Dolason Prairie Trail

10-mile grunt: drop 2,500 feet into redwood valleys, climb back out. Not for casual hikers.

Trail

Trail

This is a 10-mile lung-buster that drops 2,500 feet from high Bald Hills meadows into the deep river valley of Redwood and Emerald Creeks, then demands you climb every foot back out. You'll pass a historic 19th-century barn and see the stark contrast between old-growth redwood groves and surrounding second-growth forests. This is serious terrain for fit hikers only—cell service fails, rescue is slow, and you've got to know your limits.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
5000

Trail profile

Distance Miles
10
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet
5000
Estimated Time
6–8 hours for fit hikers; 8–10 hours if you're slowing down for photos or recovery breaks
Trail Surface
Dirt and roots. Steep grades with loose sections. Muddy after rain.
Trail Features
  • Historic 19th-century barn
  • High mountain meadows
  • Old-growth redwood groves
  • Redwood and Emerald Creeks
  • Contrast of old-growth vs. clearcut forests
  • Night sky viewing location (above fog line, low light pollution)
Trail Highlights
Drop into a deep river valley surrounded by ancient redwoods while observing forest recovery. Views of the historic barn and stark contrast between protected old-growth and harvested 1960s-70s timber. The elevation and fog-free location make this an exceptional night-sky viewing spot.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Bald Hills Road
Shuttle Required
No

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
Permit Details
No permit required.
Fees
No entrance fee. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) accepted.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Trails remain open year-round. Winter mud and storms can make the route hazardous; most hikers visit June–September.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
Yes
Water Sources
Filter at Redwood Creek and Emerald Creek mid-trail. Start with full containers—the initial climb offers no water.
Accessibility
Rooty, steep, and muddy in spots. Not accessible to those with mobility limitations. Requires strong legs and confidence on steep descents.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Steep descent and re-ascent
  • Loose footing on exposed slopes
  • Black bears in area
  • Limited to no cell coverage
  • Fog and low visibility in off-season
  • Creek crossings (slippery)
Hazard Details
The 2,500-foot descent is unforgiving—one slip and you're sliding. Bears are confirmed in the area; maintain 100-yard distance. Cell coverage fails completely; you're on your own for rescue. Creek crossings are slippery when wet. Fog obscures the trail and views, especially October–May.
Cell Service
false
Crowd Level
Light to moderate
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and July–August see higher traffic, but this remote, strenuous route keeps casual hikers away.
Best Season
Late spring to early fall (June–September)
Best Time To Visit
Start by 6:00 AM to maximize daylight. Best June–September when weather is most stable. Avoid fog which obscures views and increases disorientation risk.
Tips Advice
  • Carry minimum 2–3 liters of water; filter at creek sources.
  • Tighten your boots—the descent is relentless and loose ground is common.
  • Use a detailed map and trail guide; don't rely on phone GPS.
  • Make noise constantly for bears.
  • Stay on marked trail; off-trail creates erosion and gets hikers lost.
  • Pets prohibited—it's law.
  • Check weather before you go; afternoon thunderstorms are possible.

More details

Park Area
Bald Hills, Redwood National and State Parks
Trail Markers
Well-worn trail with basic blazes, but bring a map. NPS recommends a detailed trail guide; online maps are unreliable here.
Dogs Allowed
false
Biking Allowed
false
Shade Level
Mixed. High prairie is sun-exposed; redwood valleys provide dense shade.
Emergency Contacts
No cell coverage. Inform someone of your trip plan and expected return time. Contact park headquarters at https://www.nps.gov/redw/index.htm for pre-trip details.
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Rare. Snow is uncommon at this coastal elevation.
Mud Season
November–April after heavy rains. Drainage is poor on steep sections.
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable. Redwoods don't provide dramatic fall color.
Bug Season
June–September. Coastal mosquitoes peak in July–August.
Insider Tips
  • The descent into the valley is steeper than you expect—don't judge difficulty by the first mile.
  • The false summit at Mile 6 will fool you; the real payoff is the Redwood Creek overlook 0.5 miles further.
  • Bring trekking poles; they save your knees on the re-ascent.
  • Start early and finish before dark; headlamps are mandatory backup.
  • The historic barn is protected; look, don't disturb it.
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children. The 10-mile distance, 5,000-foot elevation change, and steep drop-offs exceed most family comfort. Teenagers (14+) who are fit and experienced hikers can manage it with parental supervision and strict trail discipline.
Nearby Facilities
Trailhead has parking, picnic table, vault toilet. Nearest park visitor facilities unknown; nearest town services likely 25+ miles away.
Review Summary
Hikers report this is a serious physical challenge. Most say the 2,500-foot descent is harder on the knees than expected on the re-ascent. The contrast between old-growth and logged forests, plus the remoteness, draws experienced hikers back.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is 10 miles too far for me?

Honest answer: distance is secondary here—the 5,000 feet of elevation is the real test. If you can climb 5,000 feet in a day without stopping constantly, the mileage is doable. Fit hikers finish in 6–8 hours. If uncertain, train on a 3,000-foot climb first.

Can I hike this alone?

Legally yes. Safely? Only if you're experienced and tell someone your plan with a firm check-in time. Cell coverage fails completely. A twisted ankle on the descent means you're walking out yourself or waiting hours for rescue.

What kind of water filter do I need?

A portable pump filter or squeeze filter for streams. Giardia is present in park waterways. Don't drink unfiltered creek water.

Will I see bears?

Unlikely if you're making noise. Keep a 100-yard distance if you do. Avoid strong-smelling foods. Bears typically avoid noisy hikers.

What if I get lost?

Stay on the trail—getting lost here is a problem because cell coverage fails. Bring a map and compass. Practice navigation before you go. The trail is generally well-worn, but mushroom picking can pull you off course.

Do I need trekking poles?

Not required, but highly recommended. Poles reduce knee stress on the 2,500-foot re-ascent by up to 25%. The descent is steep and poles help with balance on loose ground.

Bike Lost Man Creek Trail

Technical single-track mountain bike with 3,000ft climb through old-growth redwoods. Serious grit required; out-and-back recommended.

Revelation Trail

Flat redwood loop, fully accessible. No sweat needed—just ancient giants in 20 minutes.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.