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An easy day hike from Highway 88. Located from Caples Lake behind CalTrans Maintenance Station.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

73%

Runnable

9,144' 2,787 m

High

8,350' 2,545 m

Low

812' 247 m

Up

508' 155 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Snow in Winter, unplowed. Would be a great XC ski or snowshoe during snowy periods. A valid SNO-Park pass is most likely needed during Winter (November-May).

Description

The drive in is easy: Follow dirt road behind CalTrans Maintenance Station from Hwy88/Caples Lake. The road turns right and follows beautiful Aspen trees, wrapping around to a cattle-loading structure where dirt parking area is apparent. Trail begins at bottom of road and climbs upward, zig-zagging to the ridge. The sun and elevation can be a challenge, although plenty of rests and water breaks will get you to the ridge top. Follow ridge as trail begins to drop down, eventually meeting up with Pacific Crest Trail. A right turn heads South to Meiss Lake, Left meanders through Pine forest where camping is allowed and Showers Lake emerges. Great places to picnic are past the spillway and rocks are of plenty to lay out after a dip or lunch break.

Contacts

Shared By:

Trail Run Project Staff

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#2

in Kirkwood

#6965

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Kirkwood

#534

in California

#6,965

Overall
2 Views Last Month
3,395 Since Feb 4, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

On trail to Showers Lake with views of Big Meadow Creek area and South Lake Tahoe!
Feb 4, 2016 near South L…, CA
Schneider Cow Camp from Caples Lake, Eldorado N.F.
Feb 4, 2016 near South L…, CA
Great picnic site at Showers Lake. Okay fishing, good swimming, quiet...
Feb 4, 2016 near South L…, CA
Fooling around on a rock in Eldorado National Forest!
Feb 4, 2016 near South L…, CA

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