For the people who are getting ready for summer backpacking or who have done previous strong hiking, this beautiful mountain basin approaches true alpine conditions and bears a striking resemblance to the High Sierra. During a wet year, there might  be water in Dry Lake. The lake is surrounded by a natural amphitheater, on three sides by the lofty horseshoe crest of Grinnell Ridge, San Gorgonio and Jepson Peaks.  The crest is dominated by the steep, grey-granite face of San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest in Southern California at 11,502 feet.

Because this is a long hike (rated difficult), we will keep a steady pace to meet our goal.  Since we will return on the same trail, those who don't want to go to Dry Lake can stop at South Fork Meadows (8 miles RT and 1500 foot gain) and lounge by the creek for a moderate hike.

We will start the hike at the South Fork Trail Head on Jenks Lake Road. We will follow an excellent trail to South Forks Meadows, then up some switchbacks to our destination, Dry Lake.  We will return the same way. Expect some thin air as the trailhead is at 6900’, South Fork Meadow is at 8400’ and Dry Lake is at 9200’