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Hike to the headwaters of Swift Creek at remote Horseshoe Lake.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

Point to Point

6,823' 2,080 m

High

4,020' 1,225 m

Low

2,805' 855 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Free wilderness permits and campfire permits are required to enter the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Description

This popular trail follows Swift Creek to its origin at Horseshoe Lake.

Begin at the north end of the Swift Creek Trail parking lot and hike along the Swift Creek Trail for a little over a mile to a fork for the Granite Lake Trail. Stay on the Swift Creek Trail.

Around 4 miles, ford Parker Creek, and about a half mile later arrive at Parker Meadow.

At 5 miles, find Foster's Cabin, which was restored several years ago and is open to campers.

At 6 miles, ford Landers Creek. Then cross Mumford Meadows, which extend for over two miles.

Beyond Mumford Meadow, climb switchbacks up steep granite boulders to Horseshoe Lake.

Flora & Fauna

Look for ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, incense cedar, and western azalea on the lower sections of the trail. Around Horseshoe Lake, find western white pine, red fir and mountain hemlock.

Contacts

Shared By:

Miguel Vieira

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#10385

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#963

in California

#10,385

Overall
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4,204 Since Jan 12, 2017
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Photos

Passing near Swift Creek makes for a gorgeous trailside treat.
Jan 18, 2017 near Lewiston, CA
A group of hikers works their way up the Swift Creek Trail.
Jan 18, 2017 near Lewiston, CA
Ready to hike!
Jan 20, 2017 near Lewiston, CA
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Check-Ins

Jun 26, 2021
Tilman Giese
Bear Basin Trail to Granite Lake Trailhead
Aug 16, 2020
Andrii Khmelkov
Nov 3, 2019
Doug Ramsey
May 13, 2018
Leon Kotlyar
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