Description

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) enters the wilderness on the north just below Granite Chief peak, and exits (or vice-a-versa) just south of Twin Peaks. There are seven segments that total about 11 miles within the wilderness, or 15.9 miles from Granite Chief Trail to Barker Pass Trailhead. This trail is well described in many guidebooks, so I'll leave it at that. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trips 45 & 50.

The portion of the trail between the Tevis Cup Trail junction and the Whiskey Creek Trail junction is also designated as part of the American Discovery Trail (ADT).

Conditions

Updated: 2009-07-19

Note: Most people call the trail heading from the PCT to Five Lakes the "Five Lakes Trail", but technically this is the Squaw Saddle Trail, which connects with the Five Lake Trail just north of the lakes. The names of the Tevis Cup and Western States Trails are often used interchangably.

Trail Conditions:

• Granite Chief Trail to Squaw Valley Trail at Granite Chief saddle (1.4 miles), 2009-06-14: The trail was largely snow covered at this time. One large log down.
• Squaw Valley Trail to Tevis Cup Trail (0.2 miles), 2010-07-04: The trail has some snow patches but is in good condition.
• Tevis Cup Trail to Western States Trail (0.8 miles), 2010-07-04: The trail is largely snow covered and somewhat hard to follow. No down trees noted. Brushing was completed in 2008.
• Western States Trail to Whiskey Creek Trail (1.7 miles), 2010-07-04: Snow coverage varies from clear to 100%, but the trail is not hard to follow. Seven trees are down in this section, all of which may be safely bypassed. Brushing was completed in 2007 and 2008. The tread is mostly in good condition, though with rocky spots.
• Whiskey Creek Trail to Squaw Saddle Trail (0.9 miles), 2010-07-04: The trail is in good condition. No trees down. Brushing was completed summer 2007 and 2008. The tread is mostly in good condition, though rocky in places.
• Squaw Saddle Trail to Tahoe Rim Trail (5.7 miles), 2010-07-04: The switchbacks out of Five Lakes Creek are mostly covered in snow, and the trail is difficult to follow. Winter debris is heavy. The remainder of the trail south is in good condition with some snow patches. Brushing was completed in 2007, but the section south of the "Twin Towers" needs to be brushed again.
• Tahoe Rim Trail (near Twin Peaks) to Barker Pass Trailhead (4.2 miles), 2010-07-04: Seven trees are down in this section, but all are easy to climb over or bypass. Snow coverage varies from clear to 100% with the trail hazarous just south of the wilderness boundary, and hard to follow north of the vista point and in the crossing of the first creek north of Barker Pass. There are some moderately brushy sections between Twin Peaks and North Fork Blackwood Creek. The trail tread is in good condition throughout.

Water:

• Granite Chief Trail to Squaw Valley Trail at Granite Chief saddle, 2008-08-24: Squaw Creek from headwaters meadow is flowing (not visible at trail crossing but available just upstream or downstream); spring at granite flat is dry.
• Squaw Valley Trail to Tevis Cup Trail, 2010-07-04: none.
• Tevis Cup Trail to Western States Trail, 2010-07-04: Middle Fork of the American River is flowing, as are many tributaries.
• Western States Trail to Whiskey Creek Trail, 2010-07-04: Whiskey Creek is flowing strongly, as are many tributaries.
• Whiskey Creek Trail to Squaw Saddle Trail, 2010-07-04: The spring creeklet just west of PCT/Squaw Saddle junction is flowing.
• Squaw Saddle Trail to Tahoe Rim Trail, 2010-07-04: Five Lakes Creek flowing strongly, along with many snow-melt creeks on the switchbacks. There is no on-trail water from Five Lakes Creek to Tahoe Rim Trail.
• Tahoe Rim Trail to Barker Pass Trailhead, 2010-07-04: North Fork Blackwood Creek, MIddle Fork Blackwood Creek, and many tributaries are flowing abundantly. North Fork Blackwood Creek retains a small flow throughout the year, and one of the springs in the North Fork basin seems to be year-round.

Trailheads/Junctions

 

Jct A: Pacific Crest Trail & Granite Chief Trail

There are two signs at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Granite Chief Trail (15E23). The smaller is on the post, the other sitting against the post, on the ground.

