Forget Lake Tahoe, Camp & Hike In California's Underrated Destination In The Sierra Nevada

When it comes to lakes, Lake Tahoe is the star of the show in northern California and for good reason. Aside from being the largest alpine lake in North America,it's a haven for outdoor lovers all year round. But the Tahoe region is home to many other stunning lakes that are worthy of visitors' attention. One of these is 65-acre Wrights Lake,  nestled in the Eldorado Forest between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.

Encompassing 600,000 acres of conifer forests, lakes, meadows, and 400 miles of hiking trails, the Eldorado National Forest serves as the gateway to the Sierra Nevadas, one of California's most prominent mountain ranges. Tucked into this forest at an elevation of around 7,000 feet, Wrights Lake may lack Tahoe's fame, but it also lacks Tahoe's infamous crowds. Instead of traffic snarls, what Wrights Lake delivers is similar Sierra views plus peace in spades. The journey to the lake requires leaving the El Dorado freeway and traveling for around 9 miles on Wrights Lake Road, a forest access road. But those who make the trek to the secluded lake will find plenty of ways to soak up its relaxed ambiance. 

Activities include hiking on gorgeous alpine trails, swimming and boating in the lake, and camping in a pristine forest. It's not possible to drive to the area when snow is present (typically from October to the beginning of June), as the access road closes. But with average temperatures in the 70s and low 80s all summer long, the high-elevation lake is a cool escape for lowlanders during the warm-weather season. 

Positioned near the western edge of the Desolation Wilderness — one of the Tahoe region's prime backpacking destinations — Wrights Lake offers stellar hiking opportunities. Trails begin at the Twin Lakes Trailhead on the northeast side of the lake and the Rockbound Trailhead on the lake's west side and climb to alpine lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. Note that anyone entering this wilderness during the summer season must obtain a free day-use permit (available at most trailheads).

One popular route leads from the Wrights Lake Campground to Lower Twin Lake, following 5.3 miles of moderately difficult trail, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Those who make the effort are rewarded with beautiful views, and AllTrails reviewers rate it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 across more than 1,000 reviews. Hikers praise the mountain scenery and especially the wildflowers but also note that bug spray is helpful for warding off mosquitoes. Those interested in a multi-day backpacking excursion should consider the Fifteen Lakes Traverse, which begins at the Twin Lakes Trailhead and covers 32 miles past 15 different lakes. This is considered one of the most scenic backpacking routes in the Desolation Wilderness, but ambition and stamina are of course needed for the two- to four-night journey.

Returning to Wrights Lake after a strenuous hike, nothing feels quite like a dip in an alpine lake to soothe sore muscles. The water is refreshing here rather than shockingly cold, and its sandy beaches and shallow areas make it suitable for most swimmers, including children. Motorized watercraft are not allowed at the lake, creating a serene environment for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Anglers have opportunities to catch both rainbow and brown trout. 

Why leave this paradise at the end of the day if you don't have to? Between late June and October, the campground at Wrights Lake offers tent, RV, and equestrian campsites nestled in the forest near the lake. With only basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, this spot appeals to those seeking a true nature immersion. "Probably the best, most peaceful, most remote car-camping campsite I've been to yet. A hidden gem," wrote one Google reviewer. Pets are welcome at the campground, too, as long as they are leashed.

Plenty of other accommodation options are available nearby if you prefer not to stay at Wrights Lake. If you're heading west, Pollock Pines is a beautiful northern California town with scenic camping options around 30 miles from Wrights Lake. An additional 13 miles west of Pollock Pines is Placerville, which offers accommodation options from quaint B&Bs and historic inns to modern resorts with casinos. Placerville is a historic California Gold Rush town, where you can visit museums and old mining sites to learn about the area's colorful past.