This trail leads one and a half miles from Juniper Lake to Horseshoe Lake. Several loop options for day hiking and backpacking can be made using this trail.

This trail leads from Juniper Lake westward to another large lake in the area, Horseshoe Lake. The mileage for this route is approximately one and a half miles each way. A longer loop hike can be made by hiking southward from Horseshoe Lake to the southern shores of Juniper. A long backpacking trip can be made by hiking northward from Horseshoe Lake to Twin Lakes and forming a large loop that includes Snag Lake.

Begin this day hike at the Juniper Lake Trailhead by the ranger station. Leave your car in the lot and begin hiking westward along the dirt road past some cabins on the northern lakeshore. Not far from the parking area the road turns to a narrow path. At the trail junction west of the cabins take the middle fork, which leads to Horseshoe Lake.

You'll begin climbing out of the lake basin from this point. Within the first half mile you'll climb almost 200 feet to a ridge. Cross the ridge crest and the trail begins to descend into the Horseshoe Lake basin. The trail descends steadily and reaches an intersection a half mile from the ridge top. The trail leading to the right follows Grassy Swale Creek northward to Snag Lake. The trail leading to the left reaches a dispersed camping area in a few minutes then continues southward to the southern shore of Juniper Lake.

Our route continues along its path through the intersection and across Grassy Swale Creek. On the northern bank of the creek the trail reaches another junction. Turn left at this junction to reach the northern shore of Horseshoe Lake. This trail leads northward beyond the lake to a junction on the southern flanks of Crater Butte. From this junction each fork eventually reaches the Pacific Crest Trail.

Directions: From Chester, Drive eastward on Highway 36 to Chester Valley Road. Turn left on this road and travel one mile to Juniper Lake Road. Turn right on Juniper Lake Road and drive northward. The road turns to dirt 7.5 miles before reaching the campground. Pass the campground and continue northward 2 miles to the trailhead by the ranger station.

Elevation: 6,780 feet

Ending Elevation: 6,560 feet

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information

Contact Wildernet