Kelsey National Recreation Trail
~8 days · 75.9 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Kelsey National Recreation Trail is known for
Kelsey National Recreation Trail is a 2-3-day backpacking route in California (Klamath / Marble Mtns).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,196 ft to 21,860 ft over 75.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 42.8 mi · 56%
- Downhill 31.7 mi · 42%
- Flat 1.2 mi · 2%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Kelsey National Recreation Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Kelsey National Recreation Trail scores 45/100, 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 Kelsey National Recreation Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Kelsey National Recreation Trail in about 8 days (7 nights out) over its 75.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Kelsey National Recreation Trail?
The Kelsey National Recreation Trail climbs roughly 20,896 ft total — about 275 ft per mile, topping out near 6,739 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.