Watchtower Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

From the Watchtower/Hump trail junction, continue ascending on this northern branch, following along the Watchtower Trail through the shady forest as it crosses a few seasonal creeks. Look for bright green corn lilies and abundant wildflowers along these creek beds in the early to mid summer. The trail then steepens and switchbacks a couple of times before reaching the Watchtower, a massive granite rock formation with sheer cliffs that overlooks the Tokopah Valley below. This is a rewarding spot to stop for a snack and enjoy the view.

Continue up the trail as it becomes increasingly rocky where it has been blasted out of the granite cliffs. The trail then descends to the other end of the Watchtower/Hump Trail junction. Continue along the Lakes Trail to reach Heather, Emerald, Aster, and Pear lakes.

Look for corn lilies, ranger's buttons and columbine along lush creek beds in the early to mid summer. Bears are sometimes seen along the more forested sections of the trail, while marmots can often be spotted along the rockier portions.