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California
202 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Lava Beds National Monument
3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Bunchgrass Trail Start, Tulelake, CA
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
<p>Start across from Site B-7 in the campground. Follow along the northeast side of Crescent Butte to the park road. Approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) long.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting historic sites and geological features. Due to resource concerns, <strong>pets and bicycles are not permitted on any park trails, on in non-developed area or caves.</strong> All trails cross or enter the non-developed backcountry, while the long trails are primarily in designated wilderness areas. The trails in this bulletin are arranged by their distance from the visitor center. <strong>Carry plenty of water</strong> regardless of trail length—no surface water exists at Lava Beds. Watch for <strong>rattlesnakes </strong>and wear <strong>sunscreen </strong>and a hat in summer. Be prepared for sudden weather changes any time of year.</p> <p><strong>Pets, bicycles, hunting, and motorized vehicles are not permitted </strong>in wilderness areas. No person may camp in a nondeveloped or wilderness area with a group size of more than twelve, including horses and pack animals. Due to the dry nature of Lava Beds, especially in summer, <strong>open fires are not allowed at any time</strong> in the backcountry. Gas stoves are permitted. Other restrictions may apply during extreme fire conditions—please check with a ranger. <strong>Camping in or within 50 yards (46 km) of caves or in the vicinity of chimneys is not permitted</strong>. Camping within 0.25 miles (0.4 km) of roads, trailheads, and parking areas is also prohibited. Check at the visitor center for current weather information. <strong>Carry first aid supplies and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return</strong>. <strong>Off-trail hiking is not recommended</strong>, as lava terrain is very rough. Please remember to leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave what you find. All historic and prehistoric objects, plants, animals, and rocks are protected. Please store your food securely and do not share your lunch with any wild animals.</p>

Missing Link Trail Start, Tulelake, CA
~1 min drive
<p>This trail links the Three Sisters Trail to the Bunchgrass Trail, creating a 10-mile (16km) loop. Missing Link begins on the Bunchgrass Trail about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from B-Loop in the campground. Hike on the Missing Link Trail for 0.7 mile (1.1 km) to reach the Skull Cave…
Ml Rd 49
~13 min drive
Steady 4.6-mile foothill climb with moderate elevation gain.
Cinder Butte
~13 min drive
Short volcanic summit hike with panoramic views and moderate climbing.
Little Mount Hoffman Trail
~19 min drive
6.12-mile moderate hike with 678 ft gain in the Sierra Nevada.

Symbol Bridge Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~1 min drive
<p>Winding 0.8 miles (1.3 km) past interesting lava tube collapses and other features, this trail leads to many fine pictographs at the bridge and cave. Take the Skull Cave road to the first parking area and trailhead. Across the road from the Symbol Bridge Trail, you will fin…
Baird Rr Grade Tie
~35 min drive
Easy 3.2-mile walk along a historic railroad grade with minimal elevation gain.
Medicine Lake Glass Flow Trail
~17 min drive
Easy volcanic glass flow walk with unique obsidian landscape views.
Davis Road
~23 min drive
Moderate 9.4-mile foothill hike with 1,348 ft elevation gain.

Lyons Trail Start, Tulelake, Ca
~1 min drive
<p>A former monument road, this trail crosses park wilderness from south to north between the Skull Cave parking area and Hospital Rock. It is 9.4 miles (15.2 km) long.</p> <p>Lava Beds has twelve hiking trails. The most popular trails are short, but lead to interesting histor…
Medicine Lakeshore Trail
~17 min drive
Easy lakeside loop with scenic alpine views and minimal elevation gain.