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Trinity Alps Wilderness
The second largest wilderness area in California, the Trinity Alps Wilderness nearly doubled in size by the 1984 California Wilderness Act. In that same year, it was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. It currently has over 600 miles of trails and embraces over 500,000 acres of land.
Chiseled granite peaks and alpine lakes dot the Trinity Alps Wilderness, with elevations from 2,000 feet in creek drainages to 9,000 feet at summits. This wilderness offers many different trails ranging from 1.5 miles to 15 miles at varying levels of difficulty.
Management of the Wilderness is shared by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Klamath National Forest, and the Six Rivers National Forest. Information about this wilderness can be found at wilderness.net, a website jointly managed by the University of Montana and the four federal agencies that manage Wilderness.
Trail and Lake Information PDF
Please practice Leave No Trace ethics while in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Leave No Trace describes how to dispose of waste properly, where to travel and camp and other ways to minimize your impact on the land and your impact to other hikers.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | This 517,000 acre wilderness changes along with the seasons. For Trail Conditions call 530-623-2121 and listen to recorded message for most common topics. Also, check the Facebook Group (Trinity Alps Wilderness Pictures & Information) for “unofficial” hiker-posted conditions and photos. These are as current as is possible. Purchase a Trinity Alps Wilderness Map https://store.usgs.gov/product/116404 |
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| Operational Hours: | Many trailheads may be inaccessible during winter months |
| Reservations: | No reservations are needed, but some trailheads like Canyon Creek are very popular and parking is limited. Please plan ahead and we encourage you to visit less busy areas during summer weekends, especially holiday weekends. |
| Fees: | No fee for the use of the area |
| Permit Info: | To stay overnight in the Trinity Alps, you will need both a wilderness permit and a campfire permit. These are available at outdoor “kiosks” located at the Weaverville Ranger Station (360 Main St), at the kiosk outside of the Supervisor's Office in Redding (3644 Avtech Parkway), at the Shasta Lake Ranger Station (14225 Holiday Road), and at the Fire Stations (Mule Creek & Coffee Creek off Hwy 3 and Junction City & Big Bar off Hwy 299). Campfire permits are also available online at www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/ Campfire restrictions may be in place so please check before you go! |
| Open Season: | Jan - Dec |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | summer |
| Restrictions: | Groups are limited to 10 persons. Campfire restrictions may be in place so please check before you go! Wilderness travel is limited to foot or horseback. NO gliders, drones, bicycles, motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment of any kind are allowed within the wilderness areas. Wheelchairs are allowed. Please familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace Ethics by taking a course before your trip. |
| Closest Towns: | Weaverville |
| Water: | Please filter all natural water sources |
| Restroom: | Dispose of your human waste |
| Information Center: | Weaverville Ranger Station 360 Main Street P.O. Box 1190 Weaverville, Ca 96093 (530) 623-2121 |
General Information
General Notes:Please practice Leave No Trace ethics while hiking or horseback riding in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Parking:
Parking areas can fill on summer weekends, especially holiday weekends. Please do not block others or any gates, driveways or roadways. Plan ahead and either avoid the wilderness on busy days or make sure you get there early in the day. Carpool with others when possible.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Chiseled granite peaks and alpine lakes dot the Trinity Alps Wilderness, with elevations from 2,000 feet in creek drainages to 9,000 feet at summits.| Elevation desc | 2,000 - 9,000 feet |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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