Lindsey Lake Trail to Rock Lake

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Difficulty:    Strenuous.  Trail head at 5,900’ and accent to 6,700’

Elevation Gain:   Accumulated 900 feet.  Moderate accents

Hike Distance:    7.5 miles.  (3.75 miles in and out) 

General Location:    Hike begins on Bowman Lake Road (FS road 18), as the crow flies, the area about 10 miles north of the intersection of Interstate 80 and highway 20

Description:    Trail begins on Loney Meadows Road at the intersection of Bowman Lake Road.  We will hike to Lower Lindsey Lake on a Forest Service dirt road, continue on a gated dirt road to Culbertson Lake, and trail to Lower Rock Lake.  Along the way we will be in a sierra fir and pine forest.  On the east side of the trail we will view high cliffs which form a bowl for Culbertson Lake.  At Lower Rock Lake we will be in open granite rock fields.  At Lower Rock Lake we will have a leisurely lunch break.  The trail plot and topography profile are on the next page.  We will need to scamper over rocks while crossing a stream flowing out of Lower Rock Lake and Culbertson Lakes.  These lakes are part of PG&E’s water shed, and feed Spalding Lake to the south and hydro power plants.    

Travel Time / Distance:    Travel time 1 hour, 40 minutes.  The driving distance is approximately 75 miles.  The last ½ mile along Bowman Lake Road is falling apart, and needs to be taken slowly.  Parking will be at the turn out at the trail head.  Suggested donation to driver is $9.00.  Detailed driving directions are at bottom of the next page, and will be provided at the assembly area. 

Hike Leader / Sweep:    Leader: Phil Huntingdale / Sweep: TBD

Special Notes:

Facilities: Stop on the way by car at the Sierra Discovery Trail stop on Bowman Lake Road. At 1.25 miles into the hike at the Lindsey Lake Camp ground there may one be available if it is unlocked.  Bring toilet paper.           

Risks:  This hike is at higher elevations in the sierras, and those with discomforts at higher elevations should not attend.  Insects may be present, bring a good insect repellant, one never knows. There are loose rock along the trail that could cause some unbalance and foot slipping along the way.  If we have rain there could be some small creeks to cross along the trail, none significant.  If it is cool weather at home, the weather up top could be brisk and windy.  Bring layered clothing.

Lunch break: At Lower Rock Lake about 2 hour from trail head.

Questions:    Call Phil (or Stephanie) 916-408-1747, or email smccoubrey@sbcglobal.net.

Preparation for Hike:

1.      Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), Health Card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.

2.      If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.

3.      Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.

4.      Trekking poles are advised, along with lunch, snack, plenty of water and sun screen.

Return:   We will return to OC Lodge about 3:30 PM.     

Rain or thunderstorms cancels the hike.  

Meeting Time:      7:30 AM. We Leave at 7:45 AM.