Hike Pole Canyon

At lower elevations pole canyon is great for hike in the off season.

M. Akpinar

Trail Overview

Total Distance: 6.6 miles / 10.6 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet / 488 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3 hours - 6 hours
Begin at: Pole Canyon Trailhead

Pole Canyon wanders through meadow and forested area leading to a mountain pass. Mixed conifers, stream crossings, spectacular views of Baker Peak means this trail has it all. Located along Baker Creek road, Pole Canyon is easily accessible year round, though sometimes requiring a short snowshoe from the Baker Creek pit toilet to the trailhead.

This hike starts at the Pole Canyon Trailhead off of Baker Creek Road. Make the turn off 1.5 miles down the road towards Grey Cliffs Campground, then stay left at the first split. Down this road several hundred feet is the Pole Canyon Picnic Area and Trailhead. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited.

No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link.

Water

Potable water is not available along Baker Creek Road. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day. Water is available year-round at the nearby Lehman Caves Visitor Center or seasonally at the dump station.

Restrooms

The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Pole Canyon Trailhead.

Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Pole Canyon Trailhead

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

This hike is not accessible due to rocky terrain.

Pole Canyon highlighted in orange. Begin at the picnic area at the top right of the image.

NPS

Trail Map

Find Pole Canyon on the trail map by Grey Cliffs Campground on Baker Creek Road. Baker Creek Road's entrance is located on Highway 488 within the park boundary. Signs point you towards Baker Creek when making your way to and from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

Ranger Tip: While doable from both directions, better to begin Pole Canyon trail at the Pole Canyon Trailhead rather than Baker Creek Trailhead. Traversing clockwise means the uphill sections are the first half of the trail, and the second half is downhill and through campgrounds.