  

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Jct B: Pacific Crest Trail & Squaw Valley Trail

There is a sign post at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the "Squaw Valley Trail" (this is not an official name). This junction is just south of the Granite Chief saddle. The "Squaw Valley Trail" heads east towards Watson Monument, and connects with the eastern branch of the Tevis Cup Trail.

  

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Jct C: Pacific Crest Trail & Tevis Cup Trail

There are two sign posts at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Tevis Cup Trail. The names Tevis Cup and Western States are used interchangably on several maps, and I've chosen to call the northern branch the Tevis Cup Trail, and the southern branch the Western States Trail. This junction is south of the Granite Chief saddle. From the junction, the Tevis Cup Trail heads west to the Tevis Cup Trailhead, and east to Watson Monument.

            

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Jct D: Pacific Crest Trail & Western States Trail

A sign at this junction indicates the Tevis Trail departs northwest. The names Tevis Cup and Western States are used interchangably on several maps, and I've chosen to call the northern branch the Tevis Cup Trail, and the southern branch the Western States Trail, so this should be the Western States Trail rather then the Tevis Trail. On the other hand, some maps designate trail 16E10 down Picayune Valley as the Western States Trail. A ways down the trail there is an old WS Trail metal sign on a large tree.

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Jct E: Pacific Crest Trail & Whiskey Creek Trail

There are two signs at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Whiskey Creek Trail. This junction is between the Western State Trail junction and the Five Lake Trail junction. From the junction, the Whiskey Creek Trail heads west to Whiskey Creek Camp.

for the Whiskey Creek Trail, mounted on a tree

 

for the PCT, mounted on a post

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Jct F: Pacific Crest Trail & Squaw Saddle Trail

A single sign on post marks this trail junction, pointing along the Squaw Saddle Trail towards Five Lakes. The Pacific Crest Trail is not noted other than the PCT logo on the sign post, which is confusing. Look to the PCT logos a short ways down the northbound and southbound PCT trail for confirmation about your trail.

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Jct G: Pacific Crest Trail & Tahoe Rim Trail

A vertical post marks this trail junction, with destinations on all four sides. To the south, the PCT and TRT coincide. To the north is the PCT, and to the west is the TRT.

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Barker Pass Trailhead

to Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail

The TRTA sign at Barker Pass, for the northbound Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail. Tahoe NF trailhead directions.

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Map

Description

The Granite Chief Trail (16E23) starts in Squaw Valley at the main fire station and climbs to the Pacific Crest Trail a bit north of the wilderness. The trailhead at 6260 feet is to the right of the fire station, with a standard Granite Chief Wilderness information sign and a Granite Chief Trail sign, but no destinations or mileages. It passes some use trails and a challenge course, climbs to a dirt road and left to a large water tank, then becomes a trail again. There are two obvious trails coming in from the right and then the left, and the route going up is clear at these, but can be confusing coming back down, when you should take the left trail and the first split and the right trail at the second split. The trail ends at 8160 feet at the Pacific Crest Trail. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 45.

Conditions

Updated: 2008-08-24

Trail Conditions: There are two trees down on the lower section of the trail, both easily climbed over, and one tree higher up was cut this season. In parts the trail has a good tread and gentle slope, but it is also quite steep and rocky in other parts. The brush varies from light (you can step around it) to moderate (you have to push through it, but the trail is still clear), with the brushiest parts being near wet areas.

Water: One small trickle on this segment.

Trailheads / Junctions

Granite Chief Trailhead

to Granite Chief Trail

The Granite Chief Trailhead has a standard Granite Chief Wilderness trailhead sign, and a Granite Chief Trail sign without destination or mileage. This trailhead is at the right hand side of the main fire station in Squaw Valley. Tahoe NF trailhead directions.

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Jct A: Pacific Crest Trail & Granite Chief Trail

There are two signs at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Granite Chief Trail (15E23). The smaller is on the post, the other sitting against the post, on the ground.

  

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Map

Description

The Five Lakes Trail (16E27) starts at the Alpine Meadows Trailhead on Alpine Meadows Road, climbs into the wilderness, and ends at the largest of the five lakes (actually anywhere between two and fifteen lakes, depending on time of year). 1.7 miles. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 46.

