Well... there really is a trail to the lake... more or less...
As you can see on the map... you could simply follow the outlet to the lake.
You'll see the outlet from the trail. It more or less may look like this:
about here:
https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.572826,-119.548567&z=15&t=t4Once you see that... as I said you COULD just follow the outlet to the lake.
The trail has very few turns. However it turns DUE North at the "old" junction.
Once you realize this... you could simply turn around and head DUE South and you'd
hit the lake. You should be able / may be able to follow the old trail.
It really does take a 90 here:
https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.573098,-119.546206&z=15&t=t4If you start pretty much doing any downhill... then you've probably gone to far and
are on your way to Crescent. That you will know unless they took out that sign too!
It was there in late 2016. But then again so was Fernandez Pass trail sign... and
that was gone a few weekends ago!
The ridge between Grouse and Crescent is here:
https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.573948,-119.538524&z=15&t=t4Note that if you end up using a gps with a map (you have a phone ... no?)
Note that the trail on USGS is incorrect. The trail goes up this gully instead of
staying close to the outlet creek here:
https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.575955,-119.567002&z=15&t=t4Turner Meadow/Chil Lake Jct to Grouse Trail is right around 2 miles.
Good luck.