Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Dardanelles Pack Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    9.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    503 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    The Dardanelles Pack Trail is an amazing adventure in the Stanislaus National Forest. Immerse yourself in a sea of wildflowers and mixed pine forestlands as you wander to the Dardanelles Cones. If you are seeking a scenic, secluded hike, then this trail is an excellent option.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Dardanelles Pack Trail on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Dardanelles Pack Trail

    Hiking this route boasts an amazing experience. Abundant with wildflowers and mixed-conifer forests, this trek also offers a snowmelt stream and scenic overlook of the High Sierra. This path is primitive, and the rearmost section is unmarked, so we encourage the use of a trail GPS. Note the dirt road to the trailhead is long and rugged, so a vehicle with high ground clearance and 4-wheel drive.

    Setting out from the Country Line Trailhead, the Dardanelles Pack Hike follows the McCormick Creek Trail. This path will guide you east, gently ascending an incline. The path will weave you between lush meadowlands and dense woodlands as you hike. Hiking near the gurgling waters of McCormick Creek, you will be lulled into a state of relaxation. The further you climb into the wilderness, the more primitive the route will be. Soon you will diverge from the McCormick Creek Trail, heading east up to the Dardanelles Cones.

    Eventually, the path will increase in intensity, diverting you up a rocky, vertiginous trail to the summit of one of the Cones—marvel at the panoramic views of the mountainous landscape and alpine lakes from here. Retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead when you finish admiring the scene.

    Getting to the Dardanelles Pack Trail Trailhead

    Find the trailhead is located off Forest Route 6N06.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Backcountry Camping, wilderness permit required.

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Dardanelles Pack Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Dardanelles Pack Trail Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter