California · Hiking · Near Bear Valley

Lower Relief

1.5 mi
round trip
252 ft
climb
8,679 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Lower Relief open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Lower Relief, 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.

Lower Relief is an easy out-and-back hike of about 1.5 miles in the Summit Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail gains about 250 feet from its low point at 8,411 feet to a high of 8,679 feet, and it sits on natural surface. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. That makes it a simple ride for anyone on horseback, while mountain bikers can look to the nearby Salt Spring Trail 823023010602, just 0.2 miles away, or Salt Spring Trail 458354010602 at about 1.2 miles. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. A nearby weather station at a similar elevation records typical July highs around 71°F and lows near 38°F, while winter brings typical highs in the low 40s and lows below freezing. The trail is open year-round. For a longer stay, Deadman campground is about 3.3 miles away and Baker campground about 3.7 miles. Summit Creek offers canoeing at roughly 3.6 miles.

Around this trail

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

    Deadman

    Campground

    Campground · 3.3 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Last Chance Saloon

    Bar

    On your way back · 3 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Lower Relief

    Best months: June–September. 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

      41° / 13°

    2. Feb

      38° / 12°

    3. Mar

      42° / 15°

    4. Apr

      45° / 22°

    5. May

      54° / 27°

    6. Jun

      65° / 33°

    7. Jul

      71° / 38°

    8. Aug

      70° / 36°

    9. Sep

      65° / 32°

    10. Oct

      57° / 26°

    11. Nov

      47° / 20°

    12. Dec

      40° / 12°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tuolumne Meadows Rs, CA, 35.5 mi away at 8,694 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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