MAUD LAKE, Desolation Wilderness ( 9.25 miles & 1000 ft vert---out and back)
Details
Hello hikers! Always a treat for me to get back to this lake. Beautiful Maud Lake sits at approx 7800 feet. From the outer parking lot, we'll go AT A MELLOW TO MODERATE PACE for about 1.5 miles on flat terrain, then climb moderately on the classic granite of Desolation Wilderness, enjoying the expansive views.
At the lake, we'll plan on an hour or so to relax, eat lunch, swim, whatever. Then, we'll simply retrace our steps back to the cars
A Few Important points (please read all before signing up)
- Hike is approximately 9.25 miles round-trip and about 1000 ft of vertical climbing on, at times, uneven rocky terrain. Therefore, NOT A BEGINNER HIKE. Assess your fitness and comfort level before signing up.
- All hikers agree to hike as a group, and to wait at all trail junctions. I have had hikers ignore this and get lost on my past hikes---not fun!
- If you sign up show up. NO SHOWS AND LATE CANCELLATIONS ARE NOT OKAY. There is a limit in Desolation of 12 people per group. A no-show means someone on the waitlist, if there is one, doesn't get to go. If on waitlist, please keep an eye out for cancellations and messages. ****Please cancel no later than morning of the day prior to hike.
- Will depart park n ride by 7:40 latest because of limited parking up there----call or text me at 916-425-5415 (NOT MEETUP!!) if running late.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING - (cotton not recommended) 2 liters water (I will have iodine water purification tablets to refill), light rain shell or fleece in case of rain, sturdy shoes or boots, sunhat, sunscreen and lip-balm, lunch, whistle, HIKING POLES, and mosquito repellent.
***FOR CARPOOL PASSENGERS: Bring separate shoes to wear in the car, and a bag to put your hiking boot/shoes in. And bring cash for your driver. Not everyone uses electronic payments.
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:
Hwy 50 east for approximately 55 miles. About 4.5 miles past Kyburz, look for Wrights Lake Road sign (on right side of Hwy) and turn left from left-turn lane. (If you enter the town of Strawberry, you've gone 3-4 miles too far).
After turning LEFT onto Wrights Lake Rd, drive about 8 miles. When reach Wrights lake Recreation area sign, turn Right into the large parking lot on your right.
Hike will start here. Will walk about 100 yds further up road, and turn right (look for sign to Twin Lakes Trailhead), and then just walk on this road about 3/4 mile to actual trailhead. Bathrooms will be here, as well as free day permit for the group.
MAUD LAKE, Desolation Wilderness ( 9.25 miles & 1000 ft vert---out and back)