Lundy Canyon Trail #24E01

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Wilderness permits are required for overnight, but not day use, trips into the Hoover Wilderness. Permits are issued at Inyo National Forest visitor centers. The Lundy Canyon Trail is a non-quota trail, so no reservations are needed. Parking at this trailhead is awkward and limited—it may be hard to find a close-in parking spot on busy fall weekends.

Of all the fall color hikes in the eastern Sierra, this one is likely to provide the most color for the least effort. And there are also three delightful waterfalls to enjoy too.

The trail starts at a sign board at the end of Forest Road 2N01, passes through a grove of small aspen trees (where it has been re-built after being obliterated by a mud slide), and in a half-mile, climbs to a rocky outcrop with a great view of the first waterfall.

It continues climbing past a small pond above the first falls and in about 1.5 mile passes through a grove of remarkably huge quaking aspens. Look for the old trapper's cabin alongside the trail here.

Past this grove, the trail continues climbing easily through more groves and open meadows until, at less than two miles from the trailhead, you pass the second and then the third falls. Both are tumbling cascades rather than direct drops but both are very charming nonetheless.

Just above the falls, a little over 2 miles from the trailhead, you'll reach a rocky bench with a great view up and down-valley. If your goal is just to see fall color, this is a good place to turn-around following lunch or a snack.

The trail continues on through some short switchbacks, then a long climbing traverse, and finally makes a steep, scree-laden ascent to Lake Helen. This climb isn't worth it for fall colors but may be of interest if you're looking for a non-quota way into the Hoover Wilderness.

There are groves of amazingly large quaking aspens about two miles in from the trailhead.