China Basin to Joe Daley Creek

The trail connecting Joe Daley Creek to Queens River is not heavily used, but it is one of the few “day hikes” in the area. It is a nice out-and-back from the south, or hikers can be dropped at the Queens River Trailhead and spend the day climbing over the divide and down to the Atlanta valley.           

On the north side, the trail junction is easy to miss, and the crossing of Queens River can be challenging. The trail is quite overgrown and difficult to follow in places. The headwaters of China Basin burned in 2000, so it is helpful to look for the many cut logs that were cleared after the fire. On the Joe Daley side the trail is easier to follow and hosts a beautiful display of early summer wildflowers on the open south-facing slopes.

Off-Trail Hiking

The saddle at the top of the Joe Daley Trail provides the best access to the west ridge of Greylock Mountain, probably the easiest route to the summit. For a shorter adventure, climb the Greylock ridge for 1,000 feet and then turn west to Point 7832.  The view from the top of the spires on the south side of the Queens River portal is spectacular!