California · Hiking · Near Bear Valley

Hells Mountain

5.5 mi
round trip
821 ft
climb
7,607 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Hells Mountain open right now?

Closure in the area

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

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

Hells Mountain is a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike in the Mi-Wok Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 6,756 feet to 7,607 feet, with an 821-foot gain, and is rated moderate. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. The trip is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 75°F with only about one wet day a month, while winter highs sit in the mid-40s. Rock Creek/mud Lake, a mountain biking area, is just 0.1 mile away, and the Box Spring hike is 0.4 mile off. Sonora Pass Highway (108), about 4 miles away, offers climbing, and Pinecrest campground is roughly 5 miles from the summit.

Around this trail

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

    Pine Valley Horse Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 3.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Locals Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 4 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Junkyardsparkle, CC0 (commons)

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Hells Mountain

    Best months: May–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

      44° / 32°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 31°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 32°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 36°

      8 wet

    5. May

      58° / 43°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 52°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 60°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      75° / 59°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 54°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      60° / 46°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 37°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 32°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yosemite Village 12 W, CA, 26.2 mi away at 6,620 ft. The station sits about 1,000 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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