50 miles from Georgetown. Moderate 1-? miles. MAP
This newer trail was built for the Tevis Cup horse race and the Western States endurance run. It follows the Red Star ridge for miles and also connects to the trail to Robinson Flat one way or the Maguire Trail (currently needing repair from the star fire) the other way, or you can stay on it to connect to the Pacific Crest Trail. Great views of French Meadows and Duncan Canyon.
Directions: Take Wentworth Springs Rd. 23 miles and turn L on Eleven Pines Road (sign says Hell Hole 29 miles). Follow the main Road to French Meadows Reservoir where you drive across the dam and continue a couple miles to the ridge top. Right where the road begins to go downhill you pull off into a flat parking area where the (currently unsigned) trailhead is located.
The trail suffered damage from the devastating Star Fire of 2001 and efforts are ongoing to restore the trail. Over the years of the Western States Run this trail served as an alternate route along with the Maquire trail it connects to.
The trail heads out from the parking lot along the ridge where you will probably miss the burned sign for the Maquire trail that drops down to go along the edge of French Meadows reservoir. In approximately ½ mile you come to a trail junction marked by a wooden sign that points to Robinson Flat. Look for the trail that climbs right here as that is the Red Star Ridge trail. This trail gains the ridgetop in a few miles and reaches the P.C.T. in about 10 miles.
Staying left on the W.S.T. will take you strolling gracefully down to cross Duncan Canyon in a couple of miles, then crossing you can continue up along the Little Duncan Creek to climb your way to the popular Robinson Flat, an equestrian staging area and historic landmark.
We hope to get the Maguire trail back into shape as that is a nice hike down and along the reservoir. Right now the Silverthorn has taken the trail out of service.
Get Off Your Gass 