Kaiser Loop Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Craig Melville on Unsplash

Kaiser Loop Trail

~2 days · 16.2 mi · moderate · Loop

Quick facts

Distance16.2 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain4,137 ft
Gain / mile255 ft
High point10,302 ft

What the Kaiser Loop Trail is known for

Loop over Kaiser Peak in the Kaiser Wilderness just north of Huntington Lake, California, climbing to the 10,000-ft crest with views across the central Sierra. About 15 miles round trip from the trailhead near the D&F Pack Station; commonly backpacked as a 2-day loop.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Kaiser Loop Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 23,819 ft to 33,606 ft over 16.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 7.0 mi · 43%
  • Downhill 8.4 mi · 52%
  • Flat 0.8 mi · 5%

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 Kaiser Loop Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Kaiser Loop Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 16.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Kaiser Loop Trail?

The Kaiser Loop Trail climbs roughly 4,137 ft total — about 255 ft per mile, topping out near 10,302 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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