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Summit Trail: South Warner Wilderness

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
10 mi
Elevation Gain
3,000 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 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

  • Ridgeline traverse through the South Warner Wilderness above 8,000 feet
  • Summit Eagle Peak (9,892 ft), the highest point in the Warner Mountains
  • Panoramic views of the Great Basin, Cascades, and Sierra Nevada
  • Glacially carved cirques on the west-facing slopes
  • Virtually no other hikers: among the least-visited wilderness trails in California

Overview

The Summit Trail in the South Warner Wilderness is among the most rewarding and least-known high-country hikes in California. The 10-mile out-and-back follows the spine of the Warner Mountains in Modoc National Forest above 8,000 feet, passing volcanic outcrops, glacially carved cirques, and a ridgeline that forms the eastern edge of California's Great Basin. Eagle Peak at 9,892 feet is the high point. The views and the solitude are extraordinary.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.0: Approach and ridge entry. From Patterson Camp Trailhead, the trail climbs steeply through aspen and mixed conifer forest before reaching the ridgeline above treeline. The aspen groves on the west-facing slopes below the ridge are among the most beautiful in northeastern California.

Miles 3.0 to 5.0: Ridgeline traverse. The trail follows the Warner Mountain crest, exposed and rocky, with views in all directions. The Great Basin sagebrush country of northeastern California and Nevada stretches to the east. The Cascade volcanoes are visible to the northwest.

Mile 5.0: Eagle Peak approach. The trail reaches the Eagle Peak shoulder at approximately mile 5. A short off-trail scramble to the summit is worthwhile for the highest point perspective.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September after snowmelt on the ridgeline. Start before 7 a.m. to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The summit is fully exposed.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 3 liters of water for this full-day effort. No water on the ridgeline. Bear canister recommended for overnight trips. Layers essential; the ridgeline is significantly cooler and windier than the trailhead.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 64 from Likely, south of Alturas. About 20 miles from Likely to the trailhead. High-clearance required. Cell service absent.

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 Patterson Meadow Trail provides a gentler alternative access to the Warner Mountain high country. See the Modoc National Forest guide for the full wilderness picture. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this fragile high-country wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Patterson Camp Trailhead on Forest Road 64, east of Likely. Gravel road, high-clearance required. Small lot. No fee.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How remote is the South Warner Wilderness?
The South Warner Wilderness is one of the least-visited wilderness areas in California. The combination of remote location (Modoc County is one of the least populated counties in California), no permit requirement, and limited trailhead infrastructure keeps visitation extremely low. Expect complete solitude on most days, even on summer weekends. The nearest ranger station is in Alturas, 40 miles west.
How high does the Summit Trail go?
The Summit Trail follows the Warner Mountain crest above 8,000 feet for most of its length. Eagle Peak, the highest point on the route, reaches 9,892 feet. The trail traverses several named and unnamed summits along the ridge, with views west into California's Great Basin and east across Nevada. The elevation means snow can persist on north-facing sections well into July in heavy snowpack years.
Is there water on the Summit Trail?
Seasonal streams and snowmelt sources are present on the west-facing cirque walls below the ridge, accessible with short off-trail descents. These sources typically persist through August in most years but may dry by September. Carry sufficient water from the trailhead, especially on the ridgeline sections where no water is accessible. Many hikers carry 3 liters for the full day.