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A Brief Note On Good News For Trail Pounders !

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Not far from Ebbetts Pass in Alpine County, sapphire- blue Highland Lakes nest in a sub-alpine flat within Carson-Iceberg Wilderness at 8,600 feet elevation. Flanked by Hiram and Folger Peaks, the lakes are located six miles off Highway 4 via a lumpy dirt road. Surprisingly, though the scenery in this neck of the woods is utterly spectacular, it is very lightly visited. Truth is, the 161,000-acre wilderness bordering Ebbetts Pass sees fewer people than any area in the entire Sierra Nevada. Good news for trail pounders! One explanation for a lonely landscape is the scarcity of lakes. But, there are plenty of streams; the East Fork Carson River among them is a trout-filled beauty. If you are jonesing for trails that …show more content…

That said, this wilderness shows more evidence of volcanism than any other part of the Sierra south of the Lassen region. Highland Lakes offer a smorgasbord of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaking or canoeing on one of the lakes is bliss in this scenic, peaceful environment. Additionally, a trail from the easternmost lake crosses big beautiful Gardner Meadow and leads to petite Asa Lake and connects with the Pacific Crest Trail. A trail from the top of the campground across from the western lake leads to a jaunt up Folger Peak, a non-technical hike. Across from the same lake, hikers can pick up an unofficial use trail to the base of Hiram Peak. Hiram Peak is also a non-technical trek, although along a stretch of ridgeline near the top, acrophobes will get the willies and should stop. Views from the rather exposed section are nearly as panoramic as from the summit. A stroll around the lakes is possible, too. Try your luck catching a trout or two for your supper. How about taking a swim? Of course, there’s always relaxing in camp with a good book or catching 40 winks. In my view, Highland Lakes’ environs are a fine place to introduce kids to wilderness activities, especially the short hike to Asa Lake. Here is how to get there. The signed Highland Lakes junction (8N01) is one mile west of Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4. The forest route is not recommended for trailers and big rigs. Follow the road for about

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