California · Hiking

Gillem Bluff Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca

Gillem Bluff Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
0.7 mi
round trip
409 ft
climb
4,485 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Is Gillem Bluff Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca open right now?

No closures listed

The National Park Service lists no closures for Lava Beds National Monument.

As of · Source: NPS · Lava Beds National Monument. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

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. 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, pets and bicycles are not permitted on any park trails, on in non-developed area or caves. 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. Carry plenty of water regardless of trail length—no surface water exists at Lava Beds. Watch for rattlesnakes and wear sunscreen and a hat in summer. Be prepared for sudden weather changes any time of year. Pets, bicycles, hunting, and motorized vehicles are not permitted in wilderness areas. No person may camp in a nondeveloped 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, open fires are not allowed at any time in the backcountry. Gas stoves are permitted. Other restrictions may apply during extreme fire conditions—please check with a ranger. Camping in or within 50 yards (46 km) of caves or in the vicinity of chimneys is not permitted. 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. Carry first aid supplies and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Off-trail hiking is not recommended, 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.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Gillem Bluff Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca

    Best months: May–June and September–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

      43° / 23°

      10 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      52° / 28°

      11 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 31°

      10 wet · 4 snow

    5. May

      66° / 38°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      76° / 44°

      6 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 52°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 51°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 45°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 36°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      50° / 27°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      41° / 22°

      9 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lava Beds Nat Mon, CA, 8.9 mi away at 4,770 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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