Arnold Rim Trail

Arnold Rim Trail Community Update - January 8th, 2026
2026-01-08 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lakemont Lodge, 3211 Lakemont Drive, Arnold, 95223, United States
Join us, January 8th, 2026 – 6PM-7PM for an Arnold Rim Trail Community Update.

• Hear about exciting additions to the Arnold Rim Trail
• Learn about upgrades and changes to the trail system
• Contribute your ideas

Lakemont Lodge – 3211 Lakemont Drive, Arnold CA

Hosted by The Arnold Rim Trail Association.

In partnership with the US Forest Service.

ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD - Sunday April 26, 2026
2026-04-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, 2148 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD

Sunday, April 26

Join Biology Professor Nancy Muleady-Mecham (Doc Nancy) for a stroll along the Arnold Rim Trail and explore the natural and cultural history of the area. 2hours, 2 miles. Meet at the SNLM Trailhead. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - May 1, 2026
2026-05-01 17:15 - 20:00 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

May 1st, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 5:15PM
Departure from Trailhead: 5:30PM
Sunset is at 7:52PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD - Sunday May 9, 2026
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, 2148 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD

Saturday, May 9

Join Biology Professor Nancy Muleady-Mecham (Doc Nancy) for a stroll along the Arnold Rim Trail and explore the natural and cultural history of the area. 2hours, 2 miles. Meet at the SNLM Trailhead. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD - Sunday May 16, 2026
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, 2148 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD

Saturday, May 16

Join Biology Professor Nancy Muleady-Mecham (Doc Nancy) for a stroll along the Arnold Rim Trail and explore the natural and cultural history of the area. 2hours, 2 miles. Meet at the SNLM Trailhead. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - May 25, 2026
2026-05-25 17:35 - 20:20 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

May 25th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 5:35PM
Departure from Trailhead: 5:50PM
Sunset is at 8:13PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

Run the Rim 2026: May 31st – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2026-05-31 08:00 - 17:00 | CA
Arnold Rim Trail Association is hosting our 2nd “Run the Rim” trail run event on Sunday, May 31, 2026 for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the spectacular Arnold Rim Trial.
View Our Run the Rim Page for more Details >>
Your participation directly supports the Arnold Rim Trail Association non-profit ongoing efforts to develop and maintain this treasured trail system, ensuring it remains a pristine outdoor recreation destination for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians for generations to come. Trail for Everyone…Forever!!

ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD - Sunday June 6, 2026
2026-06-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Sierra Nevada Logging Museum, 2148 Dunbar Rd, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
ART Natural History Hike with Nancy Muleady-Mecham, PhD

Saturday, June 6

Join Biology Professor Nancy Muleady-Mecham (Doc Nancy) for a stroll along the Arnold Rim Trail and explore the natural and cultural history of the area. 2hours, 2 miles. Meet at the SNLM Trailhead. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - June 27, 2026
2026-06-27 17:50 - 20:35 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

Jun 27th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 5:50PM
Departure from Trailhead: 6:05PM
Sunset is at 8:28PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - July 25, 2026
2026-07-25 17:45 - 20:15 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

July 25th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 5:45PM
Departure from Trailhead: 6:00PM
Sunset is at 8:17PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - August 28, 2026
2026-08-28 16:55 - 19:25 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

August 28th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 4:55PM
Departure from Trailhead: 5:10PM
Sunset is at 7:36PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - September 26, 2026
2026-09-26 16:15 - 19:00 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

September 26th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 4:15PM
Departure from Trailhead: 4:30PM
Sunset is at 6:51PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.

Guided Sunset Hike to Cougar Rock - October 24, 2026
2026-10-24 15:35 - 18:20 | ART Trailhead – Valley View Dr., Valley View Dr & Forest Rte 5N95Y, Arnold, CA, 95223, United States
Watch the sunset from the top of Cougar Rock on this intermediate hike led by members of the Arnold Rim Trail Association. Distance is about 4 miles total, with 730 feet of elevation gain. If you haven’t done one of these hikes, you owe it to yourself to join the fun. They are scheduled on weekends near or on the day of the full moon each month, and they are special!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) This is an intermediate level four-mile hike with 730 feet of elevation gain, the equivalent of a seventy-three-story building. We take plenty of time with frequent stops. That said, it is not a hike for beginners. Please assess your level of conditioning. If you would struggle with a seventy-three-story building, even with stops, please take a few weeks of regular training to make yourself ready. It’ll be worth the investment!
2) If this is your first time driving to the parking area, please do not approach on Valley View Drive from Avery Sheep Ranch Road. Instead approach by starting in Arnold and turning off Highway 4 onto Lakemont Drive, followed by a quick left turn onto Valley View Drive. More travel instructions are below.
3) Bring a headlamp or flashlight, bug repellent, a snack, water, and layers.
No sign-up needed, hike proceeds even if cloudy, but rain cancels. (And if the weather has been wet, please see caution below about road condition on the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive.) Again, please bring layers, snack, water, bug repellant and flashlight as return hike is in the dark.
Please arrive at the parking lot at least fifteen minutes before departure time for introductions and a brief orientation by the hike leader, as departure times are prompt:

October 24th, 2026
Arrive at Trailhead: 3:35PM
Departure from Trailhead: 3:50PM
Sunset is at 6:12PM

(Return to vehicles about two and a half hours after departing.)
The trailhead is at the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Here’s a link to Google Maps of this intersection.
Drive 1.50 miles on Valley View Drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold. The first mile of Valley View Drive is paved, and the last 0.45 miles is dirt. There is no sign at the intersection of Valley View Drive with Forest Rte 5N95Y, but you will see a parking area on the right with a picnic table at that location. Here’s a link to Google Maps that shows the drive from the intersection of Lakemont Drive and Valley View Drive in Arnold to the intersection of Valley View Drive and Forest Rte 5N95Y.
Caution about wet weather driving: Please note that in wet weather, the half-mile dirt portion of Valley View Drive can be very slippery. Two-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty driving back up the hill after the hike. All-wheel drive vehicles highly recommended in wet-weather.
The GPS coordinates of the trailhead:
38.21938, -120.37873
Questions? Email info@arnoldrimtrail.org. Pictures of the sunset hikes are often posted to the ARTA Facebook page.
