’t rush off —the sky may light up red, pink or orange.