"Top of the World" on Arnold Rim Trail Offers Panoramic Views

NaomiDec 28, 20202 min read

One of our favorite local dog-friendly hikes is a bit strenuous, but if you don't mind elevation gain, the trail is well-maintained and the views are worth the effort! To the west, you can see all the way across the Central Valley to Mt. Diablo on a clear day, and to the east you can see the grand peaks of the Sierra. This photo was taken on a warm December day and the views were spectacular! Scroll down for more information on the trail head and a detailed description of the trail and terrain.

Trail Head:

Take Highway 4 west from Snowflake Chalet, and turn right on Lakemont Road. Follow Lakemont until you pass Fawn Circle twice. (see map below) Park and start your hike at the gate located near the intersection of Lakemont Road and Fawn Circle. Scroll down for further descriptions of the trail.

The first section of the trail is a wide fire road that has a gentle but steady gain in elevation. You'll notice many recently cut tree stumps in this area, which is now more like a meadow, but just a few years ago was filled with tall Ponderosa Pines that fell victim to bark beetle during the last drought. Still, even without the trees this section is a beautiful and peaceful walk. Look for this trail marker (Alt #04) at the first intersection. You will want to turn left and follow the arrow toward Manual Peak.

Continue walking for about 1/4 mile, and and when you reach this marker, follow the signs for Top of the World.

The trail will soon take you through a peaceful forest, and on a steep, but very even trail. If you are not an experienced hiker, you can do this! Just take it slow and soak in the beauty as you climb!

Our dog, Riggins, loved this walk!

Next sign you get to is this one -- follow the arrows toward Manual Peak.

When you arrive at this sign, you are getting very close -- keep going, you are almost at your destination and amazing views await!

The Final Stretch

Just before you reach Top of the World, you will be in this stretch of trail:

And then, finally, this! The view below is to the east looking at the distance peaks of the Sierra.

And the view to the west looks toward the California coast. We could see Mt. Diablo on the day we did this hike, despite the fact that the valley floor was foggy.