Most people driving up to the trailhead stop for coffee and a pastry, then run out of energy somewhere around 9,000 feet. A pastry is sugar with nothing behind it. What you want is something with fat and protein that keeps releasing for a few hours.
We open at 8am, which for most of the popular routes means you can eat a real breakfast and still be at the trailhead early.
What to eat before a long hike
The pattern that works is slow carbohydrate plus fat plus some protein, eaten 60 to 90 minutes before you start climbing. That timing matters as much as the food does — eat immediately before and your body is still working on digestion when you want blood going to your legs.
- Avocado toast with a hard boiled egg. Multigrain sourdough is the slow carbohydrate, avocado is the fat, egg is the protein. This is the most straightforward pre-hike plate we make.
- An acai bowl with granola and nut butter. Lighter on the stomach than it looks, and the granola and nut butter keep it from being a sugar spike.
- A smoothie with protein. Easiest option if you're someone who can't eat much early. Liquid calories sit better at 6am than a full plate.
What to skip: anything heavy and greasy, and anything that's mostly sugar. Both will find you about two hours in.
Timing your morning
Bunny Flat is roughly a 20 minute drive from downtown. Gray Butte and South Gate are a little further. If you're eating here at 8am you're parked and walking well before the mid-morning crowd, which on a summer weekend is the difference between a parking spot and a half-mile walk up the road.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Starting early isn't just about parking.
What travels well in a pack
Not everything survives a few hours in a daypack. These do:
- Whole fruit and nuts — obvious, but hard to beat
- A bagel sandwich wrapped tight, eaten within a few hours
- Anything out of the grab-and-go fridge that isn't dressed
Kombucha is carbonated, so a bottle that's been jostling in a pack all morning will want to open itself. Pour it into something with a lid, or save it for when you come back down.
FAQ
What time does Alua's Thrive Bar open?
We're open 8am to 5pm, seven days a week, at 315 Chestnut Street in downtown Mount Shasta.
Is there parking near the cafe?
Yes. There's street parking on Chestnut and in the surrounding downtown blocks, and it's rarely a problem in the morning.
Can I order ahead before an early hike?
Yes — you can order online through Toast and pick it up on your way through town, which is the fastest option if you're trying to get to the trailhead early.
Do you have vegan and gluten-free options?
Yes. A good portion of the menu is vegan or can be made vegan, and we have gluten-friendly options. Ask at the counter and we'll point you at what works.