Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | 5.3 miles round trip to Gin Flat |
| Starting Elevation |
6200 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+850, -850 round trip to Gin Flat |
| Navigation | Road and marked trail |
| Time | Several hours |
| Season | December through early April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Ackerson Mountain |
| Start | Crane Flat winter parking area on Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road), 0.6 mile north of Big Oak Flat Road. Trailhead is 0.2 mile northeast where Tioga Pass Road is closed. |
Description
The Gin Flat Loop tour combines the easy to follow unplowed Tioga Pass Road tour with Old Big Oak Flat Road to form a loop. The loop is a nice way to see the area with almost no duplication in the route. The loop is described clockwise, ascending Old Big Oak Flat Road and descending Tioga Pass Road, because it is slightly less difficult in that direction.
You are encouraged to visit the description for the Tioga Pass Road tour where you will find more information about the area including side trips to nearby Peak 7168 and along Tamarack Campground Road.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.3
Elevation change: +100 feet
From the trailhead (1) follow snow-covered Tioga Pass Road for 0.3 mile until you reach Old Big Oak Flat Road (2) on the north (left) side. Both Tioga Pass Road and Old Big Oak Flat Road are marked with the numeral 4.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.3 - 2.3
Elevation change: +750, -50 feet
Veer north (left) onto Old Big Oak Flat Road and follow it 2.0 miles until your reach Gin Flat (3).
Waypoint 3 to 1
Miles: 2.3 - 5.3
Elevation change: -800 feet
Turn south (right) onto Tioga Pass Road and follow it gradually downhill for 3.0 miles back to the trailhead (1).
