CA 88 TRIPS

We feature five trailheads along scenic CA 88. Four of them lead south into Mokelumne Wilderness; one leads north into Meiss Country.

South of CA 88 lies 105,165-acre Mokelumne Wilderness, a wonderland of colorful volcanic peaks, contrasting granitic terrain, amazing wildflower displays, stunning canyons, and picturesque lakes. We visit Mokelumne Wilderness and neighboring areas from four trailheads along or just off of CA 88 (from west to east): Silver Lake–Granite Lake Trailhead, Thunder Mountain Trailhead, Carson Pass Trailhead, and Upper Blue Lake–Grouse Lake Trailhead.

Superb scenery, mixing volcanic and granitic rocks, is the hallmark of the region around Silver Lake and Thunder Mountain, particularly in Mokelumne Wilderness. During peak season, backpackers will experience some of the best flower displays in the entire Sierra. The trips from the Woods Lake Trailhead and the Carson Pass Trailhead head into the extremely popular Carson Pass Management Area, famed for rugged peaks, shimmering lakes, and colorful wildflowers. The beauty of the area is your reward for putting up with the designated campsites you’re forced to use.

Off Blue Lakes Road, this highway section features a series of out-of-the-way reservoirs that lure campers, boaters, and anglers. The area beyond these reservoirs presents some equally attractive and less-used backcountry sure to please even the most discriminating of backpackers.

North of CA 88 in the Carson Pass area lies wonderful Meiss Country, once proposed for wilderness status. Wide-ranging vistas, expansive meadows, and splendid wildflowers are just a few of the area’s pleasures. From CA 88, the Meiss Meadows Trailhead, located in the west-to-east order between the Thunder Mountain and Carson Pass Trailheads, is your gateway to Meiss Country.

Trailheads: Silver Lake–Granite Lake

Thunder Mountain

Woods Lake

Meiss Meadows

Carson Pass

Upper Blue Lake–Granite Lake