Albert Camp

Albert Camp is a pleasurable hike that takes you through the lodgepole pines of the Loomis State Forest and into the Pasayten Wilderness. It features one of the most beautiful 360 -degree views of the Pasayten from the crest of Horseshoe Mountain. Hikers can enjoy wildlife such as deer, marmots, and elusive coyotes as they hike or camp among wildflowers such as red Indian Paintbrush.

Begin the hike from the Fourteen Mile Trailhead at 4700 feet and climb steadily for 3.0 miles until you reach a junction at 5500 feet. Here, the Albert Camp trail meets the Deer Park trail. If you wish to follow this route, head left towards Iron Gate. Otherwise, to stay on the Albert Camp trail, continue right towards Horseshoe Mountain.

Here, you encounter a small series of switchbacks that will take you up to 6400 feet. In this section of trail, you may encounter a burn area from a 2006 wildfire and many wildflowers in the summer. Once you are up the switchbacks, you follow a ridge crest most of the 5.5 miles to Sunny Pass. Enjoy sweeping views on all sides, with Horseshoe Mountain in front of you and to the right, and views of Pick Peak and Windy Peak to the left.

The trail ends at Sunny Pass, where you have a number of options. You can choose to end your hike there, turn around, and return to the trailhead. You can continue to the right to Smith Lake just around the bend of Horseshoe Mountain. Or, as is a popular option for backpackers, go in a loop. From Sunny Pass, go right and follow the Boundary Trail southeast for 4.5 miles. When you reach the junction, turn left and follow the Deer Park trail to it's junction with Albert Camp and continue the rest of the way to the trailhead. 

This trail is part of WTA's Lost Trails Campaign. Learn more about how we're saving lost trails across the state here.