Hiking in California's Upper Relief Valley

Nestled among the rocky ridges of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Upper Relief Valley is a remote hiking destination in the Emigrant Wilderness section of California's Stanislaus National Forest. It takes at least two days to hike to the Upper Relief Valley, and that's if you follow the shortest route. No roads enter the valley.

  1. Gianelli Trailhead

    • The Gianelli trailhead marks the beginning of the easiest and shortest route to Upper Relief Valley. The trail is located at the end of Forest Road 4N34, about 10 miles east of Highway 108. Plenty of room for parking is available at the trailhead. The trail continues in a northeastern direction from the trailhead, beginning at an elevation of 8,560 feet. The hike to the valley and back is 16.4 miles round-trip, and it generally takes two or three days, depending on trail conditions and your own stamina.

    Trail Details

    • From the trailhead, the trail to Upper Relief valley begins by ascending gradually through a forest of fir, hemlock and pine. Scenic views across the Stanislaus River canyon are frequently visible from the rock-lined trail. The route takes hikers over the rugged western shoulder of Burst Rock before ascending and descending over a series of rocky ridges and gentle saddles. The landscape is strikingly varied, and signs of the region's volcanic and glacial history are increasingly common as you go. The trail winds through the broad expanse of Whitesides Meadow before returning to rockier terrain, and eventually breaks out into the open at Upper Relief Valley. The valley itself is a lush alpine grassland, surrounded by conifer forests and volcanic ridges.

    Alternate Route

    • The Gianelli Trailhead provides the quickest access to Upper Relief Valley, but it's not the only way to get there. The Kennedy Meadows Trailhead, located north of the valley is another potential starting point. The trip from this trailhead to Upper Relief Valley and back is about 19 miles round-trip. You can also include the valley in a 39.5-mile backpacking trip that surveys a much wider section of the Emigrant Wilderness area. A detailed trail map is essential if you plan to choose your own route through the forest's interconnected trail system, which you can get through the USDA Forest Service website (see resources).

    Considerations

    • Backcountry camping is permitted in the Upper Relief Valley and throughout most of the Emigrant Wilderness. A Wilderness Visitor's permit, which you can obtain at any Stanislaus national Forest ranger Station, is required for overnight trips. Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of lakes, streams and trails, but otherwise you can pitch a tent at any suitable site. Hikers are responsible for carrying in all necessary supplies and removing all trace of their presence. Be sure to bring plenty of water and the necessary tools to treat or purify additional drinking water from springs and streams. You should also be aware of any fire alerts or restrictions and how they may affect your route, especially in summer, as forest fires are common in this region.