Lost Coast Trail
~2 days · 27.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Lost Coast Trail is known for
The Lost Coast Trail follows a wild, roadless stretch of California's King Range coastline, known for beach hiking beneath steep terrain and sections that are impassable at high tide.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 72 ft to 2,500 ft over 27.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.3 mi · 30%
- Downhill 12.8 mi · 47%
- Flat 6.4 mi · 23%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Lost Coast Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Lost Coast Trail scores 42/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Spring through fall; check tides year-round.
Permits: A backcountry permit is required.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Lost Coast Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Lost Coast Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 27.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Lost Coast Trail?
The Lost Coast Trail climbs roughly 10,138 ft total — about 365 ft per mile, topping out near 2,566 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Lost Coast Trail?
Spring through fall; check tides year-round.
Do you need a permit for the Lost Coast Trail?
A backcountry permit is required.
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.