WST-03: Emigrant Pass/Squaw to Lyons Ridge
DESCRIPTION:
No bikes on this Wilderness trail.
This is a short but very satisfying trail segment used by race participants as by two, annual, 100-mile Western States Trail races. One is for runners and the other is for horse and riders. Avoid race weekends!
The trail offers stunning views into headwaters of Middle Fork American and Picayune Valley. The west half of this Western States Trail (Tevis Cup) segment crosses out of the Wilderness and follows along logging roads to Lyons Ridge. Either turn back at the Wilderness boundary, or decide beforehand which direction to go once the trail hits French Meadows Road #51 at Lyons Ridge. This ridge, which is not labeled on the map, lies east of Lyons Peak. The dominant divide between the North and Middle Forks of the American River is easy to identify.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7920’-7060’ | Loop option: Either drop north down Road #51 to the county road and the North Fork American River, then follow it east to the trailhead for the Painted Rock Trail (see Donner Pass Map). Then continue up that beautiful trail to the Pacific Crest Trail and turn right (south) to return to the headwaters of Squaw Valley. Another option for an arranged shuttle pickup or loop: drop south down into the Middle Fork of the American River on logging roads (see Topographic map for these roads). Once you reach the Mosquito Ridge Road #96 along the Middle Fork American River, turn left (east) and head to Talbot Campground (see Granite Chief Map). Except for the logging road connections, this makes a great loop trip if you continue on and link to the Historic Western States Trail, west back into the Granite Chief Wilderness. Final option (especially if most of us even try it): go for the gusto and continue west on the Western States Trail. Auburn is less than 80 miles downriver -- and up -- and downhill a half-dozen times (see Overview Map, North Fork American River (east) Map and trails hubbed at Robinson Flat Campground. For the Western State Trail still further west, see the Auburn State Recreation Area. |
DIRECTIONS:
To WST-03: Emigrant Pass/Squaw to Lyons Ridge
Topographic map: Granite Chief. See Granite Chief Trail and Pacific Crest Trail South for options to reach the crest. This Western States Trail segment begins from the Pacific Crest Trail by dropping right (west downriver) at the divide where the Pacific Crest Trail tops the dominant divide and starts dropping south toward Whiskey Creek. There’s also a signed shortcut leading straight west from the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail and the trail from the top of Squaw Valley and Emigrant Pass.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
Some of the most scenic stretches of the Tevis Cup.
