Leavitt Peak is a 8.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Arnold, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
Freezing temps with 40mph gusts in the morning. Trail was easy to follow. Summit was perfect, clear day views were endless.
Beautiful area. Had to come back and do this trail again. It was calling me lol. Super scramble to the top. Scree is very slippery.
The elevation is challenging coming up from near sea level. Next time I will probably camp halfway the night before. The hike is long and it feels like hiking on the moon with the altitude adjustment. The views are spectacular. The trail is very rocky in some parts. The lakes are beautiful. I wish I could have hiked down to Latopie Lake and camped there. Saw some backpackers throughout the day and some hunters in the morning. For the most part the trail is peaceful and lightly traveled. Wear sunscreen the sun is intense up there. Happy trails!
Perfect for a day hike or multi night backpacking trip. Backpacked and spent two nights here and it was amazing. You’re not that far from the other lakes so you’ll see many hikers coming all around to summit the peak. Expect a ton of wind burn depending on the time of year you’re going. Overall, I would come back for a day hike.
Hiked in yesterday. It's the Pacific Crest Trail so it's easy to find. It was challenging because of the elevation and the distance was about 12 miles in and out. About 4.5 miles in you will pass Latopie Lake on the left, continue on the main trail and watch for the spur that veers off to the right. There are some rocks that line the edge of the path where it starts. You will see cairns ahead too. It's easy to miss because it's all rocks at that point.
Did this 8/2/20. Wildflowers mostly in the beginning part of the trail. Mainly backpackers we saw, about 10-15 throughout the day. Weather was breezy at the top, no bugs. About 2500 ft elevation gain, a little less than 12 miles rt. A lot of the elevation gain is in the beginning, levels out for a mile or two, and then climbs gradually for the last part up to the peak. Very short climb up the peak from the base, nothing too slippery but poles will help. Loved the views of ansel Adams wilderness. A couple parts where the trail goes down and up again so on your way back, it’s not all downhill. Easy to spot the turn off for the peak off the PCT. The trail itself is alright, but it’s the views at the top that makes it better.
Me and my furry friend did this hike. Amazing views once you get into Emigrant. You can see the peaks of Hoover and Yosemite. A lot of alpine lakes. Would love to do this to Kennedy Meadows to “be in it.” Moderate climb up but you are exposed in the sun most of the way. Bring hat, sun glasses and protection for your hands, mine got burnt. The El kicked my but I soon got Acclimated.....you are hiking above 10,000 most of the way. Scree scramble to the top but not bad. My dog beat me to the top.
11,574', class 1 hike for most of the trail and then a very short class 2 scramble at the top. Nothing to worry about. It's important to watch for Latopie Lake so you cut OFF the PCT and head towards the peak. It's well marked with cairns. 6.4 miles up 3:42 mins and 2954' up. Total: Just over 12 miles, under 8 hours on the trail as a slow/photo pace. Great time with Tom and Maria.