Trinity Alps – Canyon Creek Trail

We wanted to make the trip to Redding “worth it,” so we decided to plan a backpacking trip to the Trinity Alps.  Prior to our trip, I downloaded some Google Map overlays; it looked like the snow level was above 7,000’.  The day we drove up, a late-season storm came to deliver snow below 3,000’!  Canyon Creek trail is a relatively easy out-and back route.  In less snowy conditions, you can traverse cross-country to Sapphire and Emerald Lakes and head down the Stuart Fork Trail to make a loop trip.  Unfortunately, we did not have such good conditions, and it was very time consuming just to arrive at Upper Canyon Creek Lake!

GPS Track for this Route Day 1
GPS Track for this Route Day 2

Upper Canyon Creek Lake with Thompson peak and Wedding cake in the background

Lower Canyon Creek Lake with Sawtooth Mountain in the background

Right Below Lower Canyon Creek Lake

Canyon Creek Trail. That is Thompson Peak in the distance.

Snow Camping isn’t too bad if it is cold enough. Just pack down the snow firmly, and it won’t melt, and you have a level sleeping surface.

Canyon Creek Falls

Along the Canyon Creek Trail