It was pretty much raining all day in Winthrop so we just needed to get out of the cabin and get some exercise. It's just a 5 min drive from Winthrop. 

We started in the campground area on the northeast side of the lake and did the loop clockwise. We started out in rain and lucked into bright dry skies and even some sun breaks. 

If I did it again, I would skip the lake loop and just do an out and back on the Lake Creek trail along the west side of the lake. This is by far the nicest part. To do the full loop you have to walk on roads though the huge camping area and also a lame road walk for almost a mile at the north end of the lake.

Loop 6mi

Hiked this trail after setting up camp, very nice leisurely terrain. Encountered 2 mountain bikers and 1 other hiker....quite pleasant!

I started my hike around 10:30 AM at the trailhead behind the visitor center at the entrance of the state park. I was staying at the campground so parking was not an issue, though there are two parking spots near the visitor center. The trailhead is clearly marked and the trail is easy to follow as it winds south along the hills with beautiful views of Lake Pearrygin. It is a fairly easy to moderate hike but there is no shade and no available water sources so make sure to bring plenty, especially on hot days. The landscape is typical high desert-sandy trails, sagebrush, and the sounds of cicadas all around you.

After .75 miles, the trails slowly descends into a valley at the south end of the lake and leads to an old homestead, complete with very photogenic crumbling sheds and an old truck. The Rex Derr Trail continues past the crumbling cabin along the south end of the lake. Ironically, from this point you have to follow the signs for the "Lake Creek Trailhead" to continue hiking the Rex Derr Trail as it winds up the west slopes of the lake. 

The trail along the west side of the lake is similar in grade to the east side and also provides beautiful views of the lake and the campground at the state park. There is more shade on this side and I also noticed more varieties of wildflowers. The trail is easy to follow along the hillside parallel to the lake and ends after 2.5 miles in a large parking area with a privy. From this point, follow Bear Creek Road back to the state park to complete the loop. 

There was plenty of social distancing available on my hike. I only saw three other people, all bikers. 

Went to winter hike an old summer camping trail. Groomed and easy... although a bit icy. Know that you need a snow park pass! Beautiful to hike in the winter. Close to no one there....just a few snow bikers...

The Rex Derr Trail was our introductory hike to Pearrygin State Park. We'd just been to the Lloyd Ranch, just minutes down the road, and wanted some more sunny-outdoor-time. Remarkably, Pearrygin is open year-round. The trails are well groomed and label to distinguish the differing user groups.

This trail was ~3 miles, looping initially through wintery shrub-steppe and then looping back alongside Pearrygin Lake. There was little elevation gain making this an easy romp. Dried grasses poked their heads up and the always-fragrant Bigleaf Sage was everywhere.

The turn-around point of this hike is an old home-site owned by the Graves'. There are some very photogenic building and a fabulous 30's era truck. Natural views are in abundance as well with snowy peaks stretching in all directions.

We were camping at the Pearrygin state park so went for a short hike in the morning in the state park. nice views.