Glen Alpine Trail

From the trailhead, follow the fire road for the first mile to the old Glen Alpine Springs Resort. This is a cool diversion with a few of the original buildings still standing and some interpretive signs installed. From here the trail turns to very rocky singletrack. About 1/2 mile after leaving Glen Alpine Springs an optional detour to the left follows the Glen Alpine Trail Spur to grass lake for about a mile. If you're not taking the detour, follow the trail to the right as it begins ascending the southwest flank of Cathedral Peak toward Gilmore lake. This 1/2-mile stretch is a series of switchbacks, but soon after, the trail straightens out and becomes softer under foot as it enters more forested terrain. About 1 1/4 miles from the Grass Lake spur there will be a split in the trail, with the trail to the left heading toward Half Moon Lake and the Glen Alpine Trail continuing to the right to meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) just south of Gilmore Lake.