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California
245 ft
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Big Nasty Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
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No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p>A loop trail, Big Nasty is 2 miles (3.2 km) long. Named after a brush-covered rough lava area just to the north— “it is big and it is nasty!” From the Mammoth Crater/Hidden Valley pullout, the trail starts along the crater rim. Turn left from the Mammoth Crater Trail.<br /> <br /> <strong>Due to the impacts of the 2021 Antelope Fire we ask that visitors stay on the marked trail. </strong></p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting historic sites and geological features. Due to resource concerns, <strong>pets and bicycles are not permitted on any park trails, on in non-developed area or caves.</strong> All trails cross or enter the non-developed backcountry, while the long trails are primarily in designated wilderness areas. The trails in this bulletin are arranged by their distance from the visitor center. <strong>Carry plenty of water</strong> regardless of trail length—no surface water exists at Lava Beds. Watch for <strong>rattlesnakes </strong>and wear <strong>sunscreen </strong>and a hat in summer. Be prepared for sudden weather changes any time of year.</p> <p><strong>Pets, bicycles, hunting, and motorized vehicles are not permitted </strong>in wilderness areas. No person may camp in a non-developed or wilderness area with a group size of more than twelve, including horses and pack animals. Due to the dry nature of Lava Beds, especially in summer, <strong>open fires are not allowed at any time</strong> in the backcountry. Gas stoves are permitted. Other restrictions may apply during extreme fire conditions—please check with a ranger. <strong>Camping in or within 50 yards (46 km) of caves or in the vicinity of chimneys is not permitted</strong>. Camping within 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of roads, trailheads, and parking areas is also prohibited. Check at the visitor center for current weather information. <strong>Carry first aid supplies and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return</strong>. <strong>Off-trail hiking is not recommended</strong>, as lava terrain is very rough. Please remember to leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave what you find. All historic and prehistoric objects, plants, animals, and rocks are protected. Please store your food securely and do not share your lunch with any wild animals.</p>
Heppe Cave Trail Start, Tulelake, CA
~1 min drive
<p><strong>Heppe Cave Trail</strong> can be found on the road to Mammoth Crater. This 0.4-mile (0.6 km) trail begins under tall Ponderosa pines. As you reach the end of the trail, you will view an enormous collapse. Follow the trail into Heppe Ice Cave that has a large opening…
Whitney Butte Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~4 min drive
<p>From Merrill Cave parking area to the west boundary of the monument, this trail crosses the wilderness in an east-west direction, curving around Whitney Butte. Enjoy an impressive view of Mount Shasta and the Callahan Lava Flow. This trail is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) one way.<br…
Bunchgrass Trail Start, Tulelake, CA
~5 min drive
<p>Start across from Site B-7 in the campground. Follow along the northeast side of Crescent Butte to the park road. Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) long.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting historic sites and geo…
Missing Link Trail Start, Tulelake, CA
~5 min drive
<p>This trail links the Three Sisters Trail to the Bunchgrass Trail, creating a 10-mile (16km) loop. Missing Link begins on the Bunchgrass Trail about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from B-Loop in the campground. Hike on the Missing Link Trail for 0.7 mile (1.1 km) to reach the Skull Cave…
Symbol Bridge Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~5 min drive
<p>Winding 0.8 miles (1.3 km) past interesting lava tube collapses and other features, this trail leads to many fine pictographs at the bridge and cave. Take the Skull Cave road to the first parking area and trailhead. Across the road from the Symbol Bridge Trail, you will fin…
Lyons Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~6 min drive
<p>A former monument road, this trail crosses park wilderness from south to north between the Skull Cave parking area and Hospital Rock. It is 9.4 miles (15.2 km) long.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting histor…
Schonchin Butte Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~6 min drive
<p>This trail climbs 0.7 miles (1.4 km) to the fire lookout and a panoramic view. Trail has a 500 -foot elevation gain. You can be a guest of the lookout on duty in summer. Please stay on the designated trail and do not shortcut switchbacks.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking…
Three Sisters Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~7 min drive
<p>Entered at the campground from A-Loop, this trail loops out into the wilderness and returns to the Skull Cave Road. It is 8.7 miles (14.0 km) long.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting historic sites and geolo…
Thomas-Wright Battlefield Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~9 min drive
<p>Volcanism and history are featured here. The hike onto Black Crater is less than 0.3 miles (0.5 km) by bearing right. The battlefield is 1.1 miles (1.8km) one way. View fine wildflower displays in season.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails ar…
Gillem Bluff Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~16 min drive
<p>This trail climbs 550 feet in elevation over 0.7 miles (1.1 km) to the top of Gillem Bluff (Sheepy Ridge), for a view of Gillems Camp and the surrounding landscape.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting histori…
