The Lightning Springs Trail leads westward five miles from Rim Drive to the Pacific Crest Trail. It descends over 1,200 feet along its route in the Bybee Creek drainage.
Water is available en route as are dispersed camping areas.
Begin this hike by walking westward from Rim Drive. The trail meanders as it descends to Lightning Springs in the first mile. Once it reaches the spring the trail veers northward then turns westward at the base of a steep ridge. The trail follows this wall before turning southward to the creek. The track follows the creek closely for the next half mile before meandering northward.