How to Hike the Trinity Ridge Trail

The Trinity Ridge Trail is one of the most demanding and visually stunning backcountry hikes in the Pacific Northwest, offering a rare combination of alpine exposure, panoramic vistas, and rugged solitude. Located in the Trinity Alps Wilderness of Northern California, this 17.5-mile loop traverses a narrow, knife-edge ridge that connects three of the most iconic peaks in the region: Mount Eddy, Mount Bradley, and Trinity Peak. Unlike more popular trails, the Trinity Ridge Trail demands technical navigation, physical endurance, and respect for high-altitude conditions. It is not a casual day hike—it is a serious mountaineering endeavor reserved for experienced hikers with solid route-finding skills and proper gear. For those prepared to meet its challenges, the reward is nothing short of extraordinary: 360-degree views of over 50 alpine lakes, jagged granite spires, and vast wilderness stretching beyond the horizon. Understanding how to hike the Trinity Ridge Trail properly is essential not only for success but for safety. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to prepare for, navigate, and complete this legendary route with confidence and competence.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Planning Your Route and Timing

The Trinity Ridge Trail is not marked with consistent signage and does not follow a traditional trailbed for much of its length. Instead, it is a route that requires navigation using topographic maps, GPS waypoints, and landmark identification. Begin your planning by selecting the optimal season: late July through mid-September is the narrow window when snowpack has sufficiently melted and weather patterns are most stable. Early season hikes risk encountering lingering snowfields on exposed ridges, while late season brings the threat of sudden storms and freezing temperatures.

Most hikers begin at the West Trinity Trailhead, located off Forest Road 23N03, approximately 12 miles north of the town of Trinity Center. This trailhead offers the most direct access to the ridge’s southern approach. Alternatively, some experienced parties start from the Trinity Alps Wilderness Visitor Center near the Sawmill Trailhead, which adds approximately 3 miles of elevation gain before reaching the ridge. Regardless of your start point, the full loop typically takes 2–3 days to complete, with an overnight camp at the base of Mount Eddy or near Lake Isabella.

Use the USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps for the Trinity Alps (Trinity Peak and Mount Eddy quads) and cross-reference them with the latest digital data from CalTopo or Gaia GPS. Download offline maps and mark critical waypoints: the junction where the West Trinity Trail meets the ridge, the traverse between Mount Eddy and Mount Bradley, the descent into the North Fork of the Trinity River, and the final climb up Trinity Peak.

2. Preparing Your Gear

Standard hiking gear is insufficient for the Trinity Ridge Trail. This route demands mountaineering-level equipment. Your pack should include:

• Full mountaineering harness and carabiners for self-belay on exposed sections
• Helmet to protect against falling rock, especially on the ridge’s granite slabs
• Crampons and an ice axe, even in midsummer—snowfields persist in shaded gullies
• Navigation tools: GPS device with pre-loaded waypoints, compass, and paper map (battery-dependent devices can fail)
• Water filtration system: All water sources are glacial-fed and require treatment
• Insulated layers: Temperatures can drop below freezing at night, even in August
• Headlamp with extra batteries: You may be hiking in low light during early morning or late evening transitions
• Emergency bivy sack and space blanket: Weather can shift rapidly, and exposure is life-threatening

Do not underestimate the weight of your pack. A fully loaded system will weigh between 35–45 pounds. Practice carrying this load on steep terrain before attempting the ridge. Strength training focused on core stability, leg endurance, and balance is critical.

3. Starting the Hike: West Trinity Trailhead to the Ridge Junction

Begin at the West Trinity Trailhead at approximately 5,800 feet. The initial 3.2 miles follow the well-maintained West Trinity Trail as it climbs steadily through mixed conifer forest, crossing several small creeks. Watch for the trail’s fork at mile 2.8—take the right-hand path toward “Trinity Ridge” (marked by a faded cairn). This is the last official trail marker you will see for the next 12 miles.

After the fork, the terrain becomes brushy and steep. Ascend 0.7 miles through manzanita and granite outcrops until you reach the ridge’s base at approximately 7,600 feet. Here, the true challenge begins. Look for the first cairn marking the start of the ridge traverse. It is often obscured by summer vegetation. Use your GPS to confirm your position before committing to the exposed ridge.

4. The Ridge Traverse: Mount Eddy to Mount Bradley

The section between Mount Eddy and Mount Bradley is the most technical portion of the hike. The ridge narrows to less than 18 inches in places, with steep drop-offs exceeding 1,000 feet on both sides. The rock is loose in sections—test each handhold and foothold before shifting your weight. Proceed slowly and deliberately. If hiking with a partner, use a rope system for the most exposed 300-yard segment just west of the summit of Mount Eddy.

