Swamp Lake

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5/5 (4 reviews)
Shaver Lake, California (Fresno County)
Last Updated: 11/24/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

With the trailhead starting at just under 7400 feet, the Swamp Lake Trail has some of the best scenery the Sierra National Forest has to offer. From gravel, dirt, silt, boulders, granite faces, steep climbs and descents, this trail will throw everything at you within the first couple of miles. In the middle of the trail is Swamp Lake. This large, clear lake offers camping and fishing at its finest. Even during holiday weekends, the remote location ensures that the number of campers is minimal. If you are looking for some challenging off-roading and some quiet down time, Swamp Lake should be at the top of your To-Do-List. This could possibly be the most fun trail you ever do.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (4)
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Official Crew
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119750
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 11/24/2022

Closed for the season! See you next year!
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Official Crew
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53250
Temporary Closure
Visited: 09/07/2020

The Creek Fire has caused mandatory evacuation orders to be in place including this trail: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7147/ While this trail is not threatened by the fire, Highway 168 is threatened and authorities have chosen to clear out the entire region to help with firefighting efforts.
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Official Crew
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83150
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/08/2017

Great Trail! We did this in one day. It took just over 7 hours from gate to gate, including a stop for lunch at Grouse Lake, a quick stop at Swamp Lake and quick stop to swap out a tire ( sidewall puncture ). The short side trail down to Swamp Lake ( and back up ) is probably the hardest part (and most fun) of this trail.
Trail Review: Swamp Lake - G. Martin
Trail Review: Swamp Lake - G. Martin
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Official Crew
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3450
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/31/2017

We had planned to run the Dusy Ershim trail, but due to higher than normal snowfall it was not open in time. Swamp Lake was "Plan B" Best wheeling trip ever! Great weather, trail conditions were good and even though we went on Labor day weekend, there was very little traffic. This is a must do trip!
Trail Review: Swamp Lake - David May
Trail Review: Swamp Lake - David May
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