Hobler Lake - 9000 ft / 2743 m - June 4, 2022
This was my first time hiking to Hobler Lake. It was never really high on my list but was in the category of being a hike I could do on a day trip or a short overnight hike. This time I chose to do an overnight hike to the lake as I had not backpacked and stayed overnight anywhere in just over two months and I was ready to get out there.
First I had to pick up my permit from the High Sierra Ranger District Office in Prather, Ca. Make sure to reserve your permit on recreation.gov before going to pick it up.
After getting my permit and looking at the animals on display I headed towards Maxson Trailhead.
The Trailhead parking area has plenty of parking and toilets. There is no camping at the trailhead but there are plenty of places to disperse camp past the Courtright dam if you are getting there the day before.
Trailhead Sign at the Maxon Trailhead.
Found a birds nest on the trail. I picked it up and placed it in a near by tree. Not sure what kind of bird, maybe a robin?
The first part of the trail is beginning of the Dusy-Ershim OHV trail and the foot trail splits from the OHV trail. Make sure to look out for it and don't miss it like I did! Luckily I knew the area well and was able to cross county to the trail. Below is a picture of the entry to the foot trail that I missed. (I took this on the way out)
My next stop was Chamberlain Camp which is maintained by the Backcountry Horseman and has bear boxes, picnic tables, and an outhouse. I didn't get any pictures on this trip but you can see it in my YouTube video of this trip at minute 3:43. Also below are a couple of pictures when I stayed there at the end of hiking the Dusy-Ershim OHV trail in 2021.
Now at the trail junction to Chamberlain Camp is the boarder to the John Muir Wilderness. This is about 2.75 miles from the trailhead.
Once you leave this junction you have about 1.5 miles left until you get to Hobler Lake. For the next 0.75 miles you climb about 500 ft in elevation and run into the last trail junction of this trip.
Hobler Lake
I set up camp and started a fire and took in the sounds and sights of the Lake. It tried to sprinkle but nothing that ever got me or my tent very wet.
Then the sun came out for a little bit and I got a few shots of the lake and flowers by the lake.
I had an uneventful and restful night. It was a pleasure to hear the birds, frogs and insects serenade me to sleep. I didn't encounter anyone else at the lake and had it to myself. On the Hike out I did run into a few hikers going in for the week towards Hell for Sure (something I hope to do next year or to Blackcap Basin).
Snow Flower
On my way out I stopped at LeConte Divide Scenic Overlook. It is a great spot to stop at either on your way to or leaving the Maxon Trailhead. You get some great views and can learn a little bit about Joseph LeConte who the divide is named after.
LeConte Divide
Check out the video of this trip here: https://youtu.be/dxLnjYG8ou8
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