Summit Mount Eddy (9,039 feet) first. The final 200 feet involve a Class 3 scramble over fractured granite. Use your hands for balance. From the summit, you’ll see the entire ridge ahead: a narrow spine of rock stretching toward Mount Bradley, with Lake Isabella far below to the southeast.

Descend the east slope of Mount Eddy slightly to find the ridge’s continuation. Do not follow the obvious gully—this leads to a dead end. Instead, angle northeast toward a prominent notch in the ridge. This is the key transition point. From here, the route becomes more defined as you climb toward the saddle between Eddy and Bradley. Expect scattered snowfields here even in August.

5. Mount Bradley and the Knife-Edge Traverse

Mount Bradley (8,760 feet) is less technically difficult than Eddy but more exposed. The final ascent is a Class 2+ scramble over loose talus. Once on the summit, take in the view of the Trinity Alps’ central massif. The ridge continues sharply westward, dropping into a deep col before rising again toward Trinity Peak.

The traverse between Bradley and Trinity Peak is where many hikers turn back. The ridge here is narrow, eroded, and littered with unstable rock. The exposure is extreme—there is no safe place to stop or rest. Move one foot at a time. Keep your center of gravity low. If you feel unstable, pause, sit down, and secure yourself with your ice axe before continuing.

Use your GPS to confirm your location against the pre-loaded waypoints. Do not rely on visual landmarks alone; the ridge’s shape can be deceptive. Many hikers mistake a false summit for the true peak of Trinity Peak. The actual summit is 0.3 miles beyond the first high point and is marked by a small, weathered cairn atop a flat granite dome.

6. Descent from Trinity Peak to the North Fork Trail

Descending Trinity Peak requires careful route-finding. Do not attempt to retrace your steps up the ridge. Instead, descend the northwest face toward the North Fork of the Trinity River. Look for a series of faint animal trails and cairns leading down into a broad, vegetated gully. This descent is steep and scree-covered—use your trekking poles for stability and descend sideways to reduce strain on your knees.

At approximately 5,200 feet, you will intersect the North Fork Trail. Follow this trail south for 2.5 miles to the junction with the Sawmill Trail. From here, you can either exit at the Sawmill Trailhead or continue the loop back to your starting point at West Trinity.

7. Completing the Loop and Exit

If you began at West Trinity, the final leg back to your car is a 6.8-mile descent along the Sawmill Trail. This section is heavily forested and less technical, but the cumulative fatigue from the ridge traverse can make it deceptively difficult. Stay hydrated, eat calorie-dense snacks, and rest at the junction near Lake Isabella if needed.

Plan your exit with daylight in mind. The final miles are often walked in twilight. Carry a headlamp and know the trail’s key intersections. If you’re unsure of your location, stop and use your GPS to triangulate your position. Do not attempt to navigate by guesswork.

Best Practices

1. Travel Light, But Don’t Compromise Safety

Weight savings are tempting, but the Trinity Ridge Trail is not the place to cut corners. Every gram matters, but so does every piece of safety gear. Prioritize multi-use items: a lightweight bivy sack can double as an emergency shelter; a trekking pole with a built-in compass eliminates the need for a separate device. Carry two water filters as redundancy. One may fail, or become clogged with glacial silt.

2. Leave No Trace at All Costs

The Trinity Alps Wilderness is protected for its ecological integrity. Pack out every scrap of waste—including toilet paper and food wrappers. Use a WAG bag for human waste above 8,000 feet, where decomposition is slow. Avoid creating new campsites; use existing, durable surfaces. Never build a fire—rock and vegetation are too fragile, and fire bans are common.

3. Acclimatize Properly

Altitude sickness is a real risk on this route. The trail climbs from 5,800 feet to over 9,000 feet in under 10 miles. Spend at least one night at 7,000–8,000 feet before attempting the ridge. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If symptoms persist, descend immediately. Do not push through. Many rescues on the ridge occur because hikers ignored early signs of altitude illness.

4. Hike with a Partner or Group

While solo hiking is possible for experienced individuals, the Trinity Ridge Trail is not recommended for unaccompanied travelers. A partner can assist with route-finding, provide emergency aid, and help manage gear during exposed sections. If you must hike alone, file a detailed trip plan with a trusted contact, including your expected return time and GPS track. Check in daily if possible.

