Near Woods Creek Trail
Woods Creek suspension bridge crossing.
Near Woods Creek Trail
Enjoy great views of the Castle Domes from the Woods Creek Trail.
Near Woods Creek Trail
Looking back into Woods Creek Canyon
Near Woods Creek Trail
Turn around every now and then as you are ascending next to Woods Creek, the views are worth it.
Near Woods Creek Trail
View east following Woods Creek up to the John Muir Trail

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Woods Creek Trail

4.8 (4 Ratings)
An alpine hike along a beautiful creek across green meadows
5.4
mi
Distance
1,818
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.37mi
Distance
1,818ft
Elevation Gain
239ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
8,504ft
High Point
6,909ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail parallels Woods Creek from its confluence with the South Fork Kings River to the John Muir Trail (JMT: Segment 6 - Bishop Pass at LeConte Canyon to Kearsage Pass Trail). Most of the hike is a steady ascent on the southern flank of Window Peak and Castle Domes. You can frequently hear and see Woods Creek, but it's typically not accessible from the trail. The views back west towards Goat Mountain are as stunning as the views east up ahead to Castle Domes and Acrodectes Peak. The only flat section on this trail is at about 3.6 miles when you reach Castle Domes Meadow, a lush green spot that invites to a break. The bridge across the South Fork Kings River washed out during the winter of 2016/17. Construction of a replacement bridge is not scheduled before 2020.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Tilman Giese