Hart Mountain Road to Post Meadows Campground

This 53-mile round-trip hike from Hart Mountain Road to Post Meadow Campground offers a long and rewarding journey through the vast and rugged terrain of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. The route takes you through diverse desert landscapes, around small lakes, and into the stunning Fisher Canyon, eventually leading to the serene Post Meadow.DESCRIPTIONThe journey begins at Hart Mountain Road, following a dirt path along the shores of Hart Lake and Crump Lake. The terrain is varied, with the road gently ascending as you enter the foothills. Once you reach Fisher Canyon, the landscape becomes more rugged, with towering canyon walls and unique rock formations framing the trail.The canyon's rocky terrain and scattered vegetation offer a more challenging section of the hike. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as pronghorn antelope and mule deer, who may be spotted grazing nearby. After emerging from Fisher Canyon, the trail continues a steady ascent toward Post Meadow, an open alpine area surrounded by aspen groves and towering rock formations.Here, you'll find Post Meadow Campground, a primitive site with no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies. The meadow is lush with greenery in the spring and summer, and seasonal streams nearby provide water sources--just remember to treat or filter any water before drinking.Water Sources: Water can be scarce on this route, particularly during dry months. Be sure to carry enough water for the journey and filter or purify any water collected from natural sources.Safety and Considerations:Seasonality: Best hiked from late spring to early fall when the snow has melted from higher elevations. Be aware that snow may linger in the upper sections well into spring.Wildlife: This is a protected wildlife refuge. You may encounter pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and various birds. Maintain a respectful distance and follow refuge guidelines.Weather: The high desert can experience sudden weather changes, with hot days and cold nights. Dress in layers and bring rain gear in case of storms.Navigation: While the route is straightforward, sections around Fisher Canyon may be less defined. Carry a map, GPS, or offline navigation tools as cell service is unreliable.Camping and Permits:Backcountry Camping: A self-issued permit is required for backcountry camping. Permits are available at the Refuge Headquarters or online at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart_mountain/Post Meadow Campground is a primitive campsite with no amenities. No fees or permits are required, but follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile environment.Parking: Parking is available at the starting point along Hart Mountain Road.Hart Lake Day Use Area:Access: The day-use area is accessible by road, but check conditions in advance, especially outside of summer months, as road conditions can vary.Facilities: Basic facilities like picnic tables and restrooms are available.Activities: Enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography, with scenic views of the lakes and the Warner Mountains in the background.Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Headquarters: 1-541-947-2731Website: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.