Recreation Region: High Sierra Ranger District

Maxson Trailhead

Trails from this trailhead lead to Hobler Lake, Fleming Lake, Rae Lake, Red Mountain and Blackcap Basin

Maxson

General Information

June - September

No fires permitted above 10,000 feet. This is bear country. It is important to use the most effective food storage methods to protect yourself and your food/refuse from unnecessary bear encounters. Two proven methods acceptable in the Sierra Nevada Wilderness Areas include the use of an approved bear canister or the counter balance methods. To learn more about protecting your food sources and bear activity in the Sierra Nevada visit http://sierrawild.gov/bears/overview. To locate trailheads with food storage lockers please visit: www.climber.org/data/BearBoxes/map.html Please Note: Adjacent National Parks require bear canisters.

Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping in all wilderness areas. Wilderness permit reservations are available at www.recreation.gov/permits/445858. Trailhead quotas are in place year-round. For all trails, 60 percent of the trailhead quota is available through advanced reservation 6 months prior to entry date and 40 percent is available 2 weeks prior to entry date, for first come-first served.

No fees are required for this site

Domestic pets are allowed in the John Muir Wilderness Area. Wilderness Visitors are responsible for their pet’s actions and welfare. Pets should be leashed and under direct voice control. When camping or hiking in areas with other visitors, pets must be kept on a leash. Please Note: Adjacent National Parks do not permit pets.

Address: 29688 Auberry Road Prather, CA 93651
Phone: (559) 855-5355 ext.0
Hours: Open: Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 37.0828401

Longitude: -118.9603209

Elevation

8,200'

Directions

From Clovis: Take Highway 168 toward Shaver Lake. Travel east on Dinkey Creek Road 12.5 miles. Turn right on McKinley Grove Road (Forest Road 11S40). Continue 14.1 miles east to Courtright Road, turn left. Travel north 7.5 miles to south end of the reservoir, travel across the spillway and continue 1.2 miles to the trailhead.