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Yana Trail

HardCalifornia · United States

GPX
Distance
19.8 km (12.3 mi)
Elevation gain
232 m (761 ft)
Typical time
4 hr 37 min
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
172 m (564 ft)

About Yana Trail

Yana Trail is a 19.8 km hiking route in California, United States. It climbs roughly 232 m (761 ft) along the way, topping out at 172 m (564 ft). Most people take around 4 hr 37 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Redding, about 36.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Yana Trail suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard19.8 km232 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+232 m
Descent
219 m
High
172 m (564 ft)
Low
97 m (318 ft)
88 m111 m135 m158 m181 m0.0 km4.9 km9.7 km15 km19 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • 19.8 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
45/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
30/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
53/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
36/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
20/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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