Trail Run Project Logo

Copper Creek Trail is an intense run with amazing views.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

13.4

Miles

21.6

KM

64%

Runnable

10,369' 3,161 m

High

5,106' 1,556 m

Low

5,263' 1,604 m

Up

5,262' 1,604 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (8°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a diverse trail with many challenges, rewarded with stunning views and peaceful solitude.

Runner Notes

The trail is well graded so the main challenge will be the long, steady uphill to the Lip.

Description

Starting at Road's End, the Copper Creek Trail begins at the trailhead of the same name. It is well graded, but all uphill for about 8 miles. The trail is very exposed (start early in the day!) with few sources of water. It's a butt kicker, especially if you are at the beginning of a trip with a full pack. There's decent camping and a bear box at Lower Tent Meadow, and very slanty "campsites" at Upper Tent Meadow, which is difficult to find, with no signage.

The Copper Creek Trail ends at the ridge called the Granite Lip, and from there the trail drops into Granite Basin. For those heading out for a longer run, you can continue on the Simpson Meadow Trail at this point. There is no water at the Lip, so if you need to camp, do a brief 1/2 mile cross country to the outlet of Grouse Lake, north of the trail and east of the ridge.

If you are planning finish this out and back as a day run, turn around at the Lip, and enjoy the steady downhill back to your starting point. On the way back you can enjoy the many views that you earned on the way up!

Contacts

Shared By:

Sophie Carrillo-Mandel

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 5 votes

#4

in Cedar Grove

#1450

Overall
  4.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Cedar Grove

#220

in California

#1,450

Overall
15 Views Last Month
6,151 Since Jan 14, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
14%
14%
71%
0%

Photos

Lower Tent Meadow
Dec 31, 2015 near Big Pine, CA
Sphinx Crest
Jan 14, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
View west from the Granite Lip on the Simpson Meadow Trail.
Dec 25, 2015 near Big Pine, CA
View of the Sphinx, Avalanche Pass, and Mt. Palmer from the Copper Creek Trail, overlooking Tent Meadow
Dec 25, 2015 near Big Pine, CA
View of the Sphinx, Avalanche Pass, and Mt. Palmer from the Copper Creek Trail.
Dec 25, 2015 near Big Pine, CA
View of Granite Pass from the first drift fence in Granite Basin on the Simpson Meadow Trail.
Dec 25, 2015 near Big Pine, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.