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Boiling Springs Lake Trail

EasyCalifornia · United States

GPX
Distance
1.2 km (0.7 mi)
Elevation gain
33 m (108 ft)
Typical time
17 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1,827 m (5,994 ft)

About Boiling Springs Lake Trail

Boiling Springs Lake Trail is a 1.2 km hiking route in California, United States. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. Most people take around 17 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Nothing here is technical, and the climbing is spread out rather than concentrated.

The water is the anchor of the route, still enough on calm mornings to mirror everything above it.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

In short, Boiling Springs Lake Trail suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Easy1.2 km33 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+33 m
Descent
17 m
High
1,827 m (5,994 ft)
Low
1,792 m (5,879 ft)
1787 m1798 m1810 m1821 m1832 m0.0 km0.3 km0.6 km0.9 km1.2 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Lake

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Patchy on the upper sections
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
48/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
15/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
3/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
84/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
82/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
70/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Calm mornings give mirror reflections on the water, so it is worth being there early.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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