Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
California
7.2 mi
Distance
2,029 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Sequoia National Forest
2 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.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Nelson
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
The Nelson Trail is a moderate 7.2-mile hike with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, offering a rewarding ascent through California backcountry. This trail provides steady climbing through varied terrain typical of the region, with expansive views as you gain elevation. The combination of distance and sustained elevation gain makes this a solid half-day adventure for hikers seeking a moderate challenge.
Summit
~4 min drive
Steady 10.4-mile summit climb with 1,771 ft gain and expansive views.
Hossack
~4 min drive
Steady 4.55-mile climb with 808 ft gain through California foothills.
Jordan Lookout
~5 min drive
Short summit hike to scenic lookout with panoramic views.
Lewis Camp
~4 min drive
An 8.20-mile out-and-back trail in California connecting to Trout Meadow and Kern Ranger Station.
Deer
~7 min drive
Moderate 4-mile trail with 475 ft gain near Deer, California.
Bear Creek
~6 min drive
Easy creek-side walk through Bear Creek canyon with minimal elevation gain.
Freeman Creek
~5 min drive
10.4-mile creek-side hike with gentle elevation gain in the Sierra foothills.
Needles Lookout
~8 min drive
Moderate 4-mile hike with 1,643 ft gain to a scenic mountain lookout.
Needles Creek-Needles Camp
~12 min drive
Easy creek-side walk to a scenic backcountry campground.
Clicks Creek
~7 min drive
Moderate 11-mile creek drainage hike with 761 ft elevation gain.