The Hummingbird Trail is a popular hiking trail located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Spanning a total of 23 miles, this scenic trail takes hikers through lush meadows, past crystal clear lakes, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For those looking to take on this trail, knowing its length and difficulty is key to planning a successful hike. This article will provide details on the Hummingbird Trail’s mileage, terrain, elevation gain, and tips for tackling this backcountry route.
Total Mileage
The total mileage of the Hummingbird Trail from end to end is approximately 23 miles. This makes it a fairly long distance trail, though it can comfortably be section hiked as well. The trail begins at the Mono Village near Lake Edison and ends at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. It winds through the Ansel Adams Wilderness area of the Sierra for the duration.
For thru-hikers aiming to complete the entire 23 mile trek, it typically takes about 2-3 days. This accounts for the challenging terrain and substantial elevation changes along the way. Those who wish to section hike can conveniently break it up by accessing the trail from various trailheads along its route. Some popular sections and their mileages are:
| Trail Section | Mileage |
| Mono Village to Duck Lake | 8 miles |
| Duck Lake to Lake Virginia | 6.5 miles |
| Lake Virginia to Tuolumne Meadows | 8.5 miles |
As the table shows, the trail can easily be divided into 3 main sections of varying distances. Section hiking allows you to experience the highlights of the Hummingbird without having to dedicate 2-3 full days to hiking the entire route.
Terrain and Difficulty
The terrain on the Hummingbird Trail varies significantly, traversing steep mountain passes, meadows, and lakeside trails. The high elevation and challenging terrain make it a difficult hike overall. The overall difficulty is rated as strenuous, with approximately 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain.
The first 8 miles from Mono Village to Duck Lake are particularly strenuous. This section climbs relentlessly uphill through forested areas and granite rock formations. You’ll gain over 3,500 feet in elevation in just the first 6 miles. There are several steep switchbacks and rocky sections that will get your heart pumping.
The middle portion from Duck Lake to Lake Virginia flattens out a bit as the trail crosses wide meadows. This section still involves several ups and downs however between scenic lakes. The highest point is near Duck Pass at 10,400 feet.
After Lake Virginia, the final 8.5 miles descend over 2,000 feet into the massive expanse of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. The gradient is less severe but the high elevation hiking will still tire your legs. Fabulous views open up of the Cathedral Range along this portion.
With its substantial elevation changes, remoteness, and rocky trails, the Hummingbird is best suited for experienced backpackers. Proper conditioning, altitude acclimation, and navigation skills are a must. Beginners may want to start with easier high Sierra trails before tackling the Hummingbird.
Elevation Profile
The Hummingbird Trail reaches a maximum elevation of 10,400 feet at Duck Pass. It descends to a minimum of 8,600 feet at Tuolumne Meadows. Below is a table of the key elevations along the full route:
| Location | Elevation (ft) |
| Mono Village Trailhead | 6,950 |
| Duck Lake | 9,600 |
| Duck Pass | 10,400 |
| Lake Virginia | 9,000 |
| Tuolumne Meadows Trailhead | 8,600 |
As the numbers indicate, the elevation profile involves major ascents and descents. You gain over 3,400 feet in the first 9 miles to Duck Pass, followed by a 1,400 foot drop down to Lake Virginia. The cumulative gain of 7,000 feet makes it one of the most strenuous long-distance trails in the Sierra.
Proper acclimation to the elevations is critical before attempting the Hummingbird Trail. Most hikers spend 1-2 days camping and hiking at middle elevations like Lake Edison or Duck Lake before the trek. This allows your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Starting the hike well-acclimated helps prevent altitude sickness on the trail.
When to Hike
Due to its high elevation and remote location, the Hummingbird Trail is only hikeable during the summer and early fall months. The typical hiking season runs from early July through September. Heavy snowpack makes the trail inaccessible outside of these months.
July and August tend to be the most popular hiking months due to the mild temperatures and snow-free conditions. September still offers favorable weather, though colder nights and shorter days. There is also greater chance of precipitation and early snowstorms in the fall.
