Big Nasty Trail – Lava Bed National Monument

Big Nasty Trail – Lava Bed National Monument

Location: Tulelake, CA
Length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Features: Hiking, Nature Trips, Walking, Bird Watching, Views

About the Big Nasty Trail

The Big Nasty Trail is located near Tulelake, California. It is a 3.7-kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that is known for its spectacular views. The trail is famous for walking, bird watching, hiking, and nature trips.

Trails In The Lava Bed National Monument

To locate the entrance of the Big Nasty Trail, drive south for about 2.5 miles on a dirt road that starts immediately after the Bunchgrass Overlook parking area. At the start of this road and to the west, there is an old cinder cone called Hippo Butte. After about two and a half miles, there is a little turnout on the west side of the dirt road, which is the parking area for the trail. The trailhead is conveniently located at the halfway point of the turnout.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Do Your Homework

Online guidebooks are great tools when trying to find information about trail difficulty, size, altitude, directions, trail features, and whether dogs are permitted or not. These online sources also show recent trip reports that can provide you with a sense of what the current trail conditions are like.

2) Consider How Long You Can Hike

Consider how many miles and hours you’re going to spend hiking. The average walking speed is around 3 mph, but your pace can be slower than that based on the terrain, the altitude, and the amount of weight you carry on your back.

3) Don’t Forget Your First-Aid Kit

It’s always wise to know some basic first aid. While you may not need it, it will be handy if you’re hiking with someone that caught an unwanted accident such as a scrape or a twisted ankle.