Lindsey Lake Trail to Rock Lake

Thursday, Aug 4, 2016

Difficulty:    Moderate to strenuous.  Trail head at 5,900’ and accent to 6,800’

Elevation Gain:   Accumulated 1,000 feet.  Moderate accents

Hike Distance:    7.0 miles.  (3.50 miles in and out)   ** Hike can be shortened at creek crossing to 5.0 miles if more than 2 hikers elect to a shorter hike, and this is likely ***

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 at Lower Lindsey Lake (campground) on a Forest Service dirt road, continue on a gated dirt road to Culbertson Lake, Lower Rock Lake, and 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 and Rock Lake we will be in open granite rock fields.  At Rock Lake we will have a leisurely lunch break. We will need to scamper over rocks while crossing a stream flowing out of Lower Rock Lake and Culbertson Lakes. All lakes are part of PG&E’s water shed, and feed Spalding Lake to the south and hydro power plants, and are subject to fluctuation.    

Travel Time / Distance:    Travel time 1 hour, 40 minutes.  The driving distance is approximately 75 miles.  The last 1/8 mile along Bowman Lake Road is falling apart, and the 1 1/4 mile up to the campground is dirt and needs to be taken slowly.  It is advisable, if practical, and if you are driver, to have a SUV or truck capable of irregular road.  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: Stephanie Huntingdale. 

Special Notes:

Facilities: Stop on the way by car at the Sierra Discovery Trail stop on Bowman Lake Road. One may be available at the Lindsey Lake Camp ground.  Bring toilet paper.        

Risks:  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.  We will have a creek crossing, poles advised.  With warm whether at home, it will be a little cool along the hike and could be windy.  Bring layered clothing.

Lunch break: At Upper Rock Lake about 2 hour from trail head or at the creek crossing..

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.  Check website the morning of the hike for any updates.

Meeting Time:      7:15 AM. We Leave at 7:30 AM. 

Driving Directions