Trail Overview

This is a beautiful drive between the Groveland and Yosemite areas leading up to the (45-foot-tall) Trumbull Peak fire tower built in 1934-35. On your way to the tower, you will get some pretty breathtaking views of Half Dome and the surrounding mountain ranges as well as the Merced River Canyon. The trail starts as easy forest roads but does get a little rutted and rocky as well as narrow on the last stretch to the tower. The trail is closed from December 15 to April 15 due to seasonal road closures.

Photos of Trumbull Peak

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Difficulty

The trail starts out easy (no 4x4 needed) but does get a little more technical in the last mile or two to the tower. There are some bigger rocks and ruts to maneuver through and some narrow bushes on the way to the tower, so pinstripes are inevitable.

History

This is a special interest area, so stay on the trail. You are also not supposed to camp in the parking area of the tower. There is more information about the tower on the USFS website.

Technical Rating

Matt B

Nov 26, 2025

Open

Camping is not allowed here

Phil Rojas

Oct 24, 2025

Open

Most of the trail is pretty tame, just shallow puddles and potholes. The last 2 miles of the trail have some pretty deep ruts, but if you pick your path carefully, you'll be fine. During the last mile or so, it gets tighter because the bushes are encroaching into the trail. I ended up with some pinstripes on both sides of my car. If you can spare the time, stay for sunset, pictures don't do it justice.

CYNwithJeff Jeff & Cindy

Sep 13, 2025

Open

We ran the trail from hwy 120 to the top and back. The trail is rated at 3 which is a good rating. Very easy drive and the view are amazing well workth the drive. The final couple miles have ruts and gets pretty narrow but pretty easy. We did the run with out modified rig and a couple stock jeeps. Yes you can see El Capitan and Half Dome form the top.

Scott Whitley

Apr 30, 2025

Open

Troy rifenburg

Apr 23, 2025

Open

Multiple downed large trees unable to clear. Had to turn around. About a mile west of foresta .

Brian Rank

Nov 03, 2024

Open

The views are awesome

Brian Rank

Nov 03, 2024

Open

The views are awesome

Brian Rank

Nov 03, 2024

Open

The views are awesome

Nate .

May 08, 2024

Open

Trail is open with lots of areas causing pin stripes on my 2014 Tundra. No technical obstacles. Trail has multiple downed trees that have been cleared just barely enough for my truck.

Adrian .

Jan 04, 2024

Open

Gate was open since there's some forestry crew cleaning up from a fire, guy at the gate was ok with us going as long as we were out before 5pm when the lock up the gate. maybe a foot of snow in some section that the bikes struggled a bit