California · Hiking

White River

5.0 mi
round trip
1,140 ft
climb
4,174 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is White River open right now?

Closure in the area

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

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

White River is a 5-mile out-and-back hike in the Western Divide Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 3,025 feet to about 4,174 feet, with an elevation gain of 1,140 feet one way, and is rated moderate. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. That makes it a flexible option for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Glennville weather station show May highs around 72°F and October highs around 73°F, while July and August average about 89°F. That station sits roughly 1,000 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. Dark Canyon starts just 0.1 mile away, and Frog Meadow and Cattle Run are both within about 2 miles. For an overnight base, Poso Guard Station Cabin is about 2.8 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit White River

    Best months: February–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

      57° / 28°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      57° / 30°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      60° / 32°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      64° / 35°

      6 wet

    5. May

      72° / 41°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 46°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 52°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 50°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 45°

      1 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 38°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 32°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 27°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Glennville, CA, 9.1 mi away at 3,140 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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