Tuttle Creek Trailhead via Tuttle Creek Trail
1.6 mi
Distance
36 min
Time
terrain
1,355 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate one way trail in John Muir Wilderness.
This trail goes by Tuttle Creek Trailhead.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This is a really peaceful 3.5 mile out and back hike along Tuttle Creek to the Tuttle Creek Ashram, a beautifully built stone structure. Views to the North are of large granite slabs and views to the West include Mount Le Conte and Mount Langley. Views of the valley floor to the East become more spectacular as you hike West along the trail. The trail itself is through pine forests with the sound of Tuttle creek to serenade the hiker. The trail is in generally good condition overall and is steep along most of its length.
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This is a lovely hike but it is absolutely NOT an 'easy' hike. The trail head is not reachable by vehicle and will add ~1 mile to this hike. The trail above the original trailhead is covered by loose sang/gravel and rocks making footing somewhat treacherous especially coming down (slipped twice). The trail is very narrow in places with steep drop offs into a deep canyon. The elevation should also taken into account as the effects can make your balance less certain. At a minimum, this should be a moderate hike.
The hike is lovely with plenty of pine trees and other mountain foliage. The views of both the valley below and tall cliffs are wonderful with cool mountain breezes keeping the temp bearable. The stone cabin at the end is a wonderful place for a picnic and enjoying the spectacular views. If you're expecting to walk next to creek, forget it. The creek is far below you in the ravine. You can hear it throughout the hike but won't see it until you cross over it near the end of the hike.
Overall, well worth the effort. Just take it slow, make sure someone knows where you are. On the plus side, I got excellent cell reception through out the hike.
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This is a wonderful hike with view of City of Lone Pine below. The hike is mostly in full sun but the Last 1/2 mile is next to the creek and has lots of beautiful pine trees. This is a steep hike up a road and then a rock less trail. There is an old bridge made out of steel Railroad rail and wood that’s pretty cool. At the end of the trail you are rewarded with a 1200 sq ft cabin with a super view of the valley below.
Parking is very limited. Maybe 4 cars but their is campsite 100 yards below that has room for six more. Happy Hiking:-)
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