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California
14.1 mi
Distance
215 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Sierra National Forest
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
Helms Meadow
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.
Helms Meadow is a scenic 14-mile out-and-back trail that traverses rolling terrain through the Sierra Nevada foothills. This moderate hike offers peaceful meadow views and forest scenery, making it an ideal choice for hikers seeking a longer day hike without extreme elevation challenges. The gentle elevation gain of 215 feet is spread across the distance, providing a comfortable pace for most fitness levels.
Mystery Lake
~1 min drive
Easy 4.66-mile alpine lake hike with 302 ft elevation gain.
Rainbow
~1 min drive
Easy 0.74-mile walk with 238 ft elevation gain near Rainbow.
Island Lake
~2 min drive
Short alpine lake hike with modest elevation gain and scenic mountain views.
Strawberry Lake
~8 min drive
Easy 4.6-mile hike to a scenic alpine lake with modest elevation gain.
Dogtooth
~3 min drive
Steep 1.5-mile alpine climb with 418 ft elevation gain.
Little Lake
~2 min drive
Easy 1.4-mile loop with minimal elevation gain near Little Lake.
Chipmunk
~12 min drive
Easy 4.6-mile loop with gentle elevation gain and local wildlife viewing.
Bullfrog Lake
~4 min drive
Easy 3-mile roundtrip to a scenic alpine lake with minimal elevation gain.
Ershim Lake
~7 min drive
Easy alpine lake hike with minimal elevation gain and scenic mountain views.
Raven
~12 min drive
Moderate 5.8-mile trail with 713 ft elevation gain near Raven, CA.
