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Gianelli to Burst Rock

Tuolumne · Managed by Stanislaus National Forest (USFS) · Region: Emigrant Wilderness
Difficulty /100 · out and back#emigrant-wilderness#viewpoint#quiet#granite
Distance
8.4 mi
Elevation
8,629–9,019 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Burst Rock is the Emigrant's roadside overlook: 4.2 mapped miles from the Gianelli trailhead to a granite dome with views across the wilderness's lake country. An easy overnight that gives first-timers the full Emigrant panorama.

Highlights

  • Burst Rock's dome-top view over the lake country
  • The Gianelli corridor's gentle grades
  • Chewing Gum Lake and Lake Valley nearby for longer loops
  • Free permits and no quotas — the easiest Sierra logistics

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Gianelli Trailhead (8,629 ft) · parking: Gianelli Trailhead on the road to Pinecrest Lake's east shore
  • Water: Seasonal lakes and creeks; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Pinecrest has services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: None — Emigrant Wilderness has no quota or reservation system.
  • Reservation window: Free self-issue permits at ranger station kiosks; permits required April 15–November 15.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 ft. A free CAL FIRE campfire permit is required below 9,000 ft; fire restrictions can be declared at any time. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Snowpack lingers into June; the trail clears by July.

Heat: Mild in the granite.

Bugs: Mosquitoes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams
  • Fires are banned above 9,000 ft; a free CAL FIRE permit is required below
  • Mosquitoes through July

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Emigrant Wilderness - Highway 108 Access. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/emigrant-wilderness-highway-108-access. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Emigrant Wilderness overview, Gianelli trailhead listing, free permits, and camping rules.
  3. Wilderness (Stanislaus National Forest). Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/wilderness. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules (CAL FIRE permit; prohibited above 9,000 ft), no-quota policy, and group size limits.
  4. Burst Rock Trail (OpenStreetMap). OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/75588920. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry measured as mapped — the Burst Rock Trail runs 4.2 miles one way from the Gianelli area; round trip 8.4 miles as mapped.