Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
This trail is used by hikers, horses, motorbikes and mountain bikes through much of the year, but the best time for hikers is between mid-October through mid-July, since the trail is closed to all but hikers. Stay alert while hiking this trail in peak season, but it's all worth the effort — the views you get at the end are magnificent.
If you decide to park a mile from the trailhead (the road gets a little rough past this point), the road walk is relatively flat and offers hikers and drivers wide views into the valley below.
Starting from the trailhead, you’ll start climbing right away into a tall, relatively sparse forest on a dirt trail. You may come across several small streams to hop over, and if you’re hoping to fill up on water, you should have a few options in these first couple miles of the trail, but expect the trail to be dry beyond that.
Just over a mile in, you’ll begin to see a huge talus field through the trees — soon, you’ll be walking through it! The talus field is a great place for a break or for lunch, as you’ll be able to see above the trees, but it’s also very exposed, so make sure to bring your sunscreen.
Head back into the forest, climbing steadily for another 1.5 miles through the forest, with occasional glances at talus fields off to the side. But get excited — at this point, you’ll catch a glimpse on your left of the massive talus field you’ll soon get to climb… And it’s magnificent.
The Chikamin Ridge talus field is the culmination of all the work you put in to climbing to this point, and it’s a beautiful place to stop for a while and take in views of the peaks to the north with the steep Chikamin Ridge to your back. You’ll “only” get one switchback on this field, so enjoy it while you’re here.
Shortly, head back into the forest, and in half a mile, you’ll reach the trail’s junction with the Pong Camp Trail. Continue straight for another 0.1 miles to reach the Upper Mad River Trail, which provides several options to extend your hike, including connections to the Shetipo Trail and Garland Peak Trail.
Trailhead
