If you are a backpacker wanting to easily access the John Muir Wilderness, the paved parking area of Maxson is the trail head for you. The Courtright Reservoir is located at over 8000′ elevation, w/ granite domes & alpine scenery are all around. Sierra National Forest is the region, south of Yosemite National Park. The paved route is a long one from Shaver Lake, via Dinkey Creek Road, but the rewards are great.
Be warned: You could spend a whole day just driving & sightseeing in this area! Meadows, wildflowers, Big Creek, McKinley Grove of Sequoias, Wishon Reservoir, the list goes on. Courtright Lake is not a quick or easy drive.
The hikers trailhead is located at the end of Courtright Rd. Cross the dam to the right & drive approx one mile; look for signs on the right side. There are minimal areas is camp at this windy trail head parking lot & good luck getting a tent stake in the ground. Granite rules here. There are a few developed Campgrounds on the opposite side of the lake which may be a better choice.
nearby locales -
maps of this Sierra region -
- Dinkey Lakes Wilderness Map
- John Muir Wilderness Map (Tom Harrison)
- John Muir Wilderness Map (USDA NFS)
- Sierra National Forest Map
Dusy Ershim 4×4 route start right here too - on the opposite side of the road. It’s second only to the Rubicon Trail, as far as High Sierra rocks & terrain.
Rock Climbers also love this spot for the granite domes & walls.
