California · Hiking

Dark Canyon

2.1 mi
round trip
723 ft
climb
4,898 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jan–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Dark Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sequoia National Forest. It doesn't name Dark Canyon, 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.

Dark Canyon is a 2.06-mile out-and-back hike in the Western Divide Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest in California. The trail climbs from about 4,144 feet to roughly 4,898 feet, with a total elevation gain of 723 feet, and it's rated easy. The trail is on natural surface and allows horses, so it works for hikers and riders alike. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is open year-round. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 71°F in May and 73°F in October, with summer highs climbing into the upper 80s. White River starts just 0.1 mile away, and Frog Meadow, Cattle Run and Deer Creek are all within about 2.2 miles. For an overnight stay, Poso Guard Station Cabin sits about 2.6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jan–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Dark Canyon

    Best months: January–June and September–November. 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

      55° / 32°

    2. Feb

      56° / 32°

    3. Mar

      58° / 35°

    4. Apr

      63° / 37°

    5. May

      71° / 43°

    6. Jun

      82° / 51°

    7. Jul

      88° / 57°

    8. Aug

      89° / 56°

    9. Sep

      84° / 51°

    10. Oct

      73° / 45°

    11. Nov

      63° / 38°

    12. Dec

      54° / 32°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Loraine 5 Nne, CA, 34.2 mi away at 4,235 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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