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This trail runs the entire length of the South Warner Wilderness.


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Map Key

22.7

Miles

36.5

KM

Point to Point

9,301' 2,835 m

High

6,876' 2,096 m

Low

3,636' 1,108 m

Up

3,341' 1,018 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views

The usual federal wilderness area regulations and restrictions apply here. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics, camp 100 feet from fragile areas, bury human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites.

Wilderness permits are not required for day or overnight trips into this wilderness, but a free campfire permit is required if you use a camp or backpack stove, a charcoal barbecue, or build a campfire.

Description

The northern terminus of this trail is at Pepperdine Campground; the southern terminus is at Patteron Camp. In between, the trail stays mainly on the western side of the divide, passing through relatively flat, open, large meadows and stands of pines and aspens. There are expansive views both east and west along this trail. The entire length of this trail is not often used, but sections of it are popular for accessing other trails or features such as Patterson Lake. The trail is mostly dirt singletack, with some occasional gravelly sections and rocky parts mixed in for good measure.

The most popular section of this trail is in the part that accesses Patterson Lake from Pepperdine Campground. Reaching the lake via the Pine Creek Trail #15E20 and a short section of the Summit Trail is also popular. Other parts of the Summit Trail are less frequented and will offer considerable solitude.

You may encounter cattle grazing here in the summer months, and this area is also popular with hunters from late summer into the winter.

Contacts

Shared By:

BK Hope

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 4 votes

#24439

Overall
  3.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
75%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2,465

in California

#24,439

Overall
3 Views Last Month
852 Since Nov 11, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
67%
33%
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Photos

On the Summit Trail toward Patterson Lake
Nov 22, 2017 near Alturas, CA
Patterson Lake
Nov 22, 2017 near Alturas, CA
Looking north from the Summit Trail above Patterson Lake.
Nov 22, 2017 near Alturas, CA
Along the Summit Trail below Warren Peak
Nov 22, 2017 near Alturas, CA
At the junction with the summit trail
Nov 22, 2017 near Alturas, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jun 29, 2021
Elisha Polomski
trail overgrown in many places, sometimes hard to find 20mi
Aug 26, 2015
BK Hope
From Pine Creek to Patterson Lake
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