Bull Canyon Loop

Bull Canyon Loop Hike

Trip Date: 8/16/2022

Distance: 14.5 Miles

Vertical Gain: 3200'

Group Size: 7

Hike Rating: Easy Moderate Hard Strenuous

GPX for this trip

Start Coordinates:	N 38 29.781, W 119 47.779	End Coordinates:	Same as Start Coordinates
Car Shuttle Req'd:	No	Parking Directions:	Take Highway 4 Highland Lakes Road. Head south for approximately 5 miles along a road that is unpaved but usually accessible by regular 2 wheel drive vehicles. When you get to the first Highland Lake find parking for the trailhead on your left at the Upper Gardner Trailhead.
Hazards of Note:	Wilderness environment, trail finding along the entire route from Noble Lake to Bull Lake and beyond.	Crowd Factor:	Limited. Along the Lower Gardner Meadow trail there will be limited contact with others. Along the couple miles of the PCT heading north toward Noble Lake you will undoubtedly run into a number of hikers and backpackers. Along the Bull Lake trail contact with any others will be unlikely.
General Notes: From the trailhead you will travel almost due east for a little over a mile and a half until you reach a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT.) From there head north on the PCT for almost 3 miles, passing by the shallow Asa Lake and then heading up and over the ridgeline where Noble Lake lies just past. Before reaching the lake, take the signed junction for the Bull Canyon trail and head up 3/4 of a mile to the ridgeline overlooking the valley where the lake is hidden below in the midst of thick trees. Past this the trail is difficult to follow in many locations, and route finding in the section is a must. Additionally, the junction to the lake, about a mile and a half down this trail is not easy to find and a cross-country journey may be necessary to reach the lake. Bull Lake is a hidden gem in this wilderness area, and is a worthy destination for an overnight stay. From the lake head back east to pick up the Bull Canyon trail, and then head south-southeast until you reach the junction of the Wolf Creek Trail. Head west on this trail for almost 4 miles until you reach the junction with the PCT that you turned at earlier in the hike. Continue straight onto the Lower Gardner Meadow Trail for the last mile and a half until you reach the parking area and the end of the hike.

This is the trailhead marker you need to look for to head out at the start of the hike.

Late in the summer Lower Gardner Meadow was pretty dried up, but earlier in the year this will be rather wet, marshy and full of wildflowers.

Once onto the PCT heading north, within the first mile you will pass Asa Lake, a small, shallow but surprisingly pretty lake just off the trail.

Heading up the PCT a look to the west offers an expansive view toward the Highland Lakes.

The PCT continues up toward the ridgeline with offers spectacular views both north and south from the top.

At the top of the ridgeline the view south extends all the way to Sonora Pass and further.

On the other side continue north until you reach this sign to head back up the ridge on the way to Bull Canyon.

Stopping for lunch at the ridge above Bull Canyon, we enjoyed expansive views to the south.

On the way down into Bull Canyon the trail is not well maintained and sometimes difficult to follow.

Bull Lake, an unexpectedly pleasant find after heading cross country from the Bull Canyon Trail.

Back to the junction with the Wolf Creek Trail, for the next 4 mile section of trail.

Water crossing along the Wolf Creek Trail.

Amazing colors with the late afternoon sun shining through trees.

Finishing up the hike after the sun has disappeared behind the mountains to the west.

Finally back to the cars after a long day, well after the sun had gone down for the evening.

GPS Track of the full hike.