Conditions

Updated: 2009-06-16

Trail Conditions: The trail is well maintained to Five Lakes though a bit brushy, and quite busy on weekends and nice days. This is by far the most heavily used part of the wilderness. No down trees. Light brush in sections. Tread mostly good but steep and rocky in a few places.

Water: Some water in Bear Creek tributary but will dry soon. None until reaching the Five Lakes.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Alpine Meadows Trailhead

to Five Lakes Trail

The Alpine Meadows Trailhead has a standard GCW trailhead information sign, and a Five Lakes Trail sign.

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Jct H: Five Lakes Trail & Squaw Saddle Trail

At this junction, the Squaw Saddle Trail (which goes to the PCT trail) is marked by a sign to the PCT and Whiskey Creek Camp, while the Five Lakes Trail (which goes to the main lake of the Five Lakes) is marked by a sign to Five Lakes.

Between this junction and the junction with the PCT, there is a junction with an old, unmaintaned trail that comes from Five Lakes. Strangely, this abandoned trail is better signed than the junction of the Squaw Saddle Trail with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Just before the Five Lakes Trail reaches the largest of the Five Lakes, there is a destination sign.

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Map

Description

The Squaw Saddle Trail (16E27) connects the Five Lake Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. It is often just called the Five Lakes Trail, but technically is a separate trail. 0.8 miles. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 46.

Conditions

Update: 2009-06-16

Trail: No down trees. Tread good. No brush.

Water: Tributary to Five Lakes Creek flowing.

Junctions

 

Jct H: Five Lakes Trail & Squaw Saddle Trail

At this junction, the Squaw Saddle Trail (which goes to the PCT trail) is marked by a sign to the PCT and Whiskey Creek Camp, while the Five Lakes Trail (which goes to the main lake of the Five Lakes) is marked by a sign to Five Lakes.

Between this junction and the junction with the PCT, there is a junction with an old, unmaintaned trail that comes from Five Lakes. Strangely, this abandoned trail is better signed than the junction of the Squaw Saddle Trail with the Pacific Crest Trail.

Just before the Five Lakes Trail reaches the largest of the Five Lakes, there is a destination sign.

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Jct F: Pacific Crest Trail & Squaw Saddle Trail

A single sign on post marks this trail junction, pointing along the Squaw Saddle Trail towards Five Lakes. The Pacific Crest Trail is not noted other than the PCT logo on the sign post, which is confusing. Look to the PCT logos a short ways down the northbound and southbound PCT trail for confirmation about your trail.

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Map

Description

Whiskey Creek Trail (16E02) is the 0.4 mile segment from the junction with the PCT to Whiskey Creek Camp. It can be difficult to cross Whiskey Creek during early summer when the creek is high and wide at a crossing without boulders to hop. Whiskey is often spelled "whisky" on websites, some guidebooks, and signs, but the USGS map uses the "whiskey" spelling. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 46.

This trail is also designated as part of the American Discovery Trail (ADT).

Conditions

Update: 2010-07-05

Trail: The trail is in good condition. The trail was brushed and logs cleared in 2009.

Water: Whiskey Creek is flowing strongly.

Junctions

 

Jct E: Pacific Crest Trail & Whiskey Creek Trail

There are two signs at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Whiskey Creek Trail. This junction is between the Western State Trail junction and the Five Lake Trail junction. From the junction, the Whiskey Creek Trail heads west to Whiskey Creek Camp.

for the Whiskey Creek Trail, mounted on a tree

 

for the PCT, mounted on a post

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Jct N: Five Lake Creek Trail & Whiskey Creek Trail & Picayune Valley Trail at Whiskey Creek Camp

At this junction at Whiskey Creek Camp, Five Lakes Creek Trail enters from the south, Picayune Valley Trail enters from the west, and Whiskey Creek Trail enters from the north. Both signs area mounted on a post at the trail junction.

for Whiskey Creek Trail

for Picayune Valley Trail (ahead) and Five Lakes Creek Trail (left)

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Map

Description

Five Lakes CREEK Trail (15E31) extends from Whiskey Creek camp to Diamond Crossing, in five sections totaling 4.0 miles. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 48.

Conditions

Update: 2009-07-18

Trail: The trail has been logged out and some minor tread repair performed. The horse group that visits this area once a year does trail maintenance, much appreciated, but is not keeping up with downed trees.

