Big Table Mountain is a challenging 8-mile out-and-back hike with rewarding views at the top. It’s worth waking up before the rooster crows to watch sunrise, too! Explore this beautiful flat-topped mountain and meet free-roaming cows. This is a great day-hike for the adventurous soler, couple, or family!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Geology of Big Table Mountain
According to the California Department of Fishing and Wildlife, Big Table Mountain is a flat-topped volcanic mesa covered with grasslands and northern volcanic vernal pools. The mesa is rimmed by vertical cliffs used for nesting by peregrine and prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Location: Friant, California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 4-6 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard to strenuous depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of dirt and rocks.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Big Table Mountain is located at the end of Wellbarn Road. You know you are there when you see a gate for a fire access road. There are not any true parking spots, but you can park on the side of the road in the dirt areas. Just don’t block the road!
Put this address in google maps: 29098-29498 Wellbarn Rd, Friant, CA 93626
Trail Directions
Starting at the end of Wellbarn Road, you will see a gate for a fire access road. This road leads to the Big Table Mountain Trail. Walk towards the gate and you will see a small gap on the left-hand side of the gate between the brick wall and barbed wire fence. Squeeze yourself through there and starting hiking straight on the fire access road.
You will eventually reach a fork in the road. It’s about 1.5 miles from the gate (give or take). Take a left and you will now be on the Big Table Mountain Trail.
Continue hiking on the Big Table Mountain Trail for another 2(ish) miles. You will pass through two other gates before reaching the top. You can keep hiking on towards the end until you reach the edge of Big Table Mountain. The views are spectacular!
NEARBY HIKE: Pincushion Peak is a short hike to beautiful views located near Fresno, California. You can see Pincushion Peak from the top of Big Table Mountain!
There is also a picnic table near the beginning at the top to the right where you can sit, enjoy the views, and eat a snack! You might run into some cows along the way. They’re usually harmless. Just keep your distance and they’ll keep theirs.
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