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Slide Creek Trail

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
7.5 mi
Elevation Gain
2,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
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

  • East-side Warner Mountains approach with Great Basin and Nevada views
  • Transition from Great Basin pinyon-juniper to Sierra-type conifer forest
  • South Warner Wilderness glacially carved cirques and high lakes
  • Remotest access to the Warner Mountains from the Cedarville side
  • Less visited than the west-side trailheads: maximum solitude

Overview

The Slide Creek Trail is the primary wilderness access from the east side of the Warner Mountains in Modoc National Forest, beginning in the Great Basin pinyon-juniper landscape of the Surprise Valley and climbing through a dramatic ecological transition to the glacially carved alpine terrain of the South Warner Wilderness. The 7.5-mile out-and-back provides a completely different perspective on the Warner Mountains than the west-side trails, with views east across Nevada's Basin and Range country rather than California's Sacramento Valley.

No permit required. Among the least-visited wilderness routes in California.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Pinyon-juniper approach. The trail begins in Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodland with sagebrush understory. This vegetation zone is characteristic of the east side of the Warners but unusual in a California national forest context. Views across the Surprise Valley and toward Nevada are excellent from the start.

Miles 2.0 to 4.5: Forest transition and wilderness. The trail crosses into the South Warner Wilderness and the vegetation transitions rapidly: pinyon gives way to white fir and ponderosa pine on the moister west-facing aspects, then to subalpine fir and mountain hemlock at higher elevations. A glacially carved cirque with a seasonal lake appears near mile 4.0.

Mile 4.5: Turnaround. The upper cirque provides the turnaround point with views west toward the Warner Mountain ridgeline.

When to Hike

July through September after the east-side road becomes accessible.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 2.5 liters of water. Limited water sources on the dry east-facing approach. Layers for the high country.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 45N15 from Cedarville, on the east side of the Warner Mountains. About 15 miles from Cedarville.

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. 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 July through September. 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 provides the west-side ridgeline experience. See the Modoc National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this remote wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Slide Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 45N15, east side of the Warner Mountains, near Cedarville. Gravel road. Small parking pull-off. No fee.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the east-side Slide Creek approach differ from the west-side trailheads?
The east side of the Warner Mountains faces the Great Basin and Nevada, creating a dramatic rain shadow and a strikingly different ecological character from the west side. The east-side trailheads (including Slide Creek) begin in Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush before ascending into the moister forest of the Warner Mountain high country. The views from the east side look across Nevada rather than the Sacramento Valley. East-side trailheads are also more remote, accessible only from Cedarville.
Is the Slide Creek Trail in the South Warner Wilderness?
The Slide Creek Trail enters the South Warner Wilderness after the first mile or two. No permit is required for wilderness entry or camping (as of 2026). The east side of the Warner Mountains within the wilderness contains glacially carved cirques with lakes and springs that are far less visited than the west-side counterparts.
How far is Cedarville from Alturas?
Cedarville is about 50 miles east of Alturas via State Route 299 over Crowder Flat Road. The drive crosses Cedar Pass (6,305 ft) and descends into the Surprise Valley, one of California's most remote populated valleys. Allow 1 hour from Alturas to Cedarville.