Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop
~2 days · 20 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop is known for
A roughly 18-mile loop through California's Carson-Iceberg Wilderness from the Highland Lakes trailhead south of Ebbetts Pass, circling through the Arnot Creek drainage with around 3,400 ft of gain. A solid 2-day backpack in a quiet corner of the Sierra.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 21,033 ft to 28,340 ft over 20 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 10.1 mi · 52%
- Downhill 8.8 mi · 45%
- Flat 0.8 mi · 4%
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 Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 20 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop?
The Highland Lakes – Arnot Creek Loop climbs roughly 4,163 ft total — about 208 ft per mile, topping out near 8,642 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.