California · Hiking · Near Yosemite Valley

Skelton Creek

5.0 mi
round trip
1,284 ft
climb
3,555 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Skelton Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Skelton Creek, 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.

Skelton Creek is a 5-mile out-and-back hike in the Bass Lake Ranger District of Sierra National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of about 2,265 feet to a high of about 3,555 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,284 feet. It is a moderate route on natural surface, and bikes are allowed. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically late spring and early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 70°F and October highs around 71°F, while July and August average highs near 89°F. The trail is open year-round. Jerseydale campground and the Windlass Ridge Trail are both about 1.7 miles away, and the Footman Trail is about 1.1 miles off. Dirt Flat campground lies roughly 6.8 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Jerseydale

    Campground

    Campground · 1.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Canyon Bar & Grill

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 6 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Roosevelt Point

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Scenic viewpoint in Yosemite National Park

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Yosemite Valley

Local outfitters

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

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

    Best time to visit Skelton Creek

    Best months: March–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

      48° / 29°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      51° / 30°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      57° / 33°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      63° / 38°

      8 wet

    5. May

      70° / 45°

      6 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 51°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 57°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 57°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 51°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 41°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 32°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yosemite Park Hq, CA, 18.7 mi away at 4,018 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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