Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | 5.9 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
7300 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1450, -1450 round trip |
| Navigation | Marked trail and map |
| Time | Full day |
| Season | December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Lodgepole |
| Start |
Wolverton, which was once the parking area for the Wolverton Ski Area. The turnoff to Wolverton is 2.8 miles northeast of Giant Forest Village on Generals Highway (Highway 198). |
Description
If you want solitude and outstanding scenery, the tour to Panther Gap is for you. With views of the jagged, snowcapped peaks of the Great Western Divide and the San Joaquin Valley, the gap is the perfect location to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Reaching this spectacular viewpoint, however, requires both sweat and skill. To ascend to Panther Gap, you can expect to climb the entire distance; to return to the starting point, you will face a challenging downhill run through the trees.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: +50
From the trailhead (1) ski north for 100 yards until you reach a trail junction (2). To the west (left) is the Wolverton Trail. The Panther Gap Loop tour follows the Pear Lake Trail (marked with yellow triangles) to the east (right).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.1 - 1.5
Elevation change: +650 feet
Follow the Pear Lake Trail east (right) up a moderate ridge for 0.9 mile and then southeast for 0.5 mile until you reach the junction (3) of the Panther Trail (marked with yellow triangles and an image of a panther) with the Pear Lake Trail. In the latter section you will traverse and climb a steep slope.
At the junction of trails, the trail to Pear Lake turns northeast (left) and climbs up a very steep open slope.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.5 - 1.8
Elevation change: +150 feet
Ski southeast (straight) and traverse uphill on what is now the Panther Trail for 0.3 mile until you reach Britten Meadow (4). Along the way you will cross a creek drainage that feeds Wolverton Creek.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 1.8 - 2.2
Elevation change: +50 feet
Ski south and southeast for a total of 0.4 mile until you reach the southeast end of the second meadow (5).
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 2.2 - 2.5
Elevation change: +300 feet
Locate the Panther Trail and climb at a steep angle while on a zig-zag route for 0.3 mile to Panther Gap (6). Panther Gap is an obvious saddle on the ridge you have ascended. To the south the slope drops away at a very steep angle. If after a storm the trees at the gap are encrusted with ice, be careful where you sit.
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 2.5 - 3.1
Elevation change: +100 feet
Follow the Panther Trail as it enters the trees to the west and traverses slightly north of west for 0.6 mile until you reach Panther Meadow (7).
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 3.1 - 3.5
Elevation change: +50 feet
Follow the Panther Trail to the northwest for 0.4 mile until you reach a spur (8).
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 3.5 - 3.9
Elevation change: -350 feet
Follow the Panther Trail southwest for 0.4 mile until you reach Red Fir Meadow (9).
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 3.9 - 4.8
Elevation change: -600 feet
Follow the Panther Trail west, southwest and finally west again for a total of 0.9 mile until you reach the junction with the Alta Trail (10) (marked with yellow triangles and the image of a pine cone). This junction is located at a gap above the canyon which drains toward Long Meadow.
At some point in this section you will have a view downhill at Long Meadow. Do not be attempted to descend directly to the meadow and the end of the tour. Although some old trail markers lead in this direction, it is a poor choice due to the high probability of ice and avalanche conditions.
Waypoint 10 to 11
Miles: 4.8 - 5.3
Elevation change: +100 feet
Ski northwest and then north along a broad ridge ridge and the Alta Trail for 0.5 mile until you reach a high point (11).
Waypoint 11 to 12
Miles: 5.3 - 5.9
Elevation change: -500 feet
Descend northeast where there once was a ski lift for 0.6 mile until you reach the meadow and the trailhead parking lot (12).
