the mokelumne wilderness

We stumbled onto Blue Lakes Road by accident and followed it 12 miles out into the Molekumne Wilderness. The scenery is awesome, the lake levels were down due to the drought. It is a pleasant drive that opens up all kinds of hiking opportunities. It's fun to just stand still, and listen to the silence. No sounds except the breeze in the trees........

This really shouldn't be put together as one attraction, as the Mokelumne Wilderness includes many stand alone destinations worth the drive. I will briefly list some of my family's favorites as traveling east on 88 from Jackson.Bear Reservoir: The more crowded lower lake which has a marina (rent boats or canoes) and allows motorized boating activities is easily accessible from 88, weather permitting. The upper lake is completely isolated, but can be accessed by boat and portage over the dam, or by foot down an unmaintained trail.Mormon Emmigrant Trail: This is a historically significant overland migration route later used by the thousands of gold prospectors coming into California. Many interesting trail sites include: maidens grave, tragedy springs, devil's ladder, and the "elephant's back".Hike to Shealor Lake: short, but steep with great views and a pretty lakeSilver Lake: Kit Carson Lodge and Plasse's Resort line this alpine lake. Boat rentals are available at the marina.Kirkwood Lake: A small picturesque lakeKirkwood Ski Resort: Large ski resort in the winter and they offer summer activities as well.Hike to Lake Margaret: About 5 miles round trip, this is a beautiful hike through varied terrain. Carson Pass Information Center: get trail info, permits, and local history at this great stop near the Pacific Crest Trail.The Mokelumne is largely undeveloped, so don't expect services such as gas and food to be readily available. But, for those of us who enjoy an easily accessible wilderness experience, it can't be beat.

The Mokelumne Wilderness, straddling the Pacific Crest Trail seems a world away from the remote highway passes that flank its northern and southern borders. Headwaters for the Mokelumne River, access to the wilderness is more limited now with the judicial closers of many of the primitive roads to its west and east. A highlight and easy day drip is from Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca to see the fields of wildflowers that carpet the meadows usually sometime in late June to mid July.

The Mokelumne wilderness area is located about an hour from Jackson, off Highway 88. It consists of over 100,000 acres that are accessible only on foot or by horseback. Nothing mechanical is allowed, including bikes and hiking strollers. There are three trailheads that access it and the charge for day use is $5 per car. Overnight camping requires a permit that you must purchase ahead of time. Winter temps are cold and snow may be deep at higher altitudes. Unless you are a serious hiker, you can't access much from the highway. There are many other places to enjoy an easier, shorter hike or walk to see beautiful countryside.