Upper Piney Lake
Length: 7 miles (one way)
Start elevation: 9,340 ft
End elevation: 11,100 ft
Elevation gain: 1,700 ft
Features
The trail starts with an easy 3 mile hike to a waterfall. The falls are a popular location for day hikers and vacationers but the trail becomes more remote as it becomes more difficult to locate. The beautiful meadow transitions to a thick aspen and spruce forest with great camping. At mile 5.7 the route passes a lake and becomes noticeably steeper. Be ready for a beautiful hike with a difficult end.
Hikers must camp at least 100 feet from streams, lakes, and trails. Fire are prohibited at and above timberline (not a problem for this hike). Dogs must be leashed. Bury human waste 100 feet from water and 6 inches in the soil
Trailhead
The Piney Lake Trailhead can be found on the north side of forest service road 710. Be sure not to continue into the Piney River Ranch parking area which is private property and does not allow overnight parking.