Hiking
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers over 2,000 miles of non-motorized trails to be enjoyed by hikers and equestrians. This includes four National Recreation Trails (Mt. Charleston, Toiyabe Crest, Tahoe Rim, and Ruby Crest), three National Historic Trails (California, Pony Express, and Old Spanish) and the Pacific Crest Trail, a National Scenic Trail. Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there Forest’s trails offer ample choices for all, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Backpacking
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
General Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Angel Creek Campground
Angel Creek Campground is located on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Mountain Range, just eight miles southwest of Wells, Nev. It sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The campground is…
Angel Creek Picnic Site
Angel Creek Picnic Site is co-located with the Angel Creek Campground, on the grassy foothills of the East Humboldt Mountain Range, just eight miles southwest of Wells, Nev. It sits at an elevation…
Angel Lake Campground
The campground is next to Angel Lake, and flanked by glacial cirques. Non-motorized boating (canoeing) in Angel Lake, and fishing for rainbow, brook, and tiger trout are popular activities in the…
Angel Lake Picnic Site
The Angel Lake Picnic Area is located adjacent to Angel Lake, a small, blue jewel nestled in the East Humboldt Range. Angel Lake is the only alpine lake accessible by paved road in the area. This…
Armstrong Pass Trailhead
The Armstrong Pass Trailhead is located off CA-89 on Forest Road 31051 (Horse Meadows Rd.), near South Lake Tahoe, California. The Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed via the Horse Meadows Trail in this…
Barley Creek Trailhead/Campground
The Barley Creek Campground is co-located with the Barley Creek Trailhead near the Table Mountain Wilderness. Trails just outside of the trailhead/campground lead into the Table Mountain Wilderness…
Belmont Campground
Rustic with limited amenities, near historic town of Belmont, Nevada.
Berry Creek Dispersed Campground
This disperse campground has picnic tables and campfire rings. At this campground, recreation activities include river/stream fishing, mountain biking, backpack/day hiking, horseback riding,…
Big Bend Campground
The Big Bend Campground is a 15 unit site that is popular with hunters and OHV users. The mining town site of Gold Creek, within the Island Mountain Mining District, is 5 miles south of Big Bend on…
Big Canyon Trailhead
Access/entry point to the Mt. Moriah Wilderness.