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Bouldering below Blackcap Mountain

The majestic North Fork Kings River

From here, the trail continues southeastward and reenters the ubiquitous pine forest. On the left side of the path, yellow-green lichen coats house-sized granite boulders nestled among the trees, while ferns and dense thickets of manzanita carpet the forest floor.

After a meandering half mile, the trail comes to a moderate clearing with a California Cooperative Snow Survey log cabin next to a waterfall and a large pool in the river. The trail exits the left side of this clearing to the southeast and continues on another half mile to the signed Devils Punchbowl/Big Maxson Meadow Trail junction (8183’; 11S 334724 4105551). There are several superb campsites just before the signed junction, across the granite slabs, next to the river on the west side of the trail.

DAY 3 (North Fork Kings River to Guest Lake, 6.9 miles, part cross-country): The trail leaves the signed Devils Punchbowl/Maxson Meadow junction by the right fork (southeast), staying parallel with North Fork Kings River. After crossing several small branches of Meadow Brook, the tread heads up a short set of stone stairs and crosses open granite slabs near a large pool. The normally rough granite has been worn down by the passage of the water, and several of the pools make for great swimming holes.