• Whiskey Creek Camp to Big Spring Trail (north): OK. Light brush in spots.
• Big Spring Trail (north) to Shanks Cove Trail: OK
• Shanks Cove Trail to Big Spring Trail (south): OK
• Big Spring Trail (south) to Bear Pen Trail: OK. Light brush in spots.
• Bear Pen Trail to Diamond Crossing: OK.

Water:

• Whiskey Creek Camp to Big Spring Trail (north): tributary to Five Lakes Creek flowing
• Big Spring Trail (north) to Shanks Cove Trail: none
• Shanks Cove Trail to Big Spring Trail (south): good flow in Five Lakes Creek
• Big Spring Trail (south) to Bear Pen Trail: good flow in Bear Pen Creek
• Bear Pen Trail to Diamond Crossing: none

Junctions

 

Jct N: Five Lake Creek Trail & Whiskey Creek Trail & Picayune Valley Trail at Whiskey Creek Camp

At this junction at Whiskey Creek Camp, Five Lakes Creek Trail enters from the south, Picayune Valley Trail enters from the west, and Whiskey Creek Trail enters from the north. Both signs area mounted on a post at the trail junction.

for Whiskey Creek Trail

for Picayune Valley Trail (ahead) and Five Lakes Creek Trail (left)

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Jct M: Five Lake Creek Trail & Big Spring Trail (north)

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads north, and the Big Spring Trail heads east to cross Five Lakes Creek.

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Jct L: Five Lake Creek Trail & Shanks Cove Trail

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads north, and the Shanks Cove Trail heads west. This sign is in error, as it implies a trail direction that doesn't exist. When viewing the sign, the Five Lakes Creek Trail to Diamond Crossing is behind you, not to the left.

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Jct K: Five Lake Creek Trail & Big Spring Trail (south)

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads west to cross Five Lakes Creek, and the Big Spring Trail head north to Big Spring and Big Spring Meadow.

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Jct J: Five Lake Creek Trail & Bear Pen Trail

At this junction, the Bear Pen Trail leaves the Five Lakes Creek Trail heading east.

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Jct I: Powderhorn Trail & Five Lake Creek Trail & Hell Hole "Trail"

Three trails come together at this junction, the Powderhorn Trail, the Five Lake Creek Trail, and the Hell Hole "trail" which is only partly maintained. The junction is in an open meadow.

            

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Map

Description

Big Spring Trail (16E17) lies mostly on the east side of Five Lakes Creek, giving access to a large meadow and to Big Spring.

Conditions

Update: 2008-09-02

Trail: Two trees are down. The trail is difficult to find in Big Spring Meadow, but crosses the middle of the meadow heading south, and crosses Five Lakes Creek just south of the largest Jeffrey Pine.

Water: Big Spring is hard to find, probably easier by ear than eye. It is below where the trail crosses the dry drainage at the south edge of the meadow. It is flowing well.

Junctions

 

Jct K: Five Lake Creek Trail & Big Spring Trail (south)

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads west to cross Five Lakes Creek, and the Big Spring Trail head north to Big Spring and Big Spring Meadow.

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Jct M: Five Lake Creek Trail & Big Spring Trail (north)

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads north, and the Big Spring Trail heads east to cross Five Lakes Creek.

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Map

Description

The Bear Pen Trail (15E26) starts from the Five Lakes Creek Trail just south of Bear Pen Creek, and ends at a beautiful meadow in the Bear Pen amphitheater, about 2.3 miles.

Conditions

Update: 2008-08-12

Trail: The trail is easy to follow the entire way, though there are a number of downed trees and much debris on parts of the trail since it has not been maintained in years. At the crossing of Bear Pen Creek, the trail continuation is just downsteam, up an eroded bank.

Water: Bear Pen Creek has a reasonable flow at the trail crossing. Willow Creek has a tiny flow at the trail crossing.

Junctions

 

Jct J: Five Lake Creek Trail & Bear Pen Trail

At this junction, the Bear Pen Trail leaves the Five Lakes Creek Trail heading east.

