The Little Known Hiking Path in Northern California Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

As the weather teeters between foul and fouler, I'm finding myself spending more time than I'd like indoors. To make the most of it, I've started looking forward to the outdoor adventures I'll enjoy when the cold finally relents. Of Northern California's numerous show-stopping hikes, there's one that I'm anticipating more than any other: Trinity Alps Wilderness' Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. Hidden in the Klamath Mountains just north of Weaverville, this challenging trek will take your breath away in more ways than one.

For my money, the Trinity Alps Wilderness is one of Northern California's most underrated recreation areas. Comprising over 500,000 acres of rugged terrain, it's packed with vertiginous vistas, soaring granite peaks, lush creek drainages, tranquil alpine lakes, and thundering waterfalls. You could spend a lifetime exploring the 600 miles of trail that weave across the landscape but few routes distill this place's formidable beauty more than Canyon Creek Lakes Trail.

True, I wouldn't recommend this trek for beginners or folks still breaking in new hiking gear. Canyon Creek will test you over its 17 miles of switch-backing terrain. But, if you commit to the entirety of the hike's 3,000-foot elevation gain, you'll earn priceless moments of solitude in one of the state's most picturesque regions. Should you find yourself outmatched by the steep climb, take the path that forks off toward Boulder Lake. Though you'll encounter more traffic here, this abbreviated route is better suited for day hikes. The full sojourn to Canyon Creek Lakes requires spending one night beneath the stars. Make sure you procure a permit prior to your expedition!

Prepare for Canyon Creek Lakes Trail as you would any other high-altitude hike. Alpine weather is notoriously temperamental, swinging between extremes of cold and heat. In warmer seasons, you'll want plenty of water to keep you going uphill, particularly once the forest line thins. Should you choose to spend the night, pack layers to protect you from the powerful winds that skid through the canyon after dusk. Also, keep local bears in mind if you're visiting alone and when managing meals at your campsite.

With careful planning, I'd recommend Canyon Creek Lakes to anyone interested in backpacking. If you're unable to purchase the necessary equipment, many outdoor outfitters will happily rent gear for a weekend trek. It's a fantastic way to see if extended outdoor excursions are something you'd like to integrate into your warm-weather plans.

When the weather clears up, there's nowhere I'd rather be than Canyon Creek Lakes Trail. Though this Trinity Alps Wilderness gem isn't well suited for kids or beginners, it's an excellent introduction to the backpacking hobby, immersing hikers in one of California's most breathtaking regions.