Trail Overview
Little Poso Creek (FS 26S12) climbs over 700 feet in just under 2 miles, winding through a large stand of pine trees within Sequoia National Forest, with evidence of the 2021 French Fire visible throughout. The shelf road route meanders through the hills, delivering beautiful views of grass meadows and hillsides along the way. The trail connects naturally into a rewarding loop combining Likely Saddle and Basket Pass back to Rancheria Road for those looking to extend the outing. The trail is particularly scenic when driven north to south, with the descent revealing the meadow and hillside views at their best. Hawks and whitetail deer are frequently spotted, and domestic cattle graze the area seasonally.
Difficulty
The concentrated elevation gain of 700 plus feet in under 2 miles drives the rating. Ruts under 6 inches and frequent drainage humps acting as speed bumps create a consistently bouncy ride throughout. The hard-packed dirt surface becomes more demanding when wet, and caution is advised in those conditions. The shelf road character adds exposure along the climb.