Symbol Bridge Trail,
Lava Beds National Monument

Located 15.4 miles from Tulelake, California (CA)
4 Stars
1,976 Steps 1  (0.9 mi)
Trails National Monuments Lava Beds Symbol Bridge Trail

A short drive from the visitor center to Skull Cave leads to the Symbol Bridge trailhead. The trail is fairly easy and level but has loose rocky surfaces in many areas. The trail follows the ridge of a collapsed lava tube to the Big Painted Cave. Inside the cave is a thick layer of ice on the floor, the temperatures once in the cave are cool which makes for a nice break from the summer heat. A short walk from the opening of the Big Painted Cave leads to Symbol Bridge. This cave has several unique and interesting petroglyphs that are easy to locate. The hike down into both of the caves is not for those who are unsteady on their feet. Closed-toe hiking boots and caving gear should be worn if you want to thoroughly explore the caves. The Missing Link trailhead is located directly opposite the Symbol Bridge trailhead.

Symbol Bridge TrailPictographsSymbol Bridge

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.

Elevation

The Symbol Bridge Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,701 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,564 ft. and an elevation range of 137 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.9 mi4,564 ft4,701 ft137 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
24 min10.7128 ft0 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
22 min0.00 ft128 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 Symbol Bridge 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

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  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 Symbol Bridge Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.9 miles (1.5 km) or 1,976 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Symbol Bridge Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 24 minutes in one direction and in 22 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.