Savage-Lundy Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

This is a remote area of the forest. There are no restrooms or services. Fellow hikers will be few, if any. Cell service is spotty at best. River and creek water is present, but only at bottom of the trail, almost 2,000 feet below the trailhead. If you opt to travel in this area, be fully and independently reliant. Always carry a water filter and full containers of water. As a low elevation hike in a chaparral plant community, hot temperatures are common in the spring, summer and fall. Combine this with the steep unshaded trail, and you enter into an extremely dangerous situation. Be aware. Be prepared.

The trail begins amidst pine and oak trees, but quickly transitions to the "elfin forest," also known as chaparral, comprised mainly of brush and shrubs. Here, the trail offers incredible views of the South Fork Canyon, but it comes at a price, which is a steep slope with hardly any shade. Thus, the best time to hike this trail is when temperatures are cooler, which you'll find from mid-October through early May.

Even during this time, if warm-hot temperatures exist, you may find it best to hike in the early morning or the evening hours. If you find yourself in the heat, avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke by choosing to rest in or near the cool waters of Devil's Gulch. Hike out when the rays of the sun are not directly shining on the trail. Be sure your flashlight batteries are charged. Better yet, go on a guided moonlit hike with Mariposa Trails.

It's a 3-mile hike (6 mi. roundtrip) from the trailhead to the creek in Devil's Gulch. If you left from the parking area by the gate at the top of the Hite's Cove 4x4 Road, then it's a 3.5 mile hike (7 mi. roundtrip).

History: As early as 1870, a trail plunged into the gorge to reach mining areas in the canyon, and which extended eastward into Yosemite Valley. Then, about 1927, another trail was cut down to Devil's Gulch by pioneers Savage and Lundy. In 1976, the USFS constructed a longer but less steep route that is still in use today.

Backpacking: There are no established campsites along this trail; all campsites are considered "dispersed camping." Several campsites can be found off the trail downstream of Devil's Gulch. A campfire permit is required. Keep bears wild and alive by placing food and all scented items in a bear box or container.

The trail traverses oak-pine woodland and chaparral plant communities. Raptors, including hawks and eagles, as well as great blue herons may be seen. Bears, mountain lions and coyotes also live in the area. Be watchful for rattlesnakes too.