Sorcery Mountain

This is a quick scramble in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that is popular but not crowded. Those who do it, there climb is a one and done. The views only open up at the very summit. Since the Middle Fork Road is often snow free well into the winter, this climb is done in all seasons.

Elevation: 5,273 feet
Hiking Distance: 4.5 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
Home Court Peak #80
Prominence: 833 feet
Access: Higher clearance vehicle needed

The Dingford Creek trail starts climbing out of the valley through a nice second growth forest. After climbing 1,000 feet, the trail becomes basically flat for a mile to Goat Creek. Here you must find the Horseshoe Lake Fisherman Trail. It is hard to find at first, just after crossing the creek. Once on the trail, it is easy to follow although a few spots are faint. The trail is on the right side of the creek climbing steeply up the hillside. Once at the lake, the route traverses northeast to gain the ridge that leads to the summit. This is a bushwhack that improves as you get higher up. With snow there is no issues with brush. The ridge will guide you the rest of the way to the top, all easy scrambling.