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Map

Description

The Powderhorn Trail (16E26) connects the eastern wilderness boundary with Five Lakes Creek Trail. This 3.5 mile trail starts at about 7720 feet, ascends to a pass at about 7800, then descends into the Powderhorn Creek drainage, ending at the junction with the Five Lakes Creek Trail at a junction often called Diamond Crossing at about 6050 feet. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 47.

Conditions

Updated: 2009-09-25

Trail Conditions: This 3.5 mile trail from the Powderhorn Trailhead to the junction with Five Lakes Creek Trail is in good condition. There is one large tree down in the upper section, but an established use trail bypasses it. The tread is mostly in good condition. There are some short stretches of light and moderate brush, but all the brushed in sections have been maintained.

Water: A small creeklet south of the Powderhorn "postpile" was a trickle. Powderhorn Creek is dry in the upper third, but builds rapidly below that, however, it becomes harder to access from the trail. At the trail crossing at the bottom, Powderhorn Creek is flowing moderately.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Powderhorn Trailhead

to Powderhorn Trail

The Powderhorn Trailhead has a standard GCW trailhead sign, and a trail sign. This trailhead is on the Barker Pass Road, 1.6 miles west of Barker Pass Trailhead. The road segment between Barker Pass Trailhead and this trailhead is deteriorating, and passenger cars must drive carefully to navigate it. There is parking space at the junction of Road 3-4, which eliminates the roughest 0.3 miles.

The trailhead mileage sign, which is now planted in the ground rather than leaning against a tree.

Powderhorn Trailhead sign, with new wilderness map and stock information sections.

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Jct I: Powderhorn Trail & Five Lake Creek Trail & Hell Hole "Trail"

Three trails come together at this junction, the Powderhorn Trail, the Five Lake Creek Trail, and the Hell Hole "trail" which is only partly maintained. The junction is in an open meadow.

            

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Map

Description

The Tevis Cup Trail (16E04) leads from the PCT to the western wilderness boundary. The TI 804 map and the FS map show two branches of this trail, one starting off the PCT just below the saddle beside Granite Chief mountain, and the other in the saddle before the PCT drops into Whiskey Creek drainage. They join and exit the wilderness to logging roads. Jeffrey Schaffer's description of the northern branch in The Tahoe Sierra - "...was apparently built without any forethought, since the steep ups and downs are random and have nothing to do with topography or obstacles." - is apropos. The northern branch is apparently the one used by the Tevis Cup (or Western States) endurance horse ride and the Western States 100 endurance run. The southern branch is sometimes referred to as the Western States Trail, but this name is also used for the trail through Picayune Valley.

For more information about the Western States ride and run, see the Western States Trail Foundation Tevis Cup Ride.

Conditions

Update: 2010-07-05

Trail: The Tevis Cup Trail (16E04) northern branch receives some maintenance, presumably from the people who sponsor the Tevis Cup horse ride and Western States run. It is brushy everywhere it passes through wet areas. The trail currently has yellow flags and yellow flagging, presumably for the races.

The Western States Trail southern branch has not been maintained in quite some time, but it can be followed with reasonable attention. The most difficult part is the crossing of the Middle Fork, but if you just head across the swampy area (maybe knee deep), you'll pick it up again. The junction with the northern branch is not signed and not obvious, so it would be better to go westbound on this branch.

At the wilderness boundary there is a standard Granite Chief wilderness sign which is rapidly deteriorating, and the trail continues as an old logging road to an intersection with an open logging road at a green gate. There is no sign or indication of the trail here.

Water:

2010-07-05: Several smalll flows of water cross the Tevis Cup Trail, but of these only one may be year-round. The Middle Fork American River is flowing at the Western States Trail crossing.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Tevis Cup Trailhead

to Tevis Cup Trail

From the west, this trail starts at a green gate on Forest Service Road 51. Road 51 is not signed for this trailhead from the south; I don't know if it is signed from the north. The road is not maintained, has become brushy and rough in spots, and seems to be used only by quad vehicles now. At the green gate there is a carsonite post that says WS Trail ("WS" = western states) and had a "Western States Pioneer Trail" logo that I've never seen anywhere else, but there is no indication which direction the trail goes. It goes west by following road 51 to the north to the Middle Fork / North Fork saddle and hence along Foresthill Divide, and goes east through the green gate.

