Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by durul dalkanat on Unsplash

Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail

~3 days · 37.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance37.3 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain5,584 ft
Gain / mile150 ft
High point8,323 ft

What the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail is known for

Point-to-point National Recreation Trail along the crest of the Warner Mountains east of Lakeview, Oregon, traversing the slopes of Crane Mountain, the highest point in Lake County, and continuing south toward the California line. The Forest Service lists the trail at roughly 31-36 miles; expect big-basin views, shared stock/bike use, and late-melting snow on north slopes.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 18,537 ft to 27,146 ft over 37.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 16.5 mi · 45%
  • Downhill 15.0 mi · 41%
  • Flat 5.2 mi · 14%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 37.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail?

The Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail climbs roughly 5,584 ft total — about 150 ft per mile, topping out near 8,323 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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