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
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Easily identify whether the trail is stock friendly
or not.
View 14 specific concerns along the trail such as
height and width restrictions.
Upgrade from free to our All-Access Membership and get
every detail, waypoint, photo, and more on every single
trail guide.
When you are an All-Access member, our trail guides
come with a short video of the author running the trail
to give you a visual understanding of what to expect.
From the Shaver Lake area on Highway 168 head east on Dinkey Creek Road for 11.7 miles. Go right on McKinley Grove Road for 2.4 miles. At Big Fir Road - 10S13 there is a sign for Swamp Lake and Hatch Lake go left for 3 miles. Turn left at 10S66 and continue for another 1.2 miles. At 10S31 go left and continue for 0.8 miles. The Swamp Lake trailhead will be on your right hand side.
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.
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.
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!
View More Images
From the Community
Exclusive for our All-Access Members
Ask the author of a trail guide any questions you may have and
get a direct answer from the author and the community! One of
the many perks that come with an All-Access Membership.
I have been a southern California native my entire life. Growing up we spent a lot of time in the Eastern High Sierras, the Calico Canyons and the San Bernadino Mountains. When I got my first car, my free time revolved around it. A few years later I got my first off-road truck. Now I was able spend time doing all the things I loved.
Over the years I have had a variety of different off-road vehicles. Some were stock, while others were highly modified. With my son recently getting his own 1st generation Toyota 4Runner, we have been spending more time working on his truck and hitting the trails.
Whether exploring, hiking, hunting or camping, being outdoors with my family is how I want to spend my down time. Life is too short to spend it on the couch. Go out there and find your next adventure.
By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each
policy linked to above. You also agree to the storing of cookies on
your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site,
enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our
site is used.