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ОглавлениеCourtright Reservoir—Maxson Trailhead 8040’; 11S 325593 4106033
Information and Permits: This trailhead is in Sierra National Forest: 1600 Tollhouse Road, Clovis, CA 93611, 559-297-0706, www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/. Permits are required for overnight stays, and quotas apply; reserved permits and on-demand permits are available.
Driving Directions: From Clovis (near Fresno), take Hwy. 168 42 miles northeast to the town of Shaver Lake. Turn right (generally east) onto Dinkey Creek Road and follow it 26 miles to the Wishon/Courtright Reservoir junction. The road to Courtright Reservoir takes the left fork, turning uphill toward the north. Follow this road another 7.5 miles to arrive at the south end of the dam. Continue to the right and cross the dam at the spillway. In another 0.6 mile, the road ends at a paved parking lot signed MAXSON TRAILHEAD.
7 Post Corral Meadows
Trip Data: 11S 331535 4110014; 15 miles; 2/0 days
Topos: Courtright Reservoir, Ward Mountain
Highlights: This trip is an excellent choice for a weekend excursion. The route winds past the granite domes surrounding Courtright Reservoir, traverses sunny subalpine meadows, and climbs through open forests of pine. With moderate elevation gain, easy terrain, and an abundance of campsites, this is a fine selection for beginners.
DAY 1 (Maxson Trailhead to Post Corral Meadows, 7.5 miles): Leaving the trailhead from the west side, head north along the marked trail for 300 yards until it joins the Dusy Jeep Trail. This wide, dusty road descends briefly and then levels out over dirt and open granite slabs. After about 1 mile, an obvious log signed NO MOTOR VEHICLES bars such vehicles. The jeep trail heads left, while your route crosses the log and turns right (northeast).
The trail continues north next to a small creek for a half mile before fording it at the entrance to Maxson Meadows. Here, the trail turns into a raised path of wood and sand designed to help minimize impact on the area. Please take care to stay on the path to protect the surrounding picturesque meadows. After passing Chamberlain’s Camp, the trail climbs about a mile of rocky switchbacks. While never steep, the elevation gain is steady for this mile. Beyond, the trail quickly levels off in a dense stand of lodgepole pine and comes to the signed Hobler Lake/Post Corral Meadows junction (8872’; 11S 327623 4110278). Take the right fork eastward.
The trail is briefly wide and flat and then begins to descend moderately through more pine and short switchbacks. Where the sandy trail leaves the forest, cross a seasonal creek and enter Long Meadow. The picturesque meadow is appropriately named and makes an excellent lunch and water stop. The small stream draining Long Meadow may be low during late season but will still provide water. If you got a late start, there are several campsites (8544’; 11S 329085 4110671) on the small, short rise to the north of the meadow that offer good wind protection.
Post Corral Creek
After reaching the mouth of Long Meadow, the route traverses the length of the field and then gently descends back into the trees. Here, reach a poorly signed junction with the Burnt Corral Creek Trail. That trail heads north and is quite faint, and the sign is easily missed when heading east along this route. Continue ahead (east) and don’t be concerned if you do not see the junction. Stroll next to the stream and then ford it after about 0.75 mile.
The trail then drops back into more lodgepole pine, gradually descends, and turns toward the south. When the trail reaches a short wooden bridge and flattens, it is another mile to the Post Corral Creek ford. Although they may be difficult to spot at first, there are several quiet campsites tucked into the pines along this section of the trail. If the sites at Post Corral are full, you can backtrack to this area to find seclusion.
Just before the ford of Post Corral Creek, a granite boulder field opens on the right (west) side of the trail. There are several obvious campsites here (8200’; 11S 331535 4110014), at the edge of the encroaching forest. At the ford of Post Corral Creek, a wide granite slab eases gently into the water, making an idyllic dinner site.
DAY 2 (Post Corral Meadows to Maxson Trailhead, 7.5 miles): Retrace your steps.
8 Bench Valley Lakes
Trip Data: 11S 340056 4105107 (at Guest Lake); 40 miles; 6/1 days
Topos: Courtright Reservoir, Ward Mountain, Blackcap Mountain, Mt. Henry
Highlights: This trip traverses the lush, forested meadows surrounding Corral Mountain and offers sweeping vistas of granite domes along North Fork Kings River. The path then ascends through serene meadows carpeted in wildflowers to the stark alpine beauty of the Bench Valley basin. The many small lakes and cliffs in this hanging valley offer fishing, rock climbing, and rich alpenglow at sunset. Since most of the trail follows marked, easy terrain, this trip makes a great choice for a longer yet moderate outing.
