Grover Hot Springs State Park

Markleeville & Woodfords Area Trails:

Charity Valley Trail (Moderate)

• Details: ~8.5 miles one-way, 2300 ft elevation change; stretches from Blue Lakes Road down to Grover Hot Springs Rd.

Burnside Lake Trail (Moderate–Strenuous)

• Details: ~2-mile connector trail with ~900 ft descent; links Burnside Lake to Charity Valley Trail

Thornburg Canyon Trail (Moderate–Hard)

• Details: Approx. 8 miles through Mokelumne Wilderness, with 2500 ft elevation change and varied terrain.

Curtz Lake Interpretive Loop (Easy)

• Details: Short, improved interpretive loop near Woodfords; great for a gentle, educational walk.

Horsethief Canyon Route (Intermediate)

• Details: ~7.6 miles, ~1989 ft climb and descent; intermediate-level route near Markleeville.Details: A local trail of unknown exact length; elevation around 5919 ft; lies near marker points like Grover Hot Springs.

Recommended Fishing Spots in the Markleeville & Woodfords Area

1. East Fork Carson River (Wild Trout Section)

• Location: Downstream of Hangman's Bridge near Markleeville.

• Why Go: Home to wild rainbow, brown, and Lahontan cutthroat trout in catch-and-release waters—barbless flies and lures only. Fish planting occurs upstream. Best time: late summer into fall.
  

2. West Fork (West Carson) River — Woodfords

• Location: Accessible around Pickett's Junction, where Highways 88 and 89 intersect.

• Highlights: A regularly planted put-and-take fishery with rainbows often ranging 5–7 lbs. Look for pocket water and deep runs.
  

3. Indian Creek Reservoir

• Location: Just off Airport Road near Woodfords, accessible from Highway 89.

• Highlights: Frequently stocked with trout, including trophy-size rainbows and Lahontan cutthroat. Fishing from the dam or the southwest side of the lake yields good success.
  

4. Silver Creek

• Location: Runs alongside Highway 4 through Silver Creek Canyon to the East Fork Carson.

• Why Visit: Offers scenic fly-fishing with accessible riffles and pools. Less crowded sections provide solitude and opportunities for trout.
  

6. Other Notable High-Mountain Lakes

• Caples Lake, Blue Lakes (Upper & Lower), Lost Lake, Woods Lake, Burnside Lake, Heenan Lake

  • Why They're Great: These alpine and subalpine waters are stocked (often with trout species) and provide beautiful, remote fishing environments. Visit early in the season or check local stocking reports.
    

Death Ride July 11th, 2026