Packers Peak Trail

Packers Peak Trail is a strenuous, out-and-back hike in the Trinity Alps Wilderness of northern California. The route runs to Packers Peak and back, covering about 4.2 miles total with roughly 2,798 ft of elevation gain.

Expect a rugged, steep climb where pacing and footing matter more than distance. The trail is mapped as a foot path on ground surface and has intermediate visibility, so you’ll want to stay oriented even if the route is not heavily overgrown.

The common turnaround/goal area connects into the Long Gulch / Fish Lake junction area, which makes this route useful if you’re building a longer day or linking travel within the Wilderness trail network.

Time it for about 4.5 to 5 hours for the round trip. The steep grade plus wilderness hiking conditions are why this one typically isn’t a quick in-and-out.

Trailhead access is commonly handled from the Trinity Center, CA area via connecting paths such as the Long Gulch Trail; from there, Packers Peak Trail serves as the dedicated uphill line to the peak and the return route.

Within Trinity Alps Wilderness, expect occasional trail obstacles from natural processes. A trail condition report for the region noted that the Packers Peak trail to the Fish Lake/Long Gulch trail junction had multiple downed trees (including stock-stopper trees) as of the 2012 season.

Packers Peak Trail is best planned as a day hike with appropriate wilderness hiking gear and map/GPS navigation, since visibility can be only intermediate and you may have to work around downed timber along the way.

More information: Conditions, Map, Visitor information