From the gate, follow the road left as it drops a bit, then gains, then generally goes up (with some downs) for about a half-mile to top out on a flat cleared area used as a camp, roughly here.

Descend steeply into Snare Canyon - a large cairn near a fire ring is your hint. This is about a 200-foot drop. [See note A at the bottom]

In Snare Canyon, just walk up the trail west toward its headwall and saddle. You'll pass some old corrals, some fetid springs (carry in your own water), and a stock tank. Sometimes the trail gets hard to follow. Use your common sense here. I saw a bear in the springs. Fortunately he took off pretty fast. The canyon can be narrow, so make noise and take precautions.

At the saddle you'll come to a fence line. Stay east of the fence and follow the Maple Peak trail. It works its way north of the point 7,317 shown on the map, then makes a long traverse to the east end of the main summit mass, putting you about here

Make a hard left and follow a NW bearing up the slope, using some ribbons tied to trees as guides, working your way up toward the ridge near the point 8,110. There's a fence here, and the trail resumes. Follow the course up to the false summit at 8,185 feet, then squirm through the fence, descend to a soft saddle, and work your way up through scant paths and sometimes heavy brush to the top.

When I signed in (May 13, 2006), I was the first to do so for 2006, and only about the 5th since 2004. It is a rarely-visited peak. The trail conditions from the saddle to the point near 8,110 feet is very poor, with loose rock, scant trails and thorny brush. Despite the seeming straight-forwardness of this hike, do allow a good day for the effort.

[Note A: When I descended into Snare Canyon I noticed a good trail that came down to the same point - but had no idea where it originated. On my egress I followed this trail up. It does eventually lead back to the gate, but it is very indistinct. Rather than confuse you on hwo to find it, I'd just suggest go left on the road as noted above, then come out via the trail (as an option).]

Essential Gear

Long pants for the brush. Bear repellant? Bring lots of water. The pools and springs look pretty nasty.