THE HIKE. We'll explore the Enchanted Pools Loop--which
briefly crosses into Desolation Wilderness--starting from
Wrights Lake. The upper and lower Enchanted Pools are
unparalleled beauty spots, and are two of the best swimming
holes in the Northern Sierra. Although the water may be too
cold for swimming this early in the season, the waterfalls
flowing into them are most beautiful in June.
The total distance is approximately 5 miles, with several
hundred feet of elevation gain. We'll walk partly on trail,
and partly cross-country, which will involve a little rock-
hopping, and a few creek crossings.
PREPARATIONS. Although there are relatively few mosquitos
at the Enchanted Pools themselves, there are lots of mozzies
at the trailhead. Bring a DEET-based insect repellent.
Normally, the weather is clear and sunny this time of year.
However local afternoon thundershowers are always a
possibility during the Summer. It would be a good
idea to bring rain gear of some kind. A large plastic garbage
sack, with precut holes for the neck and arms will work; it
weighs very little, and takes up very little space in your
rucksack or fanny-pack.
In places, the trail will be wet. Be sure to bring a change of
shoes and socks for when we get back to the cars.
I can't guarantee the cleanliness of the creek water. It would
be a good idea to bring 1 or 2 quarts of drinking water, along
with your lunch.
Other things to bring: sturdy comfortable footwear, TP,
sunscreen, sunglasses, optional hat, optional camera, and
optional walking stick or hiking pole(s).
CARPOOL INFO. We will depart from the Nimbus Winery
Shopping Center parking lot at 8:30 AM. Starting from
Sacramento, go East on I-50. Take the Hazel exit, and turn
right (South). As soon a possible, get into the left turn lane,
and then turn left. Then, as soon as possible, turn left into the
shopping center parking lot. I drive a white Subaru Outback
station wagon. RSVP to
wimpehiker@yahoo.com
if you plan to join us. When everyone arrives, we can leave
immediately, even if it's a few minutes early. If nobody RSVPs,
I'll do a different hike, and won't stop at the rendezvous
point.
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD. Get back onto I-50 Eastbound.
Drive through Placerville, past Pollock Pines, and past the St.
Pauli Inn (on the right side of the road). Watch for the tiny
town of Kyburz. Go approximately 5 miles beyond Kyburz.
Then turn left onto Wrights Lake Road. (The sign may or may
not be up.) At first, the road is very steep. After the steep part,
you'll cross a small bridge. Then you'll drive past a
stumpy meadow. When you see a small ranger station/
information station, turn right. The trailhead is about 1/2 mile
from there. There is a restroom at the trailhead. Parking is
sometimes an issue; so I encourage everyone to carpool. The
driving time to the trailhead is just over 90 minutes.
Happy trails,
Larry
briefly crosses into Desolation Wilderness--starting from
Wrights Lake. The upper and lower Enchanted Pools are
unparalleled beauty spots, and are two of the best swimming
holes in the Northern Sierra. Although the water may be too
cold for swimming this early in the season, the waterfalls
flowing into them are most beautiful in June.
The total distance is approximately 5 miles, with several
hundred feet of elevation gain. We'll walk partly on trail,
and partly cross-country, which will involve a little rock-
hopping, and a few creek crossings.
PREPARATIONS. Although there are relatively few mosquitos
at the Enchanted Pools themselves, there are lots of mozzies
at the trailhead. Bring a DEET-based insect repellent.
Normally, the weather is clear and sunny this time of year.
However local afternoon thundershowers are always a
possibility during the Summer. It would be a good
idea to bring rain gear of some kind. A large plastic garbage
sack, with precut holes for the neck and arms will work; it
weighs very little, and takes up very little space in your
rucksack or fanny-pack.
In places, the trail will be wet. Be sure to bring a change of
shoes and socks for when we get back to the cars.
I can't guarantee the cleanliness of the creek water. It would
be a good idea to bring 1 or 2 quarts of drinking water, along
with your lunch.
Other things to bring: sturdy comfortable footwear, TP,
sunscreen, sunglasses, optional hat, optional camera, and
optional walking stick or hiking pole(s).
CARPOOL INFO. We will depart from the Nimbus Winery
Shopping Center parking lot at 8:30 AM. Starting from
Sacramento, go East on I-50. Take the Hazel exit, and turn
right (South). As soon a possible, get into the left turn lane,
and then turn left. Then, as soon as possible, turn left into the
shopping center parking lot. I drive a white Subaru Outback
station wagon. RSVP to
wimpehiker@yahoo.com
if you plan to join us. When everyone arrives, we can leave
immediately, even if it's a few minutes early. If nobody RSVPs,
I'll do a different hike, and won't stop at the rendezvous
point.
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD. Get back onto I-50 Eastbound.
Drive through Placerville, past Pollock Pines, and past the St.
Pauli Inn (on the right side of the road). Watch for the tiny
town of Kyburz. Go approximately 5 miles beyond Kyburz.
Then turn left onto Wrights Lake Road. (The sign may or may
not be up.) At first, the road is very steep. After the steep part,
you'll cross a small bridge. Then you'll drive past a
stumpy meadow. When you see a small ranger station/
information station, turn right. The trailhead is about 1/2 mile
from there. There is a restroom at the trailhead. Parking is
sometimes an issue; so I encourage everyone to carpool. The
driving time to the trailhead is just over 90 minutes.
Happy trails,
Larry
