Signal Peak
Total Miles
4.0
Elevation
2,373.55 ft
Duration
5 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Trail Overview
Signal Peak is neither "easy" nor "beginner", despite being deemed so by many locals in comparison to the Fordyce trail - which also begins from the Pierce Meadow Staging Area. It is recommended to have experience, equipment, and a vehicle capable of handling multiple surface types. While the terrain is mostly rock, there are many quick transitions to and from hard, soft, and slick surfaces - even during summer months. There are steep embankments, slick rocks, tree roots, hard-packed dirt, soft dirt, mud, and shifting rock along the route. The most difficult obstacles are near the beginning of the trail, but challenges abound along the entire course. One such challenge is finding a turn-around spot if daylight starts running short.Signal Peak is so named because there are communications towers at the facility atop the peak. As such, there is a strong cellular signal for most carriers along the vast majority of the trail.
Photos of Signal Peak
Difficulty
There are multiple areas where rollovers are possible, especially during a curved pass that measures 26 degrees off-camber - with a steep drop to one side with a hill on the other. Large rock obstacles abound mixed with slick tree roots, and occasional fallen trees. There are multiple large mud holes along the route, as well as a large stretch of loose rocky trail with steep drops alongside.