The trail starts as old, eroded logging roads across private land. Side logging roads are common but not marked. At the first major road junction, the trail goes left, uphill. At the second major road junction, the trail goes right, and the wilderness boundary is about 1/4 mile beyond.

The wilderness boundary is marked by a standard Forest Service wilderness boundary sign, which is rapidly deteriorating. There is no standard trailhead sign. Just past the wilderness boundary the road turns into a trail.

Tahoe NF trailhead directions.

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Jct C: Pacific Crest Trail & Tevis Cup Trail

There are two sign posts at the junction of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Tevis Cup Trail. The names Tevis Cup and Western States are used interchangably on several maps, and I've chosen to call the northern branch the Tevis Cup Trail, and the southern branch the Western States Trail. This junction is south of the Granite Chief saddle. From the junction, the Tevis Cup Trail heads west to the Tevis Cup Trailhead, and east to Watson Monument.

            

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Jct D: Pacific Crest Trail & Western States Trail

A sign at this junction indicates the Tevis Trail departs northwest. The names Tevis Cup and Western States are used interchangably on several maps, and I've chosen to call the northern branch the Tevis Cup Trail, and the southern branch the Western States Trail, so this should be the Western States Trail rather then the Tevis Trail. On the other hand, some maps designate trail 16E10 down Picayune Valley as the Western States Trail. A ways down the trail there is an old WS Trail metal sign on a large tree.

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Map

Description

The Picayune Valley Trail (16E10) enters the wilderness at the Talbot Trailhead above the Talbot Campground, connects with the Shanks Cove Trail, and terminates at Whiskey Creek Camp, about 7.6 miles. On some maps this is called Western States Trail, and this may be a correct historical designation. The route of this trail, and the junction with the Shanks Cove Trail, is not as shown on most maps. The Picayune Valley Trail descends into the valley from the low saddle just north of the high volcanic cliffs, which is about 7450 feet. It does not descend from the saddle to the north, as shown on the Trails Illustrated map, nor does it descend from the cliffs as shown on the topgraphic base map. The Shanks Cove Trail connects with the Picayune Valley Trail about a half mile northeast of this saddle. Though there is no indication about whether the section from this junction to Whiskey Creek Camp is the Picayune Valley Trail or the Shanks Cove Trail, I've decided to consider it a continuation of the Picayune Valley Trail. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 42.

This trail is also designated as part of the American Discovery Trail (ADT).

Conditions

Update: 2010-07-05

Trail:

2010-07-05: The trail was logged out and brushed from Whiskey Creek camp for about 3/4 of a mile in 2009. This section is in an aging red fir forest and will continue to have down trees every year. The rest remains as before, but with additional trees down.

2008-09-10: From Talbot Trailhead to Shanks Cove Trail, about 31 trees down, with none hazardous to bypass, a lot of debris on the trail in areas, light to medium brush in many spots. From junction with Shanks Cove to Whiskey Creek Camp: five trees down, tread with a lot of debris, some brush.

Water:

2010-07-05: Middle Fork American River is flowing and in flood along its entire length. Picayune Creek is flowing and in flood along its entire length. Numerous side creeks cross the trail from just past the wilderness boundary to the bottom of the switchbacks out of the valley.

2008-09-10 (for reference to late season water):Talbot Creek is flowing well. A smalll tributary with a slotted log is barely flowing. The Middle Fork is low but flowing. Both the Middle Fork and Picayune Creek are flowing in bedrock sections but dry in rock and gravel sections. Picayune Creek (an unoffical name - the topographic map does not name this creek) is close to the trail at the upper granite bench and again after a meadow in the upper stretch. Very small flow in tributary to Five Lakes Creek, which the trail crosses on the way to Whiskey Creek camp.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Talbot Trailhead

to Picayune Valley Trail

This trailhead is marked by a large number of signs. Coming in on the gravel road, there is first an equestrian trailhead on the left, with one hitching rail and a standard trailhead information sign. Just past this is the main trailhead, which is at the entrance to Talbot Campground. The standard trailhead information sign is in better shape than any I've seen for the wilderness. Tahoe NF trailhead directions.

The trail goes past the green gate, immediately crosses Talbot Creek, and continues along a rocky old logging road. Along this road there are two additional directional signs, standard brown with white border road signs:

  

followed by an information board which is missing most of the signs, where the road becomes a trail, followed by a Granite Chief Wilderness sign at the boundary.

