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Mount Judah Loop

based on 207 tracks & routes #4 hike out of 532 in
5.3 mi
Distance
2 hrs 43 min
Time
terrain
1,129 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is an easier loop trail to Mount Judah in Tahoe National Forest.

Made the hike on September 14, 2019. It was a warm sunny day. I parked at the Lake Mary trailhead. There was more parking ahead and about. Once you step into the PCT (southbound), the first ascent is a little rough in terrain; it goes by gentle switchbacks up a rocky rubble. Once this slope is cleared, the path forward is much more even. I went clockwise to include the Donner Peak early. The total elevation gain was under 1.400 ft (with the Donner Peak) in under 6 miles, never steep but very low grade along longer switchbacks. An easy and very pleasant stroll; at least half of the trail is exposed to bright sunlight. Lots of happy dogs and taking it easy companies. Through hikers too! This is a great add-on/warming hike. The signs are straighforwad, all junctions are marked; and the loop is well trafficked.

Getting Started

I parked at the Lake Mary trailhead. It accommodates probably 10 to 12 cars on the designated patch and there is some parking on the sides. There was more parking ahead and about.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    3 years, 8 months ago
    Great family hike. It’s moderate not difficult. Pretty benign inclines, great views, some loose rocks and stones on early sections. Get there early. Was very crowded by 11am on our way down.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 7 months ago
    This trail is great for a short & I would rate as moderate. A group of seniors ages 60-84 hiked the trail yesterday & two of us summited Donner Peak & the group went to the top of Mt. Judah, which is Trail all the way & not difficult. We had a historian talk to us about the wagons, oxen & Pioneers who made their way up that 400+ climb at Roller Pass. Day started out cool & later warmed up to be close to hot yet still great. Spectacular views from Donner Peak & Mt. Judah Summit. This trail would be a better one to use than Coldstream when hiking to Tinker Knob. It’s more gradual with switch backs to break that elevation gain to the PCT ridge line. 7.2 miles for us & gain was over 1300 feet, which is doable.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    5 years, 5 months ago
    trail conditions were clear on 11/16/18
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    11 months, 3 weeks ago

    user_profile
    1 year, 9 months ago
    ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    2 years ago

    user_profile
    2 years, 10 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 3 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 8 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 8 months ago
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


Public Tracks

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mattapfel 3 years, 8 months ago
Judah Loop July 2020
Nice family hike. Medium difficulty. No real steep incline and path is well marked. Early section has loose rocks but it’s not too slippery. We started at 830 and it was fairly open. Got very crowded on way down. Go early and spend time exploring all the little peaks and rock climbs.
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Tom Compton 7 years, 9 months ago
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Dan 5 years ago
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syn 5 years, 5 months ago
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Brian 5 years, 9 months ago
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Kayla Moreland 6 years, 6 months ago
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Tom Compton 6 years, 9 months ago
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connekt 7 years, 7 months ago
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connekt 7 years, 7 months ago
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riverdancer9 8 years, 7 months ago