DAY 1 (Maxson Trailhead to Post Corral Meadows, 7.5 miles): (Recap: Trip 7, Day 1.) Leaving the trailhead from the west side, head north along the marked trail for 300 yards until it joins the Dusy Jeep Trail. After about 1 mile, an obvious log signed NO MOTOR VEHICLES bars vehicles; cross the log and turn right (northeast). Go generally north next to a small creek for a half mile before fording it at the entrance to Maxson Meadows. Follow a raised wood and sand trail designed to help protect the area.
After passing Chamberlain’s Camp, the trail climbs about a mile of rocky switchbacks. Beyond, the trail levels off in a dense stand of lodgepole pine and comes to the signed Hobler Lake/Post Corral Meadows junction (8872´; 11S 327623 4110278). Take the right fork (east).
The trail is briefly wide and flat and then begins to descend short switchbacks. Where the sandy trail leaves the forest, cross a seasonal creek and enter Long Meadow. Late-starters will find several campsites (8544’; 11S 329085 4110671) on the small, short rise to the north of the meadow.
Traverse Long Meadow and then descend to a poorly signed junction with the Burnt Corral Creek Trail (easily missed when heading east along this route; don’t worry if you don’t see it). Continue ahead (east) next to the stream and then ford it after about 0.75 mile.
The trail then gradually descends while turning south. When the trail reaches a short wooden bridge and flattens, it is another mile to the Post Corral Creek ford. There are several quiet, hard-to-spot campsites tucked into the trees along this section of the trail. (If the sites at Post Corral Creek are full, backtrack to this area.)
Just before the ford of Post Corral Creek, a granite boulder field opens on the right (west) side of the trail. There are several obvious campsites here (8200’; 11S 331535 4110014).
DAY 2 (Post Corral Meadows to North Fork Kings River, 5.6 miles): Shortly after fording Post Corral Creek (wet in early season), the Hell For Sure Pass Trail heads left at a signed junction. Go right (south), following a sandy trail. After a half mile, the trail climbs out of the pines and passes larger granite boulders and sandy open flats. The route than makes a short descent and winds through more meadow and sandy forest for the next 2 miles.
After the trail gains a ridge and turns to the southeast, the vista opens dramatically, with sweeping views through the trees across the granitic North Fork Kings River’s canyon. The trail follows a sandy wash down short switchbacks and then meets low-angle granite slabs near the river. There are many relaxing lunch spots here, along with plenty of water and several refreshing swimming holes farther down the trail to the south. There are many campsites near this juncture if a short day is in order. Fishing along the river is good for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
Bouldering below Blackcap Mountain
The majestic North Fork Kings River
From here, the trail continues southeastward and reenters the ubiquitous pine forest. On the left side of the path, yellow-green lichen coats house-sized granite boulders nestled among the trees, while ferns and dense thickets of manzanita carpet the forest floor.
After a meandering half mile, the trail comes to a moderate clearing with a California Cooperative Snow Survey log cabin next to a waterfall and a large pool in the river. The trail exits the left side of this clearing to the southeast and continues on another half mile to the signed Devils Punchbowl/Big Maxson Meadow Trail junction (8183’; 11S 334724 4105551). There are several superb campsites just before the signed junction, across the granite slabs, next to the river on the west side of the trail.
DAY 3 (North Fork Kings River to Guest Lake, 6.9 miles, part cross-country): The trail leaves the signed Devils Punchbowl/Maxson Meadow junction by the right fork (southeast), staying parallel with North Fork Kings River. After crossing several small branches of Meadow Brook, the tread heads up a short set of stone stairs and crosses open granite slabs near a large pool. The normally rough granite has been worn down by the passage of the water, and several of the pools make for great swimming holes.
The path continues southeast and climbs gently up dirt and loose rock for about a mile until reaching the rocky ford of Fall Creek (wet in early season). Follow the trail 300 yards after the last ford of the creek to the point where a faint trail turns to the left (east) from the main trail; from here, the main trail goes far out of your way. So take the angler’s use trail. It’s indistinct near the bottom, but many ducks become apparent as it climbs higher. If you lose the trail, head cross-country generally east-northeast up the hill parallel with the creek, keeping Fall Creek about 200 yards away on your left side. The trail is steep and occasionally loose, so exercise caution while ascending. At the top, find expansive views all the way back down the valley.
Once it reaches the low-angle granite slabs at the top, the route levels off and once again enters dense lodgepole forest. Shortly thereafter, the route joins the main trail ascending from Big Maxson Meadow and begins a lazy traverse through 2 miles of beautiful foliage and dense ferns. In the spring, shooting star, penstemon, larkspur, monkshood, monkeyflower, columbine, wallflower, and paintbrush line the path. In late season, the ferns turn yellow, carpeting the forest floor with broad brushstrokes of color.
