This was my second attempt to make it to Pittsburg Lake. A few years ago, I tried to get to the trail head in my Honda Accord and had to turn around. This time with the 4runner, I made it. It wasn't easy though. To find it, you need to go up the North Fork Road, in American Fork Canyon. The North Fork Road begins where you turn off to the north to get to Tibble Fork. Just take the road that goes past straight past the east end of Tibble Fork Reservoir--that's still the North Fork Road. The other road (that splits off to the left) goes up to Granite Flat Campground and on to Silver Flat Lake and beyond. Continue on this road for 6.3 miles. At this point the road looks kind of washed out and the main fork which continues on up into Mineral Basin is very rocky, solid rocks in fact. Go right across the stream and you will find the parking area for the trailhead. If you've found the correct parking lot, there will be a sign that says "Pittsburg Lake Trail Head" and has a map tacked to it.
The trail begins leisurely, although there are about 8 trees across the trail that you have to step over. Shortly after this, the trail becomes steep and rocky--I'd say about 3/4 to 1 mile of this kind of trail. It is a tough hike, especially if you are carrying a full-sized backpack, but it's mercifully only 1.5 miles from beginning to end.
The last 1/2 mile becomes less rocky and steep the closer you get to the lake.
If you hang a left at the lake and go around it a ways, you'll find an old miner's cabin and a foundation of some sort. If you get close to the lake you will see fish swimming near the shore, and see them hitting the surface out in the middle. I regret not bringing my fishing stuff along with me.
The hike from the bottom to the top took me, a 51 year old guy, a little over an hour. The way down took about 45 minutes. The scenery of the nearby peaks (you can look over at Mineral Basin and up at the surrounding mountains) is superb, but there is not much shade along the trail, so start early in the day. It took me a long time to drive up the dirt road, maybe 1.5 hours as it is very rocky and care needs to be taken not to put a sharp rock through your tires.
