Tinkham Peak Trail

Tinkham Peak is a fun jaunt, with a laidback start to Mirror Lake giving way to a bit of a climb and scramble to Tinkham Peak. This trail isn’t very well marked, so we recommend downloading your GPS route prior to starting.

The trail begins by following National Forest Development Road 5480. Cross the stream underneath Cottonwood Lake and the lake itself, enjoying a relaxed hike around Mirror Lake.

Passing Mirror Lake and leaving the crowds behind, Tinkham Peak is at the end of a northwest trail. You’ll walk through the campsite, keeping an eye out for a long tree downed near a bootpath. If you end up on the PCT, you’ve gone the wrong way.

The last mile is much steeper and far more taxing. Expect some loose dirt, some rocks, and some scrambling as you approach the peak. The views at the top are wonderful, so take your time enjoying them before retracing your steps to the trailhead.