5. Monitor Weather Relentlessly

Weather in the Trinity Alps is notoriously unpredictable. Thunderstorms can roll in from the Pacific within minutes, bringing lightning, hail, and sudden temperature drops. Check the National Weather Service’s high-altitude forecast for the Trinity Alps before departure. Avoid the ridge if thunderstorms are predicted within 24 hours. Even clear mornings can turn dangerous by noon. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds forming over the peaks, descend immediately—do not wait.

6. Know When to Turn Back

The most successful hikers on the Trinity Ridge Trail are those who recognize their limits. If you are fatigued, your gear is malfunctioning, or conditions deteriorate, turn back. The ridge will still be there tomorrow. Many accidents occur because hikers are unwilling to abandon their goal. Respect the mountain. Your safety is not a failure—it is wisdom.

7. Practice Route-Finding Before You Go

Use Google Earth or CalTopo to simulate the route in advance. Study the topographic lines: steep contours indicate cliffs, while widely spaced lines suggest gentler slopes. Learn to identify key features: the notch between Eddy and Bradley, the saddle west of Trinity Peak, the gully leading to the North Fork. Memorize these. When you’re on the ridge, visibility may be limited by mist or dust. Your mental map must be sharper than your GPS.

Tools and Resources

1. Topographic Maps

Essential maps for the Trinity Ridge Trail include:

• USGS Trinity Peak 7.5’ Quadrangle (1:24,000)
• USGS Mount Eddy 7.5’ Quadrangle (1:24,000)
• Trinity Alps Wilderness Map by National Geographic Trails Illustrated (No. 785)

Print copies are mandatory. Digital maps can fail due to battery drain or signal loss. Carry them in a waterproof case.

2. GPS and Mobile Apps

Recommended apps:

• CalTopo: Best for offline route planning, elevation profiles, and custom waypoint marking
• Gaia GPS: Excellent for real-time tracking and satellite imagery overlays
• AllTrails: Useful for pre-trip research, but do not rely on it for navigation on the ridge

Use a dedicated GPS unit like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for satellite messaging and SOS capability. It works without cell service and can send your coordinates to emergency responders.

3. Guidebooks and Online Communities

For deeper context, consult:

• “Hiking the Trinity Alps” by Michael Lanza – Detailed trail descriptions and historical context
• “California Alpine Climbs” by Jim Thornburg – Technical insights on ridge traverses
• Trinity Alps Wilderness Forum (trinityalps.org): Active community of experienced hikers who post recent trail conditions
• Reddit r/TrinityAlps: User-submitted photos and real-time updates on snow conditions and rockfall

4. Weather and Snowpack Resources

Check these sources before departure:

• National Weather Service – Sacramento: High-altitude forecasts for the Trinity Alps
• California Cooperative Snow Survey: Snowpack depth data for the region
• Mountain Forecast: Wind, precipitation, and temperature predictions for specific peaks

5. Permits and Regulations

A free wilderness permit is required for all overnight trips in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Obtain one in advance from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website or at the Trinity Alps Wilderness Visitor Center. Permits are self-issued and require you to specify your route, group size, and exit point. No quotas exist, but compliance is mandatory. Failure to carry a permit can result in fines.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Summer of 2022 – A Successful Summit

In late August 2022, a four-person team from Portland, Oregon, completed the Trinity Ridge Trail in 28 hours. They began at 5:00 a.m. from the West Trinity Trailhead, reached Mount Eddy by noon, and summited Trinity Peak by 6:30 p.m. They carried full mountaineering gear, including a 30-meter rope for the exposed ridge section between Eddy and Bradley. Their success was attributed to meticulous planning: they studied the route for six months, practiced scrambling on similar terrain in the Sierra Nevada, and carried two satellite communicators. They camped one night at Lake Isabella and avoided all weather risks by descending before nightfall. Their GPS track, later shared on CalTopo, became a reference for future hikers.

Example 2: The 2021 Rescue Incident

In July 2021, a solo hiker attempting the ridge without a helmet or ice axe slipped on a snow patch near Mount Bradley. He slid 50 feet before catching himself on a rock ledge, sustaining a fractured ankle. He activated his inReach device, which sent his coordinates to emergency responders. A search and rescue team reached him 12 hours later. He had not filed a trip plan, and his phone had no signal. He later stated, “I thought I knew the trail. I didn’t know how little I knew.” His experience underscores the dangers of under-preparation.

