The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"

The Dusy-Ershim Trail officially starts at Voyager Rock Campground, but the 1.8 mile jeep trail from the Maxson Trailhead parking lot to camp is a good taste of it. I marked it as "intermediate" because this jeep trail is best executed in a 4x4 with a lift, but we've successfully navigated the boulders, ruts and granite crags in a loaded down base model Tacoma 4x4. There is relatively no elevation gain. It takes about 45 minutes from trailhead to camp. If you don't have a 4x4 and value your paint job and undercarriage, just park at the trailhead lot and backpack down the easy 1.8 mile trail to the lake, following the signs for Voyager Rock Campground.

To snag the best campsites in warmer months, go on a Thursday and take the first turnoff to the left once you near the mile marker for the campground. Don't forget your special coffee cup for prime sunrise-upon-domes viewing on the lake. Make sure you check the mosquito reports before you head out - it's essential to time it right! Plan to spend at least 3 days at Voyager Rock enjoying all of your efforts and time spent getting there.

Once your backcountry adventure is over, make sure to stop in at Shaver Lake Pizza on the way back to civilization for some front-country pizza and brews.