Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin

Phelps Creek Trail follows its namesake stream for 6 miles through increasingly open forest before spilling into Spider Meadow, a broad alpine parkland at the head of the valley. The meadow stretches nearly a mile, ringed by the Chiwawa Mountains on three sides. In late July, lupine, paintbrush, and aster fill the basin in dense color. Red Montain and Dumbell Mountain frame the western horizon.

Beyond Spider Meadow, the trail climbs into Phelps Basin, a higher cirque at 5,400 feet where scattered larch trees anchor the rocky terrain. The route passes roughly 16 seasonal creek crossings between the trailhead and the meadow. Leroy Creek is the most substantial and may require wading in early season. Trekking poles are worth carrying.

The Phelps Creek trailhead also serves as the starting point for Spider Gap, Mount Maude, Seven Fingered Jack, and the Spider Gap to Buck Creek Pass loop. No parking pass is required. The Chiwawa River Road is rough but passable for low-clearance vehicles. The area was affected by the Pomas Fire in summer 2025; check current closure status before visiting.