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ForestMatters, LLC

Pepperdine Trail

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Lower Warner Mountains terrain with ponderosa pine and aspen
  • Views west across the Modoc Plateau sagebrush country
  • Access to the South Warner Wilderness boundary
  • Good wildlife habitat for mule deer and wild turkey
  • One of the more accessible trailheads from Alturas

Overview

The Pepperdine Trail provides the most accessible entry to the lower Warner Mountains from the Alturas side of Modoc National Forest, climbing through ponderosa pine and aspen from the small Pepperdine Campground to views across the Modoc Plateau sagebrush country. The 4-mile out-and-back is the gentlest Warner Mountains option and a good introduction to the forest's unique combination of mountain forest and Great Basin landscape.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Pine forest climb. The trail begins at the Pepperdine Campground and climbs through open ponderosa pine forest. The understory is sagebrush and bunchgrass in the sunnier openings, transitioning to aspen in the moister drainages. Mule deer are commonly seen in the early morning on this section.

Miles 1.5 to 2.0: Viewpoint and turnaround. The trail reaches a rocky viewpoint on the lower Warner Mountain ridge with views west across the plateau. The turnaround is at this viewpoint; the trail continues into the wilderness above.

When to Hike

May through June for wildflowers at the lower elevations. September for aspen color and good fall weather.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. A seasonal stream is crossed in the lower section. Layers for the ridge viewpoint.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 40 from State Route 395 south of Alturas, about 15 miles from the highway.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. 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 Modoc 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 Summit Trail is the full ridgeline experience from the same Warner Mountain range. See the Modoc National Forest guide for overall forest context. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Pepperdine Campground Trailhead on Forest Road 40, south of Alturas. Gravel road, 2WD passable in dry conditions. Small campground parking area. No fee.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pepperdine Trail good for families?
The Pepperdine Trail is popular with families as an accessible introduction to the Warner Mountains. The 4-mile round trip has 800 feet of gain which is moderate rather than strenuous, and the trail is well-maintained. The campground at the trailhead makes it easy to combine an overnight stay with the hike. The views of the sagebrush plateau below are engaging for those interested in the Great Basin landscape.
What is the view like from the Pepperdine Trail?
From the upper sections of the Pepperdine Trail, the view west is across the lower Modoc Plateau, a vast sagebrush and juniper landscape that extends to the Cascades on the horizon. The view east looks up toward the Warner Mountain ridgeline above. The perspective captures the contrast between the forested mountains and the arid plateau below, which is one of the defining features of Modoc National Forest.
Can I continue from the Pepperdine Trail into the South Warner Wilderness?
Yes. The Pepperdine Trail connects to trails that enter the South Warner Wilderness. The described 4-mile out-and-back stops at a good viewpoint below the wilderness boundary, but hikers wanting to continue into the wilderness can do so without a permit. The terrain becomes more demanding above the turnaround point.