Having intended to take the Hell Hole trail, I was disappointed by ongoing construction on the dam, so I decided to try the Greyhorse trail nearby. Knowing nothing about this trail, I was able to pull up topo and the General direction.
I proceeded to ascend the canyon, never seeing much of a trail, or having confidence that I was following anything but bear trails. (Turned our that’s exactly what I was doing.) I struggled for 3 1/2 hours to keep on the general route and make my way up to the ridge above. In that time I ascended about 1,500 ft in only about two miles of travel.
I have this route a two star rather than just one because the vistas on top of the ridge are breathtaking. To the East, the entirety of Granite Chief scrolls 1000’ down into the canyon and back up to the Pacific Crest Trail beyond. To the west, hills and canyons leading into Hell Hole and the rubicon river headwaters.
★
★
Having intended to take the Hell Hole trail, I was disappointed by ongoing construction on the dam, so I decided to try the Greyhorse trail nearby. Knowing nothing about this trail, I was able to pull up topo and the general direction.
I proceeded to ascend the canyon, never seeing much of a trail, or having confidence that I was following anything but bear trails. (Turned out that’s exactly what I was doing.) I struggled for 3 1/2 hours to keep on the general route and make my way up to the ridge above. In that time I ascended about 1,400 ft in only about two miles of travel.
I gave this route a two star rather than just one because the vistas on top of the ridge are breathtaking. To the East, the entirety of Granite Chief scrolls 1000’ down into the canyon and back up to the Pacific Crest Trail beyond. To the west, hills and canyons leading into Hell Hole and the rubicon river headwaters.
★
★
stars
stars
