Dale Matson
Click On Photographs To Enlarge
I have postings on Courtright for
2016 and 2018 so why do it again? This was a big snow winter and the road to
Courtright just opened up. I also used both my Sony A7R3 and A9. Finally, I
came later in the day to get the more favorable sunlight which meant that leaving
for home at 7pm got me back to Fresno at 9pm.
When you first get to Shaver Lake
Village on Highway 168, you will see a sign on your right that states “Dinkey
Creek”. Turn here and follow it until you see a sign for “McKinley Grove Road”.
Turn right and almost immediately you will cross over Dinkey Creek. Stay on
this road until you see a sign for Courtright Road to your left before you get
to Wishon Reservoir. It is another 8-mile climb to Courtright. Before you drop
down to the reservoir, you will see a “Vista” sign to your right. This is a
great vista with some signage and information. You will not be able to see the
lake yet from this vista.
I brought my dinner up with me and
had an enjoyable meal in the cool 68-degree air at over 8,000’. There were two Hmong
families having their dinner and fishing near the dam. I had my long lens for
the vista and for any eagles or Ospreys that might show up.
If you cross over the dam (very carefully!) with your
vehicle, it will take you to both campsites and a major trailhead (Maxson), The
Southern terminus of the infamous “Dusy Ershim 4X4 Trail is also there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwWgjZUUMKM
I have taken the Maxson Trail on a day hike to Hobler Lake https://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2015/05/day-hike-from-courtright-reservoir-to.html
And backpacking to Red Mountain
Basin and Hell For Sure Pass.
It may be summer in Fresno but it
is still Spring up there and the mosquitoes are abundant. I saw lots of folks
near the dam sitting in lawn chairs just enjoying the cool of the evening.
There are quite a few campsites on both sides of the dam along the lake.
Courtright road is open.https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/home/?cid=stelprdb5399344
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