After traversing the forested meadow, the trail starts to climb again and culminates with a short but steep climb to the rim of the McGuire Lakes. The meadow-lined banks of the lake appear suddenly and make a welcome rest stop after the strenuous climb. From the vantage of the lake’s shores, it becomes apparent that this point is the entrance to a hanging valley. Rising proudly to the southeast is Blackcap Mountain; its granite summit blocks sit outlined like a dark sentinel against the vibrant red alpenglow at sunset.
HANGING VALLEYS
Hanging valleys occur when a tributary glacier carves its valley more slowly than does the larger glacier of which it is a tributary. In time, the larger glacier’s valley floor will be well below the tributary glacier’s. The tributary’s valley is left “hanging” high on the wall of the main valley after the glaciers melt, and the tributary’s stream drops, often from a lake, into the deeper main valley in the form of cascades and waterfalls. Yosemite’s Bridalveil and Yosemite falls are classic examples of this process. McGuire Lakes sit in one of a series of such hanging valleys that line the flanks of the LeConte Divide.
The trail skirts the lake, curving north and then south along the lake through sparse pine and large granite boulders. After the footpath veers east and crosses a short ridge, Guest Lake is visible straight ahead. There are comfortable campsites on the south side of Guest Lake among the large boulders and more sites along the north bank in the trees (10,195´; 11S 340056 4105107). If these sites are crowded, consider continuing on the fisherman’s trail another mile north to Horsehead Lake, where a few campsites dot the southeast shore. There is good fishing at Guest Lake for brook trout.
EXPLORING BENCH VALLEY
If your itinerary allows time for a layover day, Guest Lake makes a fantastic base camp from which to explore the rest of the Bench Valley lakes. A wonderful dayhike follows the angler’s use trail northward to Horsehead Lake, and then explores Roman Four Lake, Twin Buck Lakes, and Schoolmarm Lake. Anglers will encounter brook and rainbow at Horsehead Lake, brook at Roman Four Lake, rainbow at West Twin Buck Lake (East Twin Buck Lake is barren), and small rainbow at Schoolmarm Lake. There is also wonderful bouldering on the granite outcroppings surrounding Guest Lake. Rock climbers will be tempted to explore the inviting cracks bisecting the towering granite walls overhead. The climbing here is of such quality that the walls would surely be crowded, were it not for the high price of admission.
DAYS 4–6 (Guest Lake to Maxson Trailhead, 20 miles): Retrace your steps.
9 Red Mountain Basin
Trip Data: 11S 337471 4110684 (at Devils Punchbowl); 6/2 days; 34 miles
Topos: Courtright Reservoir, Ward Mountain, Blackcap Mt., Mt. Henry
Highlights: This trip takes an old sheepherder’s route, known as the Baird Trail, from the subalpine meadows at Post Corral Creek to the stunning alpine scenery surrounding Devils Punchbowl, a lake in remote Red Mountain Basin and a good spot from which to explore the basin. The trek then descends via Meadow Brook, one of the Sierra’s most picturesque subalpine meadows, to take in spectacular views of the North Fork Kings River.
DAY 1 (Maxson Trailhead to Post Corral Meadows, 7.5 miles): (Recap: Trip 7, Day 1.) Leaving the trailhead from the west side, head north along the marked trail for 300 yards until it joins the Dusy Jeep Trail. After about 1 mile, an obvious log signed NO MOTOR VEHICLES bars vehicles; cross the log and turn right (northeast). Go generally north next to a small creek for a half mile before fording it at the entrance to Maxson Meadows. Follow a raised wood and sand trail designed to help protect the area.
After passing Chamberlain’s Camp, the trail climbs about a mile of rocky switchbacks. Beyond, the trail levels off in a dense stand of lodgepole pine and comes to the signed Hobler Lake/Post Corral Meadows junction (8872´; 11S 327623 4110278). Take the right fork (east).
The trail is briefly wide and flat and then begins to descend short switchbacks. Where the sandy trail leaves the forest, cross a seasonal creek and enter Long Meadow. Late-starters will find several campsites (8544´; 11S 329085 4110671) on the small, short rise to the north of the meadow.
Traverse Long Meadow and then descend to a poorly signed junction with the Burnt Corral Creek Trail (easily missed when heading east along this route; don’t worry if you don’t see it). Continue ahead (east) next to the stream and then ford it after about 0.75 mile.
The trail then gradually descends while turning south. When the trail reaches a short wooden bridge and flattens, it is another mile to the Post Corral Creek ford. There are several quiet, hard-to-spot campsites tucked into the trees along this section of the trail. (If the sites at Post Corral Creek are full, backtrack to this area.)
Just before the ford of Post Corral Creek, a granite boulder field opens on the right (west) side of the trail. There are several obvious campsites here (8200´; 11S 331535 4110014).
DAY 2 (Post Corral Meadows to Rae Lake, 5.5 miles): Top off water supplies here; today’s route gains 1600 feet in 5 miles with no reliable water.