Whenever you go, be prepared for a wide range of conditions on the Hummingbird Trail. It can be sunny and 70°F at Mono Village, yet below freezing with ice and snow at Duck Pass. Check weather forecasts closely and pack proper layers. Early summer can still have patches of snow, while fall brings more rapid weather changes.
Permits
Overnight backpacking permits are required year-round to hike the Hummingbird Trail. These must be obtained in advance from either the Inyo National Forest ranger district or Yosemite National Park. The permits limit daily occupancy on the trail to help preserve the wilderness.
There is a $10 per person fee plus $5 reservation fee for Inyo NF permits. Yosemite charges $10 plus $5 reservation per group. Permit reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov. Demand is highest for July and August dates, so advance planning is recommended.
If you begin hiking at Mono Village, your permit must be issued by the Mammoth or White Mountain ranger district office. If starting from Tuolumne, get your permit through Yosemite. Bear canisters are mandatory for overnight storage of scented items. Follow all wilderness regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Resupply and Camping
There are no amenities or resorts along the Hummingbird Trail to purchase supplies or food. Hikers must carry all the gear and food needed for the duration of their trip. Multi-day hikers will need to resupply at one of the lakes along the route.
Duck Lake and Lake Virginia are both popular resupply points at the midway mark. If you camp there, you can stash a resupply bucket in advance with the local pack station. These include extra food, fuel, and other supplies to replenish for the next leg. Contact the pack stations well ahead of your trip to coordinate the caches.
As a wilderness trail, you must camp in the backcountry each night. Campfires are prohibited in the area. There are numerous scenic campsites spread along lakes, streams, and meadows over the course of the trail. However, many of these are not named or signed. Scout potential sites in guidebooks or maps to plan your overnight stops.
Water Sources
The many lakes, streams, and creeks along the Hummingbird Trail provide ample water sources for filtering and replenishing bottles. However, always check current conditions before heading out. By late summer, some sources can dry up completely.
Reliable water sources along the trail include (from west to east):
- Crater Creek
- Duck Lake
- Skelton Lake
- Lake Virginia
- Tuolumne River
Be prepared to carry enough water for dry stretches without reliable sources, especially earlier in the season. The 6 miles between Duck Lake and Lake Virginia can be particularly dry. Never drink untreated water due to the risk of giardia and other waterborne illnesses. Always filter, treat, or boil water from backcountry sources first.
Hazards and Precautions
As a high Sierra hike, there are some inherent risks to the Hummingbird Trail that require caution:
- Lightning – Avoid exposed ridges during thunderstorms
- Hypothermia – Bring warm layers for cold nights and storms
- Falling – Use trekking poles and watch footing on rocky sections
- Altitude Sickness – Ascend slowly and hydrate often
- Getting Lost – Bring maps and a compass; know navigation skills
- Stream Crossings – Use care crossing swollen creeks and rivers
Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone before departing. Daytime temperatures can reach 70°F but be prepared for freezing nights. Wildlife like black bears also inhabit the area. Keep food stored properly and make noise when hiking to avoid surprising them.
While challenging, the Hummingbird Trail rewards hikers with jaw-dropping alpine scenery. By knowing the mileage, terrain, elevation profile and hazards ahead of time, you can embark prepared for a rewarding adventure. Allow plenty of time for the substantial distance and be ready for the ups and downs along this iconic Sierra trail.
Conclusion
The Hummingbird Trail is a premier long-distance route spanning 23 miles through the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada. Despite its remote location and strenuous terrain, it offers unparalleled views and backcountry camping for intrepid backpackers. Its substantial mileage and elevation profile make it best suited for experienced hikers.
By understanding the trail’s length, terrain, campsites, resupply points and hazards, backcountry trekkers can adequately prepare for a safe and enjoyable journey. A permit, proper gear and pace is required to undertake this iconic point-to-point adventure. For those seeking a challenging multi-day Sierra hike, the Hummingbird Trail is a stunning yet demanding option. With adequate fitness, supplies and navigation skills, its beauty and solitude make the demanding mileage worthwhile.
