Hensley Lake
Less than an hour drive northeast of Fresno in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada enroute to Yosemite National Park. Lake activities include water skiing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
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Located 17 miles northeast of Madera on County Road 400.
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Permits info
Direction
From Bishop go north on Hwy 395 (approximately 12 miles), and go west on Pine Creek Canyon Rd. to the end of the road. Park in the dirt lot at the end of the road near the Pine Creek Pack Station. The trailhead is through the pack station at the base of the hill.
Important Information
DOWNLOAD AREA MAP FOR THIS TRAIL:Click Here.
Pine Creek Pass Area:
- No campfires above the wilderness boundary in Pine Creek Canyon; and no campfires above 10,000 ft. look at USFS Webpage for campfire restriction maps.
- Food and refuse must be stored so that animals cannot get into the food or trash.
- Check the area map for the correct trail name. Trips going toward Gable Lakes, Italy Pass or Morgan Pass are a different reservation.
- John Muir Wilderness Regulations Apply
- Deadline: Reservation will be canceled unless the permit pick up instructions are completed before the deadline. Instructions are in the confirmation letter.
- Only the group leader or alternate leader may pick up the permit; the person picking up the permit must be going on the wilderness trip.
- BE SURE YOUR DATES AND TRAIL ARE CORRECT - The entire group must start on the trail on the entry date listed. Reservations cannot be changed or transferred
USFS Webpage for: Pine Creek.
Long Description
Several trails start from the deep canyon cut by Pine Creek between Mount Tom and the Wheeler Crest. The Pine Creek Pass Trail gives access to the Pine Lakes, along Pine Creek, and destinations beyond Pine Creek Pass, including French Canyon and Humphreys Basin. Quotas for the Italy Pass Trail apply to trips on the branch trail near Honeymoon Lake toward Italy Pass. Separate trail quotas apply for trips to Gable Lakes or Morgan Pass and other area trails. Refer to the area map for trail names.
Facilities
BUCK RIDGE Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Buck Ridge Park is a group day-use area located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno.The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest.
The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families because of its playground, swimming areas and water activities.
Recreation
The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake area has a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. On the water, visitors can ski, swim and fish.Facilities
This facility has boat ramps, picnic areas, a group picnic shelter and a playground. Drinking water is provided, and there is a grocery store within a short driving distance.Natural Features
Buck Ridge is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.Nearby Attractions
Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility.Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
HIDDEN VIEW Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Hidden View Campground is located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest.The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families and those who enjoy water activities.
Recreation
The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. Campers enjoy boating, water skiing and fishing on the water. Bank fishermen have easy access to the lake's shoreline.Lake fishing is particularly good in the coves where largemouth black bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are found in abundance. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake each winter.
On the other side of the lake, there is a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. One hiking trail is located within walking distance of the campground.
Educational programs are offered at the campground's amphitheater every Saturday night during summer months.
Facilities
Hidden View campground provides 55 campsites including two group campsites. Some sites have electric hookups, and all campsites are located within walking distance of the lake and boat ramp.Natural Features
Hidden View is located on the shores of Hensley Lake and is surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.The area has significant historical value as it was once home to the Miwok and Yokut Native American Tribes.
Nearby Attractions
Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility.Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Hidden View Campground Campground
List of CampsitesThis recreation area is part of Hensley Lake
Wakalumi Campground Campground
List of CampsitesThis recreation area is part of Hensley Lake