Kaiser Loop Trail
~2 days · 16.2 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
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.
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.
How hard is the Kaiser Loop Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Kaiser Loop Trail scores 22/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
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 from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — 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.