Ely Mountain Hike

The Ely Mountain Trail is an awesome adventure in the Sierra National Forest that offers incredible scenery and a good workout. This great route travels through the lush wilderness abundant with diverse flora and fauna. Much of the path is exposed, which warrants wonderful views and extreme conditions, so prepare accordingly. Check the forecast and dress in layers as the exposed summit will likely be chilly. Additionally, we encourage you to wear a comfy, sturdy pair of footwear as the undulating path is laden with numerous stream crossings and rocky outcrops! Lastly, the parking lot is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot and beat the crowds that flock to Balsam Forebay.

If you seek a relaxing yet heart-pumping adventure, then the Ely Mountain Hike is ideal. This incredible footpath wanders through mixed forests of evergreens, red firs, and wildflowers to Balsam Forebay and onto Ely Mountain. With manageable elevation gain and easy to navigate, this route can be enjoyed by families and novice hikers alike. Explore the Sierra NF and revel in the beauty and grandeur of the High Sierra along this route. After summiting the peak, cool off in the Balsam Forebay on your way back to the trailhead! We love this scenic adventure, and you will, too—so what are you waiting for? Let’s go!

From the Balsam Forebay Parking lot, the Ely Mountain Hike heads west, through a gate and onto the dirt road. The dirt path will guide you into the forestlands and over some streams before soon delivering you to Balsam Forebay. Here you will notice several visitors enjoying the shimmering waters of the artificial lake. Enjoy the scene of the shimmering waters bounding by towering pines, then continue trekking west. Revel in the beauty of the forestlands decorated with wildflowers, and soon the path will dip into a valley. Cross over the snowmelt stream, and at the next intersection, keep left. Soon you will summit Ely Mountain.

Ely Mountain is a granite plateau sparingly decorated with pines. From here, you will be granted amazing views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Summits that line the horizon. Revel in the grandeur of the imposing mountains, the lush forestlands, and Shaver Lake below. Admire the panoramic views from atop the peak, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path past Balsam Forebay and back to the parking lot. If time permits and the weather is ideal, we encourage you to spend the afternoon sunning along the shores. If not, head back to your car, marking the end of your adventure. ​

Trail Highlights

Balsam Forebay

Balsam Forebay is a charming, artificial lake in the Sierra National Forest. The lake was formed by the Balsam Meadow Dam in 1986. Now, the Balsam Forebay is a popular hiking, swimming, and picnicking local for adventures in Fresno County.