Stage 6 of the Wonderland Trail covers 7.5 km from Carbon River to Mystic, with 898 m of ascent and 186 m of descent. The highest point is 1,857 m. Allow about 4 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Small camp at 1,259 m (4,132 ft) beside the Carbon Glacier, with 2 individual sites and no group site. Closed in autumn 2026 because of the Garda Falls Fire (Wonderland Complex); check NPS conditions before you go.
Camp at 1,705 m (5,595 ft) just past Mystic Lake, with 7 individual sites and 1 group site, bear poles and a toilet. Closed in autumn 2026 because of the Garda Falls Fire (Wonderland Complex); check NPS conditions before you go.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. On the Wonderland Trail you may camp only at the designated camp written on your wilderness permit for that night. Book the permit on Recreation.gov (Early Access Lottery in February, general sale from April 25) or try for a walk-up permit the day before.
Emergency: call 911. Little signal: carry a PLB. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.