Bathtub Lake Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Fire-damaged trees (snags) can drop limbs or topple without warning, especially on windy days. Stay alert and avoid lingering directly beneath standing dead trees.
No reliable water sources on the trail and full sun exposure make dehydration a real risk — carry at least a liter per person even for this short loop.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start by mid-morning — the trail is almost entirely exposed, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during July and August. You want to be finishing up, not heading out, by early afternoon.
Bring more sun protection than you think you need. With the Dixie Fire having stripped most of the canopy, there's almost no shade for the entire loop. A lightweight sun hoodie beats sunscreen reapplication on a sweaty hike.
Walk the loop counterclockwise for the best payoff — you'll hit the lake views sooner and save the gentler descent through the recovering burn zone for the return, which is when tired kids appreciate an easier path.