Hell for Sure Lake Trail
2000 Trip
Trail Location and info: The trail starts at Courtright Reservoir which
I believe can be gotten to by going up Dinkey Creek Road, but I may be wrong
about that. The trail starts off pretty level then gets a little steeper. It
is in the trees for awhile until you start to climb up the side of a small
valley. You start to get some pretty good views as you climb and by the time
you reach Fleming Lake you are out of the dense forest and can get some good
views of some of the peaks. After Fleming Lake there are some nice meadows and
creeks. Then you start to climb more and the trees get smaller as you approach
Disappointment Lake. Disappointment Lake is another beautiful alpine lake,
probably not the most beautiful and not the best campsite because of all the
granite. After Disappointment Lake you go up more until you reach Hell for
Sure Lake. I think this is one of the most beautiful lakes I've been to. Its
up on a ridge and has a pretty good view of the valley and it is near some
very beautiful peaks. Hell for Sure Pass was pretty steep, but it is pretty
short. You can see Hell for Sure Lake below and several other lakes. After the
pass you quickly descend into Goddard Canyon. Not a whole more of interest
after that. It's a nice walk in the canyon though. You cross the San Joaquin
river a few times and then come to Blaney Meadows and the hot springs there.
Its a great place to stop and soak in the springs for awhile. The spring is a
little hard to find and you have to cross the river. Find the fence that runs
somewhat north-south and follow that and you should find the spring. After
Blaney Meadow is Florence Lake and you can take the ferry across or go around
it. If you just want to go to Blaney Meadow from Florence Lake,
click here.
Links:
My
BSA Troop pictures,
Troop's trip description,
Topo