Talbot Campground & Middle Fork American River:

Talbot Campground lies immediately next to the trailhead into the Granite Chief Wilderness that follows along the Middle Fork of the American River. You can walk right out of your camping spot.

Camping here is more rustic, yet quiet – suitable introductions to entering the Wilderness. Some of best of the anchient trees along the river lie just inside the wilderness.

Picayune Valley lies just ahead. Take a right at the river crossing. There's only the one trail - you can't miss it. And you don't want to. Picayune Valley lies closer to heaven than even the dominant Sierra Crest well above the little valley.