Hiking the trail to Pistol Lake

My boys, Jeff and Kevin, and I hiked to Pistol Lake in August of 2012 for the first time and this review is mostly from that date. We went again in August of 2020 and it is comforting to know nothing has changed. From my home in Owyhee County it takes about 5 hours to drive to the trailhead but it is an easy hike and worth the time. I have been hunting and hiking here occasionally since the 70s and I have seen deer, a bear, elk, a mountain goat, a wolf, moose and mountain sheep nearby. Once while hunting here the hair on the back of my neck suddenly stood straight out for no good reason. Or at least I thought there was no good reason until I saw the mountain lion tracks! I tell you this to encourage you to come prepared however I have never felt threatened on any of my visits.

This hike is 1.96 miles long with an elevation gain of 446 feet, per Strava and an elevation loss of 700 feet.

This is a view of the trail at the trailhead. To get here follow this Google Map.

Coordinates 44 degrees 43.787N 115 degrees 25.498W - Elevation 8031 per our GPS

Wild flowers abound along the trail even into the middle of the summer.

Indian Paintbrush

Check out that load, a 6 lbs tent and 6 lbs sleeping bag. We were all happy to reach the summit and are buying lighter gear before our next trip.

44 degrees 43.539N 115 degrees 24.996W - Elevation 8556ft

Pistol Lake is on the left and Upper Pistol Lake on the right. The upper lake is much smaller but is full of trout and offers perhaps a nicer campsite. It also has a wonderful view of Pistol Lake.

The trail down with Pistol Lake in the distance.

Pistol Lake.
Pistol Lake - 44 degrees 43.334N 115 degrees 24.281W - Elevation 7856 ft
Upper Pistol Lake - 44 degrees 43.299N 115 degrees 24.657W - Elevation 8108 ft

We camped at the this site at the outlet to Little Pistol Creek. There is also a very nice site on the north side of the upper lake.

We caught a few!

I hope you enjoy the hike if you come up or just enjoy the pictures.