Red Lake Trail


Red Lake Trailhead

Infrequently traveled, the primitive trail to Red Lake is steep, rugged and un-maintained. At times it is difficult to locate. Be prepared to navigate with the aid of a topographic map. A pre-dawn start is recommended during the summer. The alpine lake at the end of the trail and Split Mountain are popular with mountaineers. The dirt road to this trailhead is rocky and challenging even for high clearance 4WD vehicles. You will need a good map of the dirt roads in this area.

Note: You cannot reach Red Lake trailhead via Tinemaha County Campground (private property with locked gate). Do not trespass.

Common Destinations: Red Lake, Split Mountain

Download area map for trail names.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

Red Lake Trail Recreation Guide (pdf)

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Weather
Rough high clearance 4x4 road beyond McMurry Meadow. Road from Tinemaha is closed to public.
Reservations: Reserve up to 6 months in advance at www.Recreation.gov
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permits are required year round for overnight trips.
  • Day use does not require a permit.
  • May 1 through November 1 quoat limits visitors to 8 people per day.
Busiest Season: July-August
Restrictions:
Closest Towns:
  • Big Pine, CA (gas, food, lodging)
  • Bishop, CA (full service, hospital)
Restroom: Bury human waste away from water sources.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center: Maps
  • USDA Forest Service: A Guide to the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness
  • USGS Quad: Split Mountain and Fish Springs
  • National Geographic: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
  • Tom Harrison: Kings Canyon High Country; Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Pa

General Information

Directions:

From US Highway 395 in Big Pine, CA:

  • Turn west on to Crocker St. (Glacier Lodge Rd.)
  • In 2.5 miles turn left onto McMurry Meadows Road.
  • Drive on McMurry Meadows Rd. for 7.6 miles and turn left (east) at a junction, onto 33E301.
  • The road continues for 1.5 miles before curving south.
  • After .6 miles, turn right (west) on 33E301. The trailhead is in 2.3 miles.

4Wheel Drive high clearance vehicle are recommended.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Red Lake has fishing for Golden Trout in this hard to reach Lake.

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Permit required?: Y

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.035699

  Longitude : 
-118.358948

  Elevation : 
6,621ft. at trail head.