The hike into secluded Black Rock Lake is probably the most popular hike in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness. If you’re going to run into other hikers, chances are, this is where you’ll do it. And indeed, we did run into a party of six backpackers who were coming out as we were going in. But once there, we had the lake to ourselves.
Black Rock Lake Trail intersects with the Pettijohn Trail about 1.25 miles from the Pettijohn trailhead, near Stuart Gap. It’s a 2.35-mile trail that leads down through meadows and across rippling brooks, and then back up through forest to the lake.
Total one-way distance is ~3.6 miles, with an overall elevation gain of less than 1,000 feet. This is hike is of moderate difficulty, on a well-maintained trail with a good footbed.
The flowering season is coming to an end, even at these higher elevations, but we still found some beauties to share with you. We hope you will enjoy the following slideshow. All photos by Don Burk. -Laurie & Don Burk
