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Serpent Lake Trail

About 3.5 miles from the Alamitos Trailhead a spur trail takes a side trip to Serpent Lake. The trail climbs steeply up Jicarita Peak Ridge for another mile. The Jicarita Peak Ridge is barren and exposed and should be avoided during bad weather.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

19

General Information

Attractions and Considerations:

About 3.5 miles from the Alamitos Trailhead a spur trail takes a side trip to Serpent Lake. The trail climbs steeply up Jicarita Peak Ridge for another mile. The Jicarita Peak Ridge is barren and exposed and should be avoided during bad weather.

Recommended Season:

In the summer months the trail can be used for hiking, horseback riding. The trail is used in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Map of Serpent Lake Trail 19

June

Getting There

Directions

This trail climbs from the Serpent Lake Trailhead located at the end of Forest Road 161 to the Jicarita Peak Ridge then descends 1,000 feet in elevation into the East Fork of the Rio Santa Barbara drainage. The 1,000 foot drop into the drainage is steep and difficult.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated July 25, 2025