Hell Hole Trail
4.3 miles one-way, moderately strenuous, elevations: 4,600'-4,800'. The trail is one of my favorite hikes on the Eldorado National Forest--especially outside of designated Wildernesses. It is very pleasant hike with nice scenery through the varied, moist, forested environment along the trail, with the reservoir sitting in the foreground, and the mountains and high ridges of the Granite Chief Wilderness towering over the blue waters of the lake. Take your camera and drop down to the shoreline in the photogenic open spaces.
...interesting, moist forested environment along the trail, with the reservoir sitting in the foreground, and the mountains and high ridges of the Granite Chief Wilderness towering over the blue waters of the lake.
The biggest draw- back to the hiking experience is the long drive of nearly two hours above Georgetown...
DESCRIPTION:
The hike is moderately strenuous as it rolls up and down looking for good ways to cross through rocky bluffs, and then drops down to the lake, and then climbs still again.
On topographic maps, the trail appears rather level. Forget that notion. In between where it begins and ends at nearly the same elevations over the lake, the trail gains, and loses, over a thousand feet. Yet, when the Forest Service keeps the remote trail open from downfall and brush, it is not as taxing as it sounds, and this is one of the best hikes in the area.
Once-upon-a-time, the trail continued above the primitive campground and on up to a foot-wading, rock-hopping crossing of the Rubicon River. Before the reservoir was built, the trail climbed through a scenic gateway at the foot of the Granite Chief Wilderness. It is seldom used nowadays. Only late summer or fall waters are low enough to cross the Rubicon. Still, if you’ve gotten that far, the water-carved, rock channels are a must for scrambling and picture taking.
The trail does continue around the headwaters of the lake until it crosses the Rubicon River shortly above the lake. From there the trail turns north and goes by the trailhead for the 7.8-miles wilderness trail leading into the heart of the Granite Chief Wilderness. The rugged, strenuous trail climbs to Diamond Crossing and then options split both south and north.
Late spring after the snow is gone and by mid-summer before the reservoir is drawn down is best. The wildflowers aren’t showy under the mostly forested canopy but there is a nice variety. Summer days at this elevation are comparatively cool. Fall hikes are very pleasant. The undergrowth provides most of the fall colors, but the reservoir is seriously drawn down to the point of a glaring, dirty ring lying above the clear waters and shoreline vegetation.
The easier, but less scenic access to the Hell Hole entrance to the Granite Chief Wilderness follows the jeep road along the north side of the reservoir. A trail continues beyond the 4WD road to the Granite Chief trail junction and ties to the trail from the south side of the lake.
The biggest draw-back to the hiking experience is the long drive of nearly two hours above Georgetown over frequently narrow forest roads to get to the reservoir. This limits the nearly 9-mile hike to long days if you drive in and out the same day. The ideal option is to camp at any of the campgrounds and do the hike on a day you dedicate to the trip to the headwaters of the lake.
DIRECTIONS:
To Hell Hole Trail
The lake lies about 69 miles east of Auburn. From there, follow Highway 49 to Cool and then at downtown Cool’s only strop light, turn east up Highway 193. From Highway 193 in Georgetown, turn east on Main Street into the heart of town. Continue through town where Main becomes Wentworth Springs Road (FS#1). Follow the paved road for about 25 miles and turn left (north) onto the paved Eleven Pines Road (FS#2). The well-signed intersection indicates this is the road to Hell Hole. Drive northeast for another 23 miles to the lake.
Shortly after it goes past the boat ramp, the road is gated just before the dam. This is where hikers park.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Backpacking (Rating: Best)
Lightly used. Elevation begins at 4,600' and ends at the boat-in campground at only 4,800'. But the change from trailheadto the end is misleading. The trail rolls up and down so it is moderately strenuous. Best and easiest camping is at the boat-in campground. But energetic hikers can also camp at the Rubicon River crossing.
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
Lightly used. Elevation begins at 4,600' at ends at the boat-in campground at only 4,800'. But the change from begging to the end is misleading. The trail rolls up and down so it is moderately strenuous.