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Jct O: Picayune Valley Trail & Shanks Cove Trail

At this junction at Shanks Cove Trail departs left to the ridge above Grayhorse Valley, and thence down to Shanks Cove, and the Picayune Valley trail departs right. The sign is on the ground and broken but still readable. There is no sign for the Picayune Valley Trail heading towards Whiskey Creek Camp.

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Jct N: Five Lake Creek Trail & Whiskey Creek Trail & Picayune Valley Trail at Whiskey Creek Camp

At this junction at Whiskey Creek Camp, Five Lakes Creek Trail enters from the south, Picayune Valley Trail enters from the west, and Whiskey Creek Trail enters from the north. Both signs area mounted on a post at the trail junction.

for Whiskey Creek Trail

for Picayune Valley Trail (ahead) and Five Lakes Creek Trail (left)

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Map

Description

The Shanks Cove Trail (15E08?) starts at the Five Lakes Creek Trail, connects with the Grayhorse Valley Trail, and ends at the Picayune Valley Trail (or vice-a-versa). The two sections are 2.7 miles and 1.7 miles, for a total of 4.4 miles. Described in The Tahoe Sierra, trip 49.

Conditions

Update: 2008-09-01

Trail: Fifteen trees down, most in the first quarter mile. Tread good. Some light brush.

Water: Some flow of water at lower crossing of "Shanks Cove Creek" and at Shanks Cove.

Junctions

 

Jct L: Five Lake Creek Trail & Shanks Cove Trail

At this junction, Five Lakes Creek Trail heads north, and the Shanks Cove Trail heads west. This sign is in error, as it implies a trail direction that doesn't exist. When viewing the sign, the Five Lakes Creek Trail to Diamond Crossing is behind you, not to the left.

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Jct P: Shanks Cove Trail & Grayhorse Valley Trail

At this junction, the Shanks Cove Trail continues down into Shanks Cove to the east or north towards Picayune Valley, while the Grayhorse Valley Trail heads west to the Grayhorse Valley Trailhead. There is some uncertainty about the naming of these trails, and the change of direction of the Shanks Cove Trail seems odd, but this is the best sense I can make of the naming.

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Jct O: Picayune Valley Trail & Shanks Cove Trail

At this junction at Shanks Cove Trail departs left to the ridge above Grayhorse Valley, and thence down to Shanks Cove, and the Picayune Valley trail departs right. The sign is on the ground and broken but still readable. There is no sign for the Picayune Valley Trail heading towards Whiskey Creek Camp.

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Map

Description

This Grayhorse Trail (15E11) starts at the Grayhorse Valley Trailhead on road 48-14 on the western side of the wilderness, and connects to the Shanks Cove Trail.

Conditions

Update: 2008-09-01

Trail: Seventeen trees down. Tread acceptable, with a lot of debris. Some light brush.

Water: Tiny flow of water near trailhead in tributary of Grayhorse Creek.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Grayhorse Valley Trailhead

to Grayhorse Valley Trail

This trailhead on road 48-14 has a trailhead sign that only has the standard wilderness map, and a wilderness boundary sign. It does not have a destination or distance sign. Tahoe NF trailhead directions.

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Jct P: Shanks Cove Trail & Grayhorse Valley Trail

At this junction, the Shanks Cove Trail continues down into Shanks Cove to the east or north towards Picayune Valley, while the Grayhorse Valley Trail heads west to the Grayhorse Valley Trailhead. There is some uncertainty about the naming of these trails, and the change of direction of the Shanks Cove Trail seems odd, but this is the best sense I can make of the naming.

