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Sanhedrin Mountain Trail

Mendocino National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
4.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,300 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Sanhedrin Mountain summit (6,175 ft) with Coast Range panorama
  • Historic Sanhedrin Lookout at the summit
  • Views south toward Clear Lake and the Sacramento Valley
  • Mixed forest of ponderosa pine, black oak, and Douglas fir
  • Accessible from the Ukiah area of Mendocino County

Overview

Sanhedrin Mountain is the highest point in the southern portion of Mendocino National Forest, and the summit fire lookout provides some of the best views of Mendocino County and Clear Lake from any trailhead in the area. The 4.5-mile out-and-back is a moderate climb through mixed forest and chaparral, rewarding with a summit panorama that extends from the Sacramento Valley to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.8: Forest approach. The trail climbs through ponderosa pine and black oak from the trailhead. The forest is characteristic of the inner Coast Range: less dense than the Sierra, with a more open understory and more diverse oak species than the drier foothills.

Miles 1.8 to 2.25: Upper ridge and summit. The trail transitions to open chaparral and rocky ridge terrain on the upper slope. The lookout tower becomes visible at mile 2.0. The summit is at 6,175 feet.

Summit. Views to the south take in Clear Lake, one of California's largest natural lakes, and the agricultural valleys around Ukiah. The Pacific Ocean is occasionally visible to the west through the coastal mountains.

When to Hike

May through October for clear conditions. April can be excellent with wildflowers on the lower slopes.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water. No water on the trail. Layer for the summit.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 22N49 from State Route 162 near Covelo. High-clearance required.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Mendocino National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Snow Mountain Summit Trail is the major summit hike in the northern wilderness. See the Mendocino National Forest guide for road conditions. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Sanhedrin Trailhead on Forest Road 22N49, accessible from State Route 162. Gravel road, high-clearance recommended. Pull-off parking. No fee.

← Back to Mendocino National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sanhedrin Lookout?
The Sanhedrin Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower on the summit of Sanhedrin Mountain, built in the early 20th century when the USFS maintained an extensive network of staffed lookouts across the national forests. While no longer actively staffed full-time, the lookout structure remains on the summit and provides the best views in the area. Check with the Mendocino National Forest Upper Lake Ranger District for current access status.
Is Sanhedrin Mountain Trail accessible from Ukiah?
Yes. The trailhead is accessible from Ukiah via State Route 253 and County Route 306 to forest roads. The drive from Ukiah is about 45 miles and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The roads require a high-clearance vehicle for the final approach to the trailhead.
What is the Sanhedrin Wilderness?
The Sanhedrin Wilderness is a smaller wilderness area in the southern Mendocino National Forest, separate from the Snow Mountain Wilderness to the north. It covers approximately 12,000 acres around Sanhedrin Mountain and protects mixed forest and chaparral terrain. No permits are required for hiking or camping in the Sanhedrin Wilderness (as of 2026).