Summit Meadow Trail

The trail starts just behind the bridge across the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. After a quarter mile, you cross the Pacific Crest Trail / John Muir Trail. The trail ascends gently and offers views across The Buttresses, a series of rolling hills to the south. After 1 mile, you descend again into Snow Canyon. At 2 miles, you have two creek crossings in front of you. First across a tributary of King Creek and then across King Creek itself. Depending on the season, there may be ample water which can make the crossings challenging. Beyond King Creek, the trail ascend steadily for the remaining 2.5 miles. As you make your way up to Summit Meadow, you get increasingly better views of Mammoth Mountain and the entire valley that you just crossed. At 3.7 miles, King Creek Trail branches off to the right, stay left and continue further uphill. Reach the highest point of the trail at the top of the Ritter Range, just below Granite Stairway at 7.6 miles, and enjoy the views.