Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | 9.0 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
7300 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+3100, -3100 round trip |
| Navigation | Marked trail and map |
| Time | One very long day or two days |
| Season | December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Lodgepole |
| Start |
Wolverton, which was once the parking area for the Wolverton Ski Area. The turnoff to Wolverton is 2.8 miles northeast of Giant Forest Village on Generals Highway (Highway 198). |
Description
The tour to Pear Lake Hut provides an excellent opportunity to visit the High Sierra in its winter splendor. Built between between 1939 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps from native stone and lodgepole pine logs, this rustic shelter is a ranger station in the summer months. Converted to a ski hut in the winter, it is a haven from which to explore the Sequoia backcountry around Pear Lake, Alta Peak and the Tablelands.
The hut, which sleeps ten, is open to the public by reservation only. Sequoia Parks Conservancy operates the hut for which they collect a fee and supplies fuel for the heater, a cooking stove and lanterns. Reservations should be made well in advance via their website.
The 4.5-mile tour to Pear Lake Hut is very challenging and also very rewarding. The most difficult section is the 2000' that must be ascended in the first half of the tour and descended on the return. The route is marked with yellow triangles, but you must use considerable care in following them, since there are few markers in some areas.
Although it is not difficult for advanced skiers to make a one-day, round trip tour to the Pear Lake area, the ski touring opportunities and the beauty of the area are so great that it is a shame to miss exploring the Pear Lake area. Once at Pear Lake Hut, the possibilities for day tours are numerous. Plan at least one layover day in order to enjoy the region. Two days is better.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: +50
From the trailhead (1) ski north for 100 yards until you reach a trail junction (2). To the west (left) is the Wolverton Trail. The Pear Lake Hut tour follows the Pear Lake Trail (marked with yellow triangles) to the east (right).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.1 - 1.5
Elevation change: +650 feet
Follow the Pear Lake Trail east (right) up a moderate ridge for 0.9 mile and then southeast for 0.5 mile until you reach the junction (3) of the Panther Trail (marked with yellow triangles and an image of a panther) with the Pear Lake Trail (marked with yellow triangles). In the latter section you will traverse and climb a steep slope.
At the junction of trails, the trail to Pear Lake turns northeast (left) and climbs up a very steep open slope while the Panther Trail continues southeast (straight).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.5 - 2.8
Elevation change: +1500 feet
Turn northeast (left) and climb on the Pear Lake Trail up a very steep open slope, which becomes wooded, for 1.3 miles until you reach Heather Gap (4). The steepness abates as one approaches the gap.
Not far to the north of Heather Gap is the Watch Tower, a 1000' cliff that drops to Tokopah Falls and the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Neither the top of the cliff nor the drainage below is a safe place for skiers. You can get good views of the Watch Tower from many points near Pear Lake Hut.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.8 - 3.0
Elevation change: -250 feet
Descend to the east for 0.2 mile until you reach Heather Lake (5). Heather Gap, which you just left behind, is aptly referred to as "the hump" because after climbing up one side, the route drops down the other.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 3.0 - 3.8
Elevation change: +150, -200 feet
Climb east to a bench, and then traverse east and southwest on the bench before descending southwest for a total of 0.8 mile until you reach the Emerald Lake outlet drainage (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 3.8 - 4.5
Elevation change: +150, -150 feet
Cross the drainage, climb north and around the corner of a ridge, and finally descend to the northeast for a total of 0.7 mile until you reach Pear Lake Hut (7). If you did not climb enough, you will find yourself below the hut and need to climb up to it.
Pear Lake Hut is located 0.4 mile north of Pear Lake along Pear Lake Creek and 0.2 mile above the confluence of Pear Lake Creek and the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Unfortunately, much of the terrain in the Pear Lake area is perfect for avalanches. Be sure to exercise caution while touring in the area.
Waypoint 7 to 1
Miles: 4.5 - 9.0
Elevation change: +600, -2500 feet
Retrace the route for 4.5 miles back to the trailhead (1).