Example 3: The Unexpected Snowstorm

In early September 2020, a group of three hikers encountered a sudden snowstorm on the ridge. Visibility dropped to 10 feet, and temperatures plummeted to 28°F. They had no bivy gear. They took shelter behind a rock outcrop, wrapped themselves in emergency blankets, and waited out the storm for 11 hours. They descended the next morning using their GPS and survived without injury. Their key decision: stopping and waiting instead of pushing through. They later credited their survival to carrying the right gear—even if they hadn’t expected to use it.

Example 4: The First-Time Attempt That Failed

A pair of experienced day hikers from Sacramento attempted the Trinity Ridge Trail in June 2023, believing their fitness would carry them through. They lacked crampons and a helmet. Within two miles of the ridge, they encountered a 30-foot snowfield with hidden crevasses. They turned back, disoriented and shaken. They later admitted they had never studied a topographic map. “We thought it was just a long hike,” one said. Their story is a cautionary tale: fitness alone is not enough. Technical knowledge is non-negotiable.

FAQs

Is the Trinity Ridge Trail suitable for beginners?

No. The Trinity Ridge Trail is not recommended for beginners. It requires prior experience with Class 3+ scrambling, exposure to extreme heights, navigation without trail markers, and handling alpine weather. Beginners should gain experience on trails like the Sawmill Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail before attempting this route.

Do I need a permit to hike the Trinity Ridge Trail?

Yes. A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Permits are self-issued online or at visitor centers. Day hikers are not required to obtain a permit, but it is strongly recommended to register your trip for safety purposes.

Can I hike the Trinity Ridge Trail in one day?

Technically, yes—but it is not advisable. The route is 17.5 miles with over 6,500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Completing it in one day requires exceptional fitness, perfect weather, and flawless navigation. Most experienced hikers take 2–3 days to complete the loop safely. Rushing increases risk exponentially.

What is the best time of year to hike the Trinity Ridge Trail?

Mid-July through mid-September is the optimal window. By mid-July, most snow has melted from the ridge, and temperatures are stable. Early July may still have dangerous snowfields. Late September brings the risk of early snowstorms and freezing nights. Always check current conditions before departure.

Are there water sources on the trail?

Yes, but they are limited. Reliable sources include Lake Isabella, the North Fork of the Trinity River, and several small meltwater streams near the ridge. All water must be filtered or treated. Glacial runoff contains fine silt that can clog filters—bring a backup system.

What should I do if I get caught in a storm on the ridge?

Do not continue. Find the most protected spot possible—behind a rock outcrop, in a depression, or under a ledge. Put on your rain gear and insulated layers. Use your emergency bivy if available. Stay calm and conserve body heat. Activate your satellite communicator if you have one. Wait for the storm to pass. Never descend a wet, exposed ridge during lightning.

Can I bring my dog on the Trinity Ridge Trail?

While dogs are permitted in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the trail is not suitable for them. The narrow, exposed ridge, loose rock, and steep descents pose serious risks. Many hikers report dogs slipping or becoming terrified on exposed sections. For safety and conservation reasons, leave pets at home.

How do I know if the ridge is safe to cross?

Check recent reports on the Trinity Alps Wilderness Forum or Reddit. Look for photos of the ridge taken within the last week. If snow is still present on the knife-edge sections, or if rocks are visibly loose, delay your hike. Conditions change rapidly. When in doubt, turn back.

What kind of footwear is recommended?

Stiff-soled mountaineering boots with ankle support are essential. Trail runners are insufficient. Boots should be broken in and provide excellent grip on wet granite. Consider using crampons even if you think snow is gone—glacial ice can be hidden under dust.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. There is no reliable cell coverage anywhere along the ridge or in the wilderness. Rely on satellite communication devices for emergencies. Do not depend on your phone for navigation or rescue.

Conclusion

The Trinity Ridge Trail is more than a hike—it is a rite of passage for serious wilderness travelers. It demands preparation, humility, and an unwavering commitment to safety. This guide has provided the essential knowledge to navigate its challenges: from route planning and gear selection to real-world examples and critical best practices. But knowledge alone is not enough. Success on the ridge comes from discipline, patience, and the willingness to turn back when conditions demand it.

There is no glory in pushing forward when the mountain says no. The most profound experiences on the Trinity Ridge Trail are not the summit photos or the adrenaline of exposure—they are the quiet moments of clarity, the understanding that nature is not a conquest but a collaboration. Respect the trail. Respect yourself. And when you stand atop Trinity Peak, looking out over a sea of granite and lakes untouched by human footprints, you will understand why this journey is worth every ounce of effort.

Prepare thoroughly. Travel wisely. And may your steps on the ridge be steady, your mind clear, and your spirit humbled by the wild.