01
Closest summit with big views
Hayfork Bally Lookout Trail
South Of Post Mountain • Steep Fire-Lookout Climb • Closest Big-View Summit
A short but stout climb to a former lookout with wide-open views over the South Fork Trinity country.
From the upper forest road, the climb to Hayfork Bally is straightforward but steep, gaining elevation quickly on old service track and use trail. On clear days you can pick out the Trinity Alps, Yolla Bollys, and the dry folds of the South Fork canyon in a single sweep. The road can be rutted or snowy early in the season, so locals usually save this one for late spring through fall.
02
Best remote peak near town
Chanchelulla Peak Trail
Chanchelulla Wilderness West Of Post Mountain • Remote Wilderness Peak Hike • Best For Solitude And Big Sky
A quiet ridge hike to a fire lookout site above miles of roadless foothills and distant coastal ranges.
The drive out toward the Chanchelulla trailhead already feels like a step into backcountry, with narrow forest roads and few other vehicles. From the trailhead, the route climbs steadily along an open ridge, with more and more views back toward Hayfork and out toward the Coast Range as you gain the summit. Expect minimal signage, changing trail conditions, and very little company, so go prepared with maps, water, and a realistic turn-around time.
03
Best shaded river walk
South Fork National Recreation Trail
South Fork Trinity River Corridor • Riverside Out-And-Back Trail • Best For Shaded Summer Miles
A long, mostly gentle path that tracks the South Fork Trinity, with easy segments you can hike as short out-and-backs.
Accessed from several spots between Forest Glen and Hyampom, this trail lets you choose your own distance along cool river bends and mixed-conifer forest. Many locals pick a closer trailhead, hike a couple of miles, and drop down to gravel bars to cool off or eat lunch. In summer, start early to beat the heat and carry more water than you think you need, as stretches can feel humid and buggy along the river.
04
Classic Trinity Alps day epic
Canyon Creek Lakes Trail
Trinity Alps Near Junction City • Classic Alpine-Lakes Route • Bucket-List Full-Day Outing
A big, well-loved trail that climbs from oak woodlands into granite walls, waterfalls, and high alpine lakes.
A longer drive from Post Mountain, this trail is the one many locals point to when you ask where to see the Trinity Alps at their best. The path climbs steadily but reasonably to big meadows, polished granite slabs, and finally the canyon’s upper lakes, where snow can linger well into early summer. It is a long haul as a day hike, so many people either start at dawn or plan an overnight with a permit to spread out the miles.
05
Top overnight backpack
Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes
Trinity Alps West Of Trinity Center • Backcountry Lake Basin Trek • Best Multi-Day Adventure
A sustained valley-and-basin hike that rewards with classic Trinity granite, deep lakes, and big-star nights.
Starting from the Stuart Fork trailhead, the route follows a long forested valley before breaking into more open country with sweeping views of surrounding peaks. Most hikers from the Post Mountain area treat this as a one- or two-night backpack, camping near Emerald Lake and exploring up to Sapphire on a lighter side trip. Bears are active here, so expect to store food properly and share a popular but still wild basin with other backpackers in peak season.