California · Hiking · John Muir Wilderness · Near Bishop

French Canyon

French CanyonPhoto: Jesse Wagstaff, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
9.8 mi
round trip
1,671 ft
climb
11,129 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is French Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name French Canyon, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

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

French Canyon is a hard hike in the John Muir Wilderness, part of the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest in California. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is a natural-surface out-and-back that climbs from about 9,449 feet to about 11,129 feet over roughly 9.8 miles. The one-way gain is 1,671 feet. The trail is rated hard, and it is not accessible. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The route lies entirely within designated wilderness, so plan for a backcountry experience. For timing, late summer and early fall are the most comfortable months. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show September highs around 70°F and July highs near 80°F, with July and August the warmest. Lower Honeymoon Lake is about a mile away, and Merrian Lake and the Golden Trout Lake Trail are within 2 miles. North Lake Campground, about 9 miles off, offers a place to stay.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    North Lake Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 8.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    The Waterfront Café

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 10 mi
  • If it rains

    Paiute-Shoshone Indian Cultural Center

    Museum

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bishop

Local outfitters

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

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