Near Modoc Line Rail Trail - Snowstorm Canyon Segment
Wildlife and the Modoc Plateau
Near Modoc Line Rail Trail - Snowstorm Canyon Segment
Columnar Basalt
Near Modoc Line Rail Trail - Snowstorm Canyon Segment
Pronghorn at dusk
Near Modoc Line Rail Trail - Snowstorm Canyon Segment
Snowstorm Canyon

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Hike Route

Modoc Line Rail Trail - Snowstorm Canyon Segment

4.0 (3 Ratings)
An adventure in the great wide open.
34.7
mi
Distance
1,023
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
Views
Access Issues
In order, equestrians, runners, bikes and motorized vehicles have the right of way. There is a maximum speed limit of 25 mph for motorized vehicles.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
34.75mi
Distance
1,023ft
Elevation Gain
1,023ft
Elevation Loss
5%
Max Grade
5,459ft
High Point
4,438ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
This is one very scenic and remote segment of the Modoc Line rail trail that traverses over 2,000 acres of some of northeastern Californias most dramatic rangeland, views of the Skedaddle and Warner mountain ranges and opportunities to see wildlife, including herds of pronghorn antelope. The trail corridor connects BLM lands from Biscar Reservoir to the Tule Mountain Wildlife Study Area. Three segments of the trail are currently open to the public for use: The Sage Hen segment, the Snowstorm Canyon segment and Viewland. The trail is open to high-clearance road vehicles and shared use with bikes and equestrians. The surface is gravel with sections of remnant railroad ballast. The trail cuts through open cattle range. Caution is encouraged.
History & Background
The Modoc Line began in the 1800s as a narrow gauge railroad operated by the Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad. It was later converted to standard gauge, and most recently operated by the Union Pacific Railroad until its abandonment in the 1990s.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
joel rathje