California · Hiking

Bear Trap

8.8 mi
round trip
1,328 ft
climb
7,806 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Bear Trap open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sequoia National Forest. It doesn't name Bear Trap, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sequoia National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bear Trap is a hard hike in the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 8.8 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,328 feet, and it follows a natural surface. It is an out-and-back route, starting and ending at the same point, with the low point at about 6,594 feet and the high point at about 7,806 feet. The trail is open to both horses and bikes, and it is not an accessible trail. That makes it a good fit for riders and pack animals, but not for visitors who need accessible access. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Lodgepole weather station, about 41 miles away, show July and August highs around 76°F with lows in the mid-40s and only a couple of wet days a month. Winter brings highs in the upper 30s and regular snow days. Several other trails start close by, including Bonita Flat and Beach Meadow, each about 0.1 mile away, and Beach Trail at about 0.3 mile. For an overnight stay, Troy Meadow Campground is about 5.3 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Bear Trap

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      39° / 17°

      9 wet · 8 snow

    2. Feb

      41° / 18°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    3. Mar

      45° / 22°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    4. Apr

      50° / 26°

      8 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      58° / 33°

      5 wet · 2 snow

    6. Jun

      68° / 40°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      76° / 46°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 44°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 39°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 31°

      4 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      47° / 23°

      6 wet · 4 snow

    12. Dec

      37° / 17°

      8 wet · 6 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lodgepole, CA, 41 mi away at 6,735 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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