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Map

Description

Hell Hole Trail (15E17) connects Diamond Crossing with Hell Hole Reservoir, along the north side of Five Lakes Creek. This trail begins at the end of the road on the north side of Hell Hole Reservoir. There is no trailhead or sign. The trail starts just before the rough 4WD road takes its last steep descent to Greyhorse Creek, as a vague path to the left. It can be followed more or less, until it fades out near the shore of the reservoir, though it has not been maintained in a long, long time. The upward trail to Diamond Crossing is not marked by a sign nor anything obvious. It heads straight uphill just before the trail fades into the reservoir shoreline, and is marked by small cairns. With a close eye, you can follow it, and even pick up traces of constructed trail here and there. When it gets into the eroded gully, it breaks into a variety of cairned routes. The one I picked leads into the bench below the trail, but it is not hard to jump up one bench and pick up the trail. At this point, near the wilderness boundary, the trail becomes easier to follow but is still not maintained. From Buckskin Creek to Diamond Crossing it is now a maintained trail (2009). This is a trail for experienced backcountry users who are good at finding vague and long unmaintained trails.

Conditions

Update: 2009-07-17

Trail: Trail maintenance has been performed on this trail from Diamond Crossing on the east to just past Buckskin Creek on the west, including logging out, tread maintenance and some water control maintenance, and some brushing. The remainder of the way to Hell Hole Reservoir, the trail is as described above.

Water: Five Lakes Creek is flowing at the trail crossing; Buckskin Creek is flowing in both the east and west tributary, though the east will dry soon; Steamboat Creek is flowing though there are dry sections above so it may not last much longer. There are some gully seeps on the descent to Hell Hole Reservoir that are still flowing but will dry soon.

Trailhead/Junctions

Hell Hole Trailhead

to Hell Hole Trail

There is no indication of this trailhead. The trail starts just before the rough 4WD road (14N09A) takes its last steep descent to Greyhorse Creek, as a vague path to the left. I do not know the condition of this road to the west, but all the vehicles I saw on it were 4WD.

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Jct S: Hell Hole Trail & McKinstry Trail

There is no trail sign, and essentially no indicator of this trail junction. The trail from the "trailhead" on the jeep road continues east and terminates at the reservoir shore. The Hell Hole Trail heads uphill from a location that is not marked other than with a few obscure small cairns.

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Jct I: Powderhorn Trail & Five Lake Creek Trail & Hell Hole "Trail"

Three trails come together at this junction, the Powderhorn Trail, the Five Lake Creek Trail, and the Hell Hole "trail" which is only partly maintained. The junction is in an open meadow.

            

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Map

Scale approximately 1:48,000.

Description

Buckskin "Trail" (15E16)

Buckskin Trail (15E16) is north of the Hell Hell Trail, in the Buckskin Creek and Steamboat Creek drainages. This trail is shown on the TI 804 map as a loop off Hell Hole Trail, of 3.0 miles. It is shown on the FS map as starting at Buckskin Trailhead at the wilderness boundary, at the end of road 48-14. However, there is no sign of the trail along 48-14.

Conditions

Update: 2009-07-17

Trail: This trail is non-existant for all intents and purposes. I was able to find and follow the trail up along Buckskin Creek, though there are few blazes, no cut logs, and only traces of tread. At the wildernss boundary there is a "no vehicles" graphic sign for downhill travel, and some blue paint on the trees. Just above here is a large dry meadow, with a large blazed tree marking the trail at the bottom, again for downhill travel. Heading up through the meadow there are no obvious markings. The trail comes out onto a logging road, and there is no indication about which way to go. Turning left along the ridge, the logging road eventually leads to the Steamboat Creek drainage, but again there is no sign or other indication of where the west branch heads back down Steamboat Creek.

From the Steamboat Creek end, the trail is even harder to find and follow. There are very few blazes, no cut logs, and only vague traces of tread.

Water: The logging road crosses a wet fork of Steamboat Creek. In a few places one could leave the trail to visit Buckskin Creek or Steamboat Creek, but this is very steep terrain.

Trailhead/Junctions

 

Jct Q: Buckskin Trail and Hell Hole Trail (east)

There is no trail sign, and essentially no indicator of this trail junction. At a dry meadow just to the west of Buckskin Creek, there is a single, out-of-place rock in the meadow which marks the departure of this very-hard-to-follow trail. See the description of the Buckskin Trail for more information.

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Jct R: Buckskin Trail and Hell Hole Trail (west)

There is no trail sign, and essentially no indicator of this trail junction. Rather than the junction location just east of Steamboat Creek, the junction is actually west of Steamboat Creek. The only evidence is a large Incense Cedar with the trail blaze on the side facing the trail, and two nails in the tree. See the description of the Buckskin Trail for more information.

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Map