Missing Link Trail,
Lava Beds National Monument

Located 16.1 miles from Tulelake, California (CA)
4 Stars
1,519 Steps 1  (0.7 mi)
Trails National Monuments Lava Beds Missing Link Trail

The Missing Link Trail is a connector trail located halfway into the Bunchgrass Trail. Before entering the caves within Lava Beds National Monument, a free screening pass for the deadly bat disease White-Nose Syndrome must first be obtained from the Visitor Center or Fee Booth.

Missing Link TrailMissing Link TrailMissing Link Trail

Elevation

The Missing Link Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,637 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,570 ft. and an elevation range of 67 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.7 mi4,570 ft4,637 ft67 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
17 min5.465 ft6 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
16 min0.56 ft65 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Missing Link Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
  1. Northwest Topo Map: Mount Dome, CA
  2. North Topo Map: Captain Jacks Stronghold, CA
  3. Northeast Topo Map: The Panhandle, CA
  4. West Topo Map: Bonita Butte, CA
  5. Topo Map: Schonchin Butte, CA
  6. East Topo Map: Caldwell Butte, CA
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Little Glass Mountain, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Medicine Lake, CA
  9. Southeast Topo Map: West of Kephart, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the Missing Link Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) or 1,519 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Missing Link Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 17 minutes in one direction and in 16 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Big Nasty TrailGillem Bluff TrailWhitney Butte Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.