Trip
Ascending Hikes – Mount Machebeuf
Ascending Hikes Section (AHS): This is a hike to the summit of Mount Machebeuf using an on-trail and off-trail route. We'll start along the Watrous Gulch trail, then exit off-trail, heading northeast and ascending to the summit of Mount Machebeuf. We'll continue heading northest along the ridge to the Jones Pass Trail descending to the Herman Lake Trail and returning to our cars. This is the fifteenth in a summer series of AHS hikes.
Contacts
- Wed, Aug 5, 2026
- Ascending Hikes Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 7.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,625 ft
- High Point Elevation: 12,791 ft
- Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH
- 7 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This is a loop trail starting from the Herlma Gulch Trailhead, initially following the Watrous Gulch trail and then heading off-trail to the summit of Mount Machebeuf. We'll continue off-trail heading northeast along the ridge, eventually intersecting the Jones Pass trail. We'll continue our descent along the Jones Pass and Herlman Gulch trails, eventually returning to our cars. We'll have great views of the surrounding mountains, e.g., Parnassus, Woods, and Bethel and peaks along the continental divide. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. We'll find a sunny, comfortable spot at/near the summit to have a snack/lunch. Overall ~7.5 miles and ~2600 ft elevation gain. (Mount Machebeuf Loop - CalTopo)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Wooly Mammoth PnR (Section BB) 6:30am, for 6:45am departure (Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)
We'll then carpool to the Herman Gulch Trailhead (Herman Gulch Trailhead - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
10 essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.