Pettijohn Trail, June 29, 2025

It had been two whole years since we last visited our favorite trail in the Yolla Bollies! How did that happen? Apparently, our last hike on the Pettijohn Trail was mid July, 2023 (see Pettijohn Trail, Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, July 16, 2023). Normally, we make a point of taking an annual excursion on this trail, which has a pretty small window of accessibility. Snow often blocks higher reaches into early June, and hunters converge en masse by mid August.

Saddle on the ridgetop, Pettijohn Trail, Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. June 29, 2025. D. Burk. — Looking southeast over the ridgetop from the windswept saddle at ~7100 feet in elevation. Mt. Linn, still with a little snow on it, can be seen on the horizon, mid frame. Photo by Don Burk.

While we are not advocates of the whole hunting scene, we are hoping that hunters may do some trail cleanup this year. Two years ago, we had already noticed a marked lack of maintenance. It has only gotten worse, and it is doubtful, under our current administration, that funds or personnel will be available for trail maintenance, especially not for such a remote location. Which is a pity; soon only those who are familiar with the trail and very confident in their trail-finding abilities will be able to enjoy this remarkable area. Fingers crossed that some happy hunters will do some cleanup!

Overgrown Pettijohn Trail. June 29, 2025. D. Burk. — Trying to stay on the trail through an overgrown patch of cow parsnips. Photo taken by Don Burk.

Despite the progressive degradation of this trail by fallen trees and debris, erosion, and overgrown vegetation, Don & I made it to the saddle on the North Yolla Bolly ridgetop without too much difficulty, but hopes of going farther died with the heat (we always seem to pick the hottest day of the year to hike here!) and our slow progress. Nonetheless, the journey was spectacular, the blooms were fabulous, and it was encouraging to see post-fire revegetation really taking root.

Black Rock Mountain. D. Burk. — Black Rock Mountain, Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, right of center. The understory herbaceous plants and woody shrubs are really making a comeback after the 2020 August Complex fires.
Photo taken by Don Burk on June 29, 2025.

We will still recommend this beautiful, remote hike to experienced hikers, but you’d better do it this year, before the trail disappears! (For trail details and directions to the trailhead, please see Pettijohn Trail, Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness, June 21, 2020.) Or, just sit back an relax, and take an armchair tour of our favorite wildflowers from this trip, in the slideshow below. All photos by Don Burk. Enjoy! ~Laurie & Don Burk