Trail Run Project Logo

A steady climb through diverse forest ecosystems leads to a quaint backcountry camp shrouded in towering evergreens.


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

9.9

Miles

15.9

KM

87%

Runnable

2,032' 619 m

High

119' 36 m

Low

1,999' 609 m

Up

1,636' 499 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs No Dogs

Description

Journey along the Little Bald Hills Trail for an enjoyable experience amidst towering, diverse forests leading to a fantastic backcountry camp.

Starting at the Little Bald Hills Trailhead, follow the trail south as it climbs steadily through a redwood forest dense with moisture-loving undergrowth. After just a few short minutes of climbing, get ready to tackle numerous sets of switchbacks as the trail slowly gains the ridgeline.

After a little while, the steep grades underfoot subside slightly, making you think that you've reached the end of the climbing, but in truth it's merely a false summit. Don't be discouraged, though, as the climbing you accomplish in reaching the actual top of the ridgeline bears the reward of a beautiful and commodity-rich backcountry camp.

If an overnight is in your wheelhouse, know that the camp provides a bear-proof storage locker, picnic table, fire ring, and abundant space for 8 people in each site. While this site is surely luxurious for backcountry standards, know that there are only 4 individual sites and 1 group site to be had, and you are sure to have competition. Luckily, a free backcountry camping permit (available from the park service) is required to use these sites, so you'll know from the beginning whether or not you have a place to camp.

Past Little Bald Hills Backcountry Camp, the trail maintains easy grades for the next few miles as it traverses beargrass and hairy manzanita along the ridgetop's open, shrubby landscape.

After nearing the end of the ridge, the trail turns north and crosses a small drainage before embarking on the long descent along the hillside. One more drainage crossing, a junction with the Paradise Trail 2E02, and a hop across Rock Creek later, the trail ends at an unpaved parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 4 votes

#24365

Overall
  3.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2,455

in California

#24,365

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,152 Since Dec 16, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
75%
0%
0%
25%

Photos

One of the "bald hills" at the top of Little Bald Hills Trail.
Mar 29, 2019 near Bertsch…, CA
Little Bald Hills Trail.
Dec 23, 2016 near Bertsch…, CA
Redwood forest.
Dec 23, 2016 near Bertsch…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

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

Get Started.