Baltimore Lake and Beyers Lakes Trail
This basin is spectacularly rocky with patches of forests scarce.
...awesome views plentiful.
...can connect to the Pioneer Trail via Fordyce Creek and the Lake Spaulding Trail.
DESCRIPTION:
The trail continues west to tie into Grouse Ridge Trail 2.0 miles north of Eagle Lakes. From here, the trail can connect to the Pioneer Trail via Fordyce Creek and the Lake Spaulding Trail.
Not only are trees scarce, fish can seem scarce too, but awesome views plentiful. Baltimore Lake is managed for Brookies (planted 1999). Lower Beyer Lake: planted to Lahontan Cutthroat (2000); Upper Beyer: planted to rainbows Kamloops Junction strain (1999).
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7300’-7560’-6240’ | Alternate trailheads on the west side of the Grouse Ridge Area are: Eagle Lakes OHV parking near the Indian Springs Campground; Lang Crossing on the South Fork River; Fuller Lake, or Grouse Ridge Campground. Each of these offer alternate shuttle options as well as trailheads for traveling to Baltimore Lake from the west to the east. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Baltimore Lake and Beyers Lakes Trail
Topographic Maps: English Mt., Cisco Grove. Parking for low clearance vehicles near historic Summit City town site as indicated by the single interpretive sign on west side of Meadow Lake is plentiful. OHVs can continue southwest toward Baltimore Lake. Although a primitive road existed at one time all the way to Baltimore Lake, the OHV road now ends after 1.5 miles from Summit City at the boundary of the Grouse Non-Motorized Area; trail begins here and continues west to Baltimore Lake. From there it is 3.0 miles to the four Beyers Lakes.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
To my taste the hike and the country is exceptional. The long drive in dropped the experience to "Best."
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Good)
Great camping opportunities at both Baltimore and Beyer Lakes. Side trips to Phoenix Lake and Old Man Mountain or running up to the top of the backside of Black Buttes can make this an adventure of several days. And there won't be any crowds. Never. This is the rugged backside of the Grouse Ridge Area and is some of its most scenic.
Phoenix Lake is not shown on our map, so take a good topographic map for any of your sidetrips. Plan ahead and leave word of where you'll be and when you'll get out.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
This trail can link to the Pioneer Trail and take you to Meadow Lake and from there on to the Sierra Crest. That's epic! But it's rocky and technical and is best tackled by expert or extreme enthusiasts.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
See Beyer Lakes and Baltimore Lakes listed in nearby locations.
Baltimore Lake is managed for Brookies (planted 1999). Lower Beyer Lake: planted to Lahontan Cutthroat (2000); Upper Beyer: planted to rainbows Kamloops Junction strain (1999).
