Stuart Fork Trail

Stuart Fork Trail is a long out-and-back hike in the Trinity Alps Wilderness that climbs from the Stuart Fork of the Trinity River toward Emerald and Sapphire lakes. The route is commonly used as a long weekend backpack, ending at Sapphire Lake after reaching Emerald Lake first.

A practical way to think about the effort is three stages: an easier, steadier climb up Stuart Fork valley to Morris Meadow; a steeper push out of the meadow up toward the granite cirque where Emerald Lake sits; and a short but steep final approach from Emerald Lake area to Sapphire Lake.

The valley-side tread stays tied to the river corridor. Early on, the trail begins on an old-road alignment for about the first mile, then narrows into a single-track hiking trail while continuing generally uphill alongside Stuart Fork.

Crossings and drainages show up as you gain elevation: the route crosses Deep Creek on a bridge early in the hike, with additional creek crossings and a bigger bridge over Deep Creek noted on the lower part of the route.

Once you reach Morris Meadow, the trail leaves the flat valley feel and the grade picks up noticeably. Morris Meadow functions as a core camping area on this itinerary, with campsites used before the final ascent toward the lakes.

Toward the lakes the trail becomes more exposed and strenuous. Emerald Lake is reached after the steep ascent toward the granite cirque, and the final leg climbs about 600 vertical feet to Sapphire Lake, where the route ends at the deep alpine basin.

More information: Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes, Stuart Fork Trail, Trinity Alps, November 29, 2020, Stuart Fork Trailhead to Emerald Lake and Sapphire ...