After leaving the campsites, head east to ford Post Corral Creek (wet in early season) and shortly find the signed Blackcap/Red Mountain Basin junction. Turn left (east). The trail then begins to climb the ridge separating Post Corral Creek and Fleming Creek. The first mile is moderate under shady pine cover, but shortly thereafter the trail steepens over dynamited slabs.
Continue up the obvious path to the small, wooded flat before reaching the switchbacks that lead up the last few hundred feet to the ridgeline. The trail turns toward the northeast and begins a more gentle ascent up the forested north flank of Fleming Creek’s canyon.
After 1.5 miles, the track turns north and ascends steep, rocky switchbacks to gain the meadows surrounding small, photogenic Fleming Lake. Here, the landscape takes on a definite subalpine character with less tree cover and more exposed granite boulders and slabs.
The path crosses Fleming Lake’s outlet and soon meets a junction with the Hell For Sure Pass Trail at the foot of a long meadow dotted with colorful wildflowers. Turn left (north) here and climb to a shaded hillside junction with the short spur trail leading to Rae Lake (9889´; 11S 335881 4113427). Idyllic campsites lie beneath the trees on the north banks of the lake, and there is good fishing for brook trout.
DAY 3 (Rae Lake to Devils Punchbowl, 4 miles): Return to the Hell For Sure Trail junction. Turn left (east) and shortly ford Fleming Creek. The path then begins a 500-foot ascent that starts on a tree-covered slope with patches of meadow and wildflowers. With the terrain growing dry and sandy, the trail gains a ridgetop and briefly turns south to cross open meadows and seasonal creeks before heading east again.
In another mile, find the unsigned junction with a trail to Devils Punchbowl next to a tall, gray stump. Turn right (south) and pass a small lake before dropping 300 feet to reach East Fork Fleming Creek. The trail crosses at a rocky ford (wet in early season) and then climbs 300 feet to the low ridge on the north side of Devils Punchbowl. Good campsites are located on the east side of the lake (10,098´; 11S 337471 4110684). The lake is popular with hikers and fishermen, so please make an effort to minimize your impact. This ideal location makes a great spot for a layover day, as the rugged terrain of Red Mountain Basin on all sides begs for exploration.
DAY 4 (Devils Punchbowl to North Fork Kings River, 5.5 miles): From the north side of the lake, the trail heads south along the granite walls that dam the lake. Midway along the ridge, you can spy the small Jigger Lakes below and to the west. At the southwest corner of Devils Punchbowl, the trail makes several short switchbacks to gain a saddle before turning to the south and beginning a 2000-foot descent to North Fork Kings River.
The descent begins with a 200-foot sandy slope leading to lush meadows at the head of Meadow Brook. In the next mile, the path skirts the west side of the meadows, threading past lavender shooting star, purple Sierra gentian, and monkeyflower. The views from this section of trail are breathtaking: With the meadow in the foreground, you can see all the way to the far side of the North Fork Kings River drainage. Cattle may be run in this drainage; if present, they certainly detract from the natural beauty of the meadows. There are many idyllic spots to lunch and take in this meadow’s beautiful setting.
After this pleasurable mile, the grade steepens and turns southwest away from the creek, angling down a forested moraine. The next mile descends continuously, and stands of red fir, Jeffrey pine, and quaking aspen welcome you back to lower elevation. The path levels out on open granite slabs at the bottom of the grade and reaches a signed junction with the Blackcap Mountain Trail. Turn right (west) along North Fork Kings River, soon curving northwest and shortly fording Fleming Creek. Cross a forested flat, descend a little to slabs near the river, and then climb an open hillside to a ridgetop with fine views over North Fork Kings River.
GLACIERS AND EXPLORERS ON NORTH FORK KINGS RIVER
The entire granitic North Fork Kings River’s canyon was covered with glacial ice many times during the past million years, and the most recent glacier retreated up-canyon only about 11,000 years ago. At this spot, it is interesting to speculate on the route followed in this area by Capt. John C. Frémont, the “Pathfinder.” Historians are unsure of the exact route, but they do agree that Frémont’s party got lost high in this drainage in during Frémont’s second great expedition of 1843-44. They were caught in an early winter storm, were forced to eat their saddle stock, and finally retreated.
Descend from the ridge and follow the sandy, undulating trail as it winds through forest and small meadows for 2 miles to a ford of an unnamed creek. Meet the Blackcap Mountain/Red Mountain Basin Trail at the junction near Post Corral Creek. Turn left (northwest) here and ford Post Corral Creek to find the good campsites of Day 1 (8200´; 11S 331535 4110014). The loop part of this trip ends here.
DAY 5 (Post Corral Meadows to Maxson Trailhead, 7.5 miles): Retrace your steps to the trailhead.
