Backpack to Lower Rock Lake
Nevada City, California
Details
Distance
3 miles
Elevation Gain
713 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Taylor Hinchcliff
Three mile hike from the parking lot to a secluded camp area populated with tons of hiking trails and lakes to explore!
This adventure begins at the Lindsey Lake Campground parking lot (6,200 feet) where you leave your vehicle, takes you three miles up a trail rife with amazing photo opportunities and seasonal wildlife, and ends on the shore of Lower Rock Lake. Here you will find a dispersed camping site owned by the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. that includes a firepit and log seating right next to the lake itself. The Lindsay Lake campground can be accessed by the Bowman Lake Road corridor leading north from Highway 20. The road out to Bowman Lake is paved for the first 8 miles. Beyond that the gravel road leading past Bowman Lake and out to Faucherie Lake can be very rough. High clearance vehicles are recommended.
To access the trail, park your vehicle in the day use parking area located at Lindsey Lake Campground. From here, hike up the road through the campground until you reach the access road that will lead you to Lower Rock Lake and beyond. Along the way you will pass by multiple lakes and ponds, and (depending on the time of year) encounter plenty of wildlife.
What makes the location memorable, however, is it's surrounding area. From the campsite you are within a short hiking distance of Bowman Mountain's peak, dozens of small lakes and ponds scattered throughout the Grouse Ridge area, and some beautiful ridges overlooking the surrounding area.
There are other camping sites a little further up the trail next to Upper Rock Lake as well, but the one at Lower Rock Lake is my personal favorite due to the lake's glassy waters and the lack of wind. Please note that all food should be kept in bear cans (this area is known to have black bears) or hung in a tree away from your camp site to keep inquisitive furry friends from giving you a rude awakening in the middle of the night.
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