Red Mountain

Overview

Red Mountain is one of only a hand full of prominent peaks within the Trinity Alps that is visible outside the wilderness area. Indeed, Red Mountain can be seen from downtown Weaverville. Along with its eastern neighbor, Granite Peak, Red Mountain anchors the southeastern corner of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Composed of bright red rock, the mountain rises to a prominent summit just under 8,000 feet. Although appearing unassuming from the south, it has a sheer face and dramatic appearence from the north.

Red Mountain towers above some of the best scenery in the Trinity Alps. Immediately beneath its sheer northern face is the large Van Matre Meadow, which begins directly below the outlet of Echo Lake and fans out to the west. A small lake is found in an isolated cirque beneath the northwest corner of the summit. The granite core of the Trinity Alps, as well as numerous other summits in the area, Trinity Lake and the distant summits of Shasta Bally and Bully Choop Mountain are visible.

Geography

Red Mountain is one of numerous summits in the Trinity Alps range of the Klamath Mountains. The Trinity Alps themselves can be divided into three distinct regions. In the west are the vast Green Trinities. This area is composed of steep canyons, roaring rivers, sharp ridgelines, and utter solitude. The "green" appellation is derived from the vast stands of virgin timber found in this area. The White Trinities, the granite core of the range is where the associate with the Alps is derived. This area occupies the center of the Trinity Alps. East of the granite heart of the range, rising above Trinity Lake, are the Red Trinities. The name comes from the color of the serpentine that composes most of the mountains in this section. Numerous excellent peaks over 8,000 feet as well as an enviable number of lake basins are found in the Red Trinities. Red Mountain typifies this region, although it only has one small lake.

Trails

The route to the summit is about five miles in length. The Stoney Ridge trail climbs to Stonewall Pass, traveling through 57 switchbacks once passing the wilderness boundary. To reach the summit, depart the trail about halfway through Red Mountain Meadows and begin to angle west, around the shoulder forming Stonewall Pass. Once beyond the shoulder, climb the ridge line north to the summit.

More information on the route to the summit can be found here.

Getting There

From Weaverville drive north on Highway 3 to the signed turnoff for the Stoney Ridge trailhead. The turnoff is just after the bridge crossing the Stuart Fork of the Trinity River. It is six miles up the dirt road to the trailhead.

Red Tape

Red Mountain is located in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Normal wilderness rules and ethics apply. A campfire permit is required by the forest service.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002

(530)226-2500

Weaverville Ranger Station

P.O. Box 1190
360 Main Street
Weaverville, CA 96093

(530) 623-2121

Camping

The USFS operated Stoney Point campground is directly across Highway 3 from the turnoff to the trailhead. The campground is adjacent to Trinity Lake. The Tannery Gulch campground is located a little further away but has excellent views of Red Mountain and Granite Peak from across Trinity Lake. Camping is allowed at the trailhead but there is no water or facilities. Red Mountain Meadows provides a great place for a base camp from which to climb Red Mountain, Granite Peak and Middle Peak. Water is available there most of the year from a few pools in the meadow and from seasonal creeks. Van Matre Meadows also makes a great basecamp, but one has the added climb back up to Stonewall Pass before climbing the peaks.

Images

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