Three Sisters Trail,
Lava Beds National Monument

Located 14.6 miles from Tulelake, California (CA)
4 Stars
16,851 Steps 1  (7.8 mi)
Trails National Monuments Lava Beds Three Sisters Trail

The Three Sisters Trail is a long hike with a trailhead at the Indian Well campground. The trail crosses the Schonchin Wilderness Area and connects with the Lyons Trail. The Three Sisters Trail is named after the Three Sisters, peaks at 4538 ft, located to the north-east of the campground.

Three Sisters TrailThree Sisters TrailThree Sisters Trail

Elevation

The Three Sisters Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,627 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,286 ft. and an elevation range of 341 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
7.8 mi4,286 ft4,627 ft341 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
3.0 hrs11.4137 ft309 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
3.1 hrs25.8309 ft137 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 Three Sisters 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 Three Sisters Trail?
The length of the trail is 7.8 miles (12.6 km) or 16,851 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Three Sisters Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 3.0 hours in one direction and in 3.1 hours 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)

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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.