OverviewThis is the highpoint of Amador County. A good trail was built recently to allow easy hiking access to the summits. A few hundred hikers a year climb and sign in the register on the point 9,408'. This has a fine view of much of the Mokelumne Wilderness, and Silver Lake is visible from the point.
Getting ThereThe trailhead is located on CA Highway 88 about a hundred yards west of the top of Carson Spur. Slow down and watch for the sign.There is room for maybe 20 cars. The trail is well-signed, and all junctions, except for the short, use trail to the peak's true highpoint and Amador County Highpoint (9,410'), now have a new wooden post.
About 50 yards south from a notch, about 3 miles up from CA 88, a use trail leaves the main trail to head for the 9,410' highpoint. It is all class 1, or easy, short, class 2, to either of these two peak highpoints. Many other crags, formed of volcanic agglomerates, offer possible ascents, although the rock may be very crumbly. Extreme caution should be exercised.
At times, probably weekends in mid-summer, one might ride a ski lift from the Kirkwood Ski Resort, with a charge, making for an easier hike. This saves much gain and miles. A loop trail is available for a longer hike.
Red TapeThere are no fees for day-use, and none for overnight. No parking fees are required as with trailheads to the east, notably Carson Pass Trailhead. No water or outhouses are available here. A wilderness permit may be required for overnight stays. There are no self-service permit kiosks at this trailhead for day or overnight use. The Mokelumne Wilderness has no quotas or special restrictions.
When To ClimbSummer, or about June through October, is the best time to hike the trail.
If there is a place to park, a winter ascent might be done from Carson Spur. There may be avalanche danger depending on the choice of route. If allowed, one may use a ski lift to gain close access to the summit area. This appears to be a safer route in regards to avy danger.
Warning signs are posted about the ski resort boundary. Never leave the resort area without permission. This is known as "out-of-bounds skiing," and harsh penalties may be applied to violations, including summary revocation of your ski lift ticket.
CampingThere are no great places to camp along the trail, since there is no water. No huts, or fees.
Many excellent public campgrounds are available in the area. Use a USFS Eldorado National Forest map for their locations. They are all first come, first served. Many may be full on a popular weekend for camping.
There is lodging at Kirkwood Ski Resort, and at the south shore of Lake Tahoe, about 35 miles away. Many motels are located along CA 88 as well.
Mountain ConditionsPlease visit the THOUSAND PEAKS website, click on Latest Peaks Adventures, for details and more photos, from my August 11, 2004, climb. Directions in my free, online, Northern Sierra Peaks Guide, offer more specifics on the routes.
No mountain cams except maybe for Kirkwood Ski Resort. The USFS Eldorado National Forest may have reports on conditions.
External Links Images
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Lake Tahoe Basin
