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The trail skirts the lake, curving north and then south along the lake through sparse pine and large granite boulders. After the footpath veers east and crosses a short ridge, Guest Lake is visible straight ahead. There are comfortable campsites on the south side of Guest Lake among the large boulders and more sites along the north bank in the trees (10,195´; 11S 340056 4105107). If these sites are crowded, consider continuing on the fisherman’s trail another mile north to Horsehead Lake, where a few campsites dot the southeast shore. There is good fishing at Guest Lake for brook trout.

EXPLORING BENCH VALLEY

If your itinerary allows time for a layover day, Guest Lake makes a fantastic base camp from which to explore the rest of the Bench Valley lakes. A wonderful dayhike follows the angler’s use trail northward to Horsehead Lake, and then explores Roman Four Lake, Twin Buck Lakes, and Schoolmarm Lake. Anglers will encounter brook and rainbow at Horsehead Lake, brook at Roman Four Lake, rainbow at West Twin Buck Lake (East Twin Buck Lake is barren), and small rainbow at Schoolmarm Lake. There is also wonderful bouldering on the granite outcroppings surrounding Guest Lake. Rock climbers will be tempted to explore the inviting cracks bisecting the towering granite walls overhead. The climbing here is of such quality that the walls would surely be crowded, were it not for the high price of admission.