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Browns Meadow Trail
A hard climb through Sierra National Forest to a working fire lookout
About
The Browns Meadow to Shuteye Peak Trail climbs through Sierra National Forest to one of California's last staffed fire lookouts, with views stretching toward the San Joaquin Valley, Mammoth Mountain, Bass Lake, and North Fork. It's a hard, 4.7-mile out-and-back hike with roughly 1,650 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers plan on 3 to 3.5 hours round trip.
What to expect on the trail
This isn't a warm-up hike. The route climbs steadily from the Browns Meadow area, east of Bass Lake and north of North Fork, working through forested slopes before opening up near the summit. The payoff is Shuteye Peak itself, at 8,355 feet — a working fire lookout staffed seasonally, with panoramic views in every direction.
Getting there
The forest roads leading into this area close seasonally due to snow, so check current conditions with Sierra National Forest before you head out, especially outside summer and early fall. The approach roads can be rough, so this trail suits hikers comfortable with elevation gain and some route-finding rather than a casual short walk.
- Distance: 4.7 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: about 1,650 feet
- Difficulty: hard
- Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Browns Meadow to Shuteye Peak Trail take?
Most hikers finish the full 4.7-mile out-and-back route in about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Is this a beginner-friendly hike?
No, it's rated hard, with about 1,650 feet of elevation gain over less than five miles, so prior hiking experience helps.
What's at the top of Shuteye Peak?
An active fire lookout, one of the last staffed lookouts still operating in California, plus panoramic views of the San Joaquin Valley, Mammoth Mountain, Bass Lake, and North Fork.
When's the best time to hike it?
Summer and early fall are safest, since the access roads into this part of Sierra National Forest close seasonally for winter weather — check current Forest Service conditions before you go.
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