Summit Springs/East Peak Loop

Approach

To reach this trailhead, take county road M10 approximately 26 miles from Stonyford to the Summit Springs trailhead (see 'Getting There' section on main page.

Route Description

While not as pretty or pleasant (or long or strenuous) as the Deafy Glade trail, the standard Summit Springs/East Peak Loop trail used to summit Snow Mountain is a fine trail nonetheless. The round trip from the Summit Springs trailhead is 8 miles, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,850 ft.

The trail starts out in the forest, under a canopy of Jeffery pine and white fir. Hike for maybe 20-30 yards, where a faint trail will lead off to the right. Keep following the trail on the left; the one on the right eventually meets up with the main trail again, but is bushier, and not maintained.

After the brief section of forest, the slopes open up to brush, the land recovering from a destructive forest fire in 1987. After about half a mile or so, the Deafy Glade trail will intersect the trail from the right; keep going straight.

After traversing its way up the mountain through more brush (a lot of manzanita) for a bit, the trail will gain forest again, where true fir is now prominent. After some switchbacks, the trail straightens out again.

At 1.5 miles, an excursion (of a few hundred yards) can be made (take a right) to High Rock, a prominent outcropping with sweeping vistas, where a sign indicates High Rock, Trout Creek, and Dark Hollow.

From this point, keep going straight, following the signs indicating Snow Mountain summit; if there is any doubt, follow the most obvious trail. Undulations in the trail topography force some up & down, but it's not that bad.

At 2 miles, Cedar Camp will be encountered, which offers pleasant surroundings for camping possibilities. Look for the continuation of the trail to the right of the meadow.

After walking through the forest again for a spell, the trail comes to, and goes through, a section of forest that was burned to a crisp in the aforementioned 1987 forest fire. Shortly after this stretch, a basin below the 2 summits of Snow Mountain will be attained. The summit of Snow Mountain East will be readily apparent almost straight ahead, slightly to the right.

After crossing a (seasonal?) stream, follow the trail (veering slightly left) until the saddle between Snow Mountain East and Snow Mountain West is reached. Snow Mountain West (the lower of the 2 at 7,040+) is to the left, and Snow Mountain East to the right, both about 1/2 a mile away.

To reach the true summit, hang a right and climb steadily along the ridge to the top.

Essential Gear

Hiking boots, water, map, compass, rain gear, etc. (all the standard hiking gear); if early season, consider bringing gaiters and snowshoes (or skis).

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.