Trail Conditions

Bridge washed out along the Rae Lakes Loop

The South Fork Kings River Bridge above Paradise Valley washed out during the winter of 2016-2017. Construction of a replacement bridge will not begin before 2020. Depending on conditions, crossing the South Fork of the Kings River can be extremely hazardous. Observe conditions carefully and then evaluate the risk of crossing. Be prepared to turn back. If you hike the Rae Lakes Loop beginning from Bubbs Creek, plan for the possibility that you may have to backtrack to safely reach Cedar Grove.

 

Mather Pass

Jessie Wheeler

Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. There are very few of these rangers in the field during the shoulder seasons and none in the winter months. Do not rely on regular updates during this time of year. Also, conditions are continuously changing so please be prepared for inclement weather. Winter storms start early in the High Sierra and can surprise unaware wilderness travelers, so please be prepared. Consider all possibilities before you head out on your trip and check out the Trail Safety page for more information on the potential hazards of wilderness travel. For the most up to date information on frontcountry trails, check in at the visitor center closest to your trailhead.

You can help us by sending an email to report trail conditions. For more information please call the Wilderness Office at [phone].

For snowpack data, visit the California Department of Water Resources snow survey website.

 

Cedar Grove and Roads End

Wilderness Trails

Avalanche Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Lewis Creek and Kennedy Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Copper Creek and Granite Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Woods Creek, Bubbs Creek, and Glen Pass (Rae Lakes Loop)

5/3 -The bridge over South Fork Kings River above Paradise Valley is washed out. Expect impassable or extremely hazardous conditions. Camping in the Lower Paradise Valley for the 6 miles along the Woods Creek Trail is closed due to hazard trees. The designated camp sites in Lower Paradise Valley, along the South Fork of the Kings River, are temporarily closed to all camping.This closure will remain in effect until camping sites can be inspected and known hazard trees removed. Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Frontcountry Trails

Hotel Creek

5/3- Due to hazard trees, we do not recommend hiking the Hotel Creek Trail at this time. Use extreme caution between the overlook junction the the Hotel and Lewis Creek trails junction; dead trees and hanging dead branches may fall at any time.

Kings Canyon- West of Sierra Crest

Wilderness Trails

East Lake

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Goddard Canyon

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Grant Grove and Jennie Lakes Wilderness Area

Wilderness Trails

Big Meadows Road

5/3 - Currently closed

JO Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Seville, Ranger, and Lost Lakes and Belle Canyon

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Redwood Canyon

5/6 - Redwood Canyon Road is open. Trails are snow-free.

Sugarloaf Valley and Roaring River

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Weaver Lake: camp at least 100ft away from lake

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Jennie Lake: camp at least 100ft away from lake

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Frontcountry Trails

Panoramic Point

5/6 - Panoramic Point Road is snow-free, but open to hiking/walking only. There is snow on the trail between the parking lot and Panoramic Point.

Lodgepole, Wolverton, and Crescent Meadow

Wilderness Trails

Twin Lakes Trail

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Alta Peak Trail

5/3 - We recommend wearing snowshoes beyond Congress Trail. Many creeks are running high. Please use extreme caution at the crossing near the Washington Tree, and near all water as currents are swift and cold from snow runoff. Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Lakes Trail (Pear Lake)

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Tablelands

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

High Sierra Trail

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. The trail is relatively snow-free through Panther Creek. Bearpaw is reachable by compacted snow. Merten Creek is running very quickly, but is passable if crossed slowly and carefully. Many other creeks are also running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Copper Mine Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Colby Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Elizabeth Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Foothills

Wilderness Trails

Middle Fork Trail

5/8 - Trail is in good condition. Panther Creek and Eagle/Granite Creek are passable by wading only. Methren Creek is able to be crossed utilizing rocks/logs. Eagle/Granite Creek will need to be waded. Trail is impassible to stock due to fallen trees ~1 mile past Panther Creek, significant dead-fall just past Methren Creek, and 1.5 miles past Buck Creek. Slight overgrowth in areas feels a bit like bushwhacking, but not strenuous. Slight washout of trail between Panther and Methren creeks. A moderate-sized boulder approximately 300 yards up trail from Buck Creek shifted. Lots of small branches strewn across trail from 1 mile past Panther Creek to Redwood Meadow. Snow past Eagle/Granite Creek was knee-deep to mid thigh post-holing. Middle Fork Road to the trailhead is closed. When open, high clearance vehicles are recommended due to deep ruts in the road.

Garfield Grove Trail (South Fork)

5/8 - Heavy snow at 7,200 feet elevation. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Ladybug Trail (South Fork)

5/8 - Several trees have fallen across the trail, but almost all are passable without having to go around. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Lower Colony Mill Trail (North Fork)

5/3 - No reports at this time.

Frontcountry Trails

Marble Falls

5/8- The trail is impassable 100 yards from Marble Falls due to fallen trees. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Paradise Creek

5/8- Be cautious of potential hazard trees, which may drop branches or fall. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff.

Mineral King and Kern Canyon

The road into Mineral King is now closed for the season. Ask at the Foothills Visitor Center for access past Lookout Point Gate (no winter access past Conifer Gate).

Wilderness Trails

Paradise Ridge Trail

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Lake basins above Mineral King Valley are covered in snow. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 8,000 feet.

Timber Gap

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Lake basins above Mineral King Valley are covered in snow. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution water as is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 8,000 feet.

Tar Gap

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Lake basins above Mineral King Valley are covered in snow. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 8,000 feet.

Black Rock Pass

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Lake basins above Mineral King Valley are covered in snow. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 8,000 feet.

Glacier Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Lake basins above Mineral King Valley are covered in snow. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Sawtooth Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Farewell Gap

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Franklin Lakes and Franklin Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

White Chief, Eagle Lake, and Mosquito Lakes

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Atwell/Hockett Trail

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Sierra Crest and East Side (Inyo National Forest)

For more information on trails starting on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, contact the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Office at [phone].

Bishop Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Mather Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Upper Basin

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Piute Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Muir Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Lamarck Col

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Pinchot Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Taboose Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Sawmill Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Baxter Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Kearsarge Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Forester Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Shepherd Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Mount Whitney Trail

5/8 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Snow and ice travel skills and equipment are required for this trail. There is shallow to deep snow and ice between Trail Crest and the summit. There is deep snow on the Inyo National Forest segment of Trail Crest as well as in the Whitney Creek drainage. Many creeks are running high. Please use caution as water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Army Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

New Army Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Cottonwood Pass

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Kern Canyon

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

Rock Creek

5/3 - Snowline is between 7000-8000 ft elevation. Many creeks are running high use caution water is swift and cold from snow runoff. Expect snowy conditions above 10,000 feet.

 

New Army Pass

Photo by N. Ver

 

Drift Fences

You may encounter "drift fences", in the wilderness. These fences are utilized to keep stock animals (horses, mules, and/or llamas) from roaming freely and impacting ecologically sensitive areas. Each fence has either a sliding pole or swinging gate across the trail for visitors to pass through. Please close all gates behind you to protect wilderness resources.