Lindsey Lakes Trail
DESCRIPTION:
Lindsey Lakes are a charmingly small chain of three lakes (reservoirs). You can drive to Lower Lindsey and PG&E operates a somewhat primitive campground right on the shore line above the dam. Great spots!
The Lindsey Lake Trail to Upper Rock Lake continues first by Middle Lindsey and the small road veering up to Upper Lindsey. The main road coninues by Culbertson Lake.
Culbertson Lake is a large, deep lake (reservoir) planted to rainbow and Kamloops Junction strains (2000). The lake is big enough that carrying floats or rubber boats often pays for the trouble.
Private cabins occupy one corner of the area; please respect residents' privacy and propery rights.
Trail continues up the 4WD road to two Rock Lakes, stocked with Brookies (2000) that are sustaining fishable populations well. Follow the 4WD road to Lower Rock Lake and a primitive camping or picnicking area maintained by Nevada Irrigation District.
To continue up to the larger Upper Rock Lake return to where the trail leaves the 4WD road just before it turns toward the first lake. Follow up the single-track trail that is narrow at times and at one spot pitches steeply as it climbs. Next you’ll reach a rocky ridge and a small meadow opening that is where the abandoned trail to Grouse Mountain takes off to the left (north). Instead, continue east and drop down the ridge; Upper Rock Lake lies off the trail to the right. Great camping locations in the trees are peaceful (usually) even on weekends when the heart of the Grouse Ridge Area is bustling a ridge or two to the south.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6240’-6740’-6360’ | Option for a long hike with overnights preferable: By continuing east the trail soon joins the trail (signed) from Penner Lake lying along the divide above the Upper Rock Lake. Turn right (south) to Penner and on to Island Lake via the Crooked Lakes Trail. Most likely you’ll want to follow the Round Lake Trail. Hopefully, you’ll have arranged transportation to meet you at the Carr Lake trailhead. Or a longer option yet: continue by the Crooked Lakes Trail heading farther east to the Grouse Ridge Trail. Now you have the option of heading right (south) to Shotgun Lake and on to Middle Lake and the Glacier Lake Trail. Once you hit this trail, you can continue looping west on the Round Lake Trail to Island Lake. There turn right (north) and take the Crooked Lakes Trail to Penner Lake and north back to the Rock Lakes. Whew! Still another option: After traveling east by Upper Rock Lake and continuing east by the Crooked Lakes Trail, continue until you hit the Grouse Ridge Trail. This time turn left (north) and drop down to Sawmill Lake where, if you were smart, you had arranged a pick-up. But, it’s a long, rough drive best suited for high clearance vehicles, so this is an option only for the dedicated who want to say they’ve bagged the Grouse Ridge Area, top to bottom. It would be just as quick to double back the way you came or take a loop option discussed above. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Lindsey Lakes Trail
Use either of the West Slope Maps and zoom and scroll to the Grouse Ridge Area north of where Highway 20 intersects with I-80 east of Nevada City.
From Trailhead beyond the campground follow the gated primitive road east as the trail continues by Lower Lindsey Lake and climbs to Culbertson Lake and then upward on to the two Rock Lakes.
After checking out the pleasant view from the small dam at Middle Lindsey Lake, continue up the road a few hundred feet until an un-signed, lightly used 4WD road veers to the right and follows up the east side of Middle Lindsey and continues to Upper Lindsey Lake where it ends at the tiny dam.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
This is another fine trail suitable for horse use but it is limited by poor access, especially for trailers, to the trailhead.
There is no equestrian camping permitted in this campground, but several dispersed sites, including just below the dam, are suitable for trailers. Primitive sites also available at Black Camp (no water, fire rings, or toilets) located 0.25 mile north on signed road to Looney Meadows.
Lindsey Lakes Trail especially to Culbertson Lake is easy ride; and although a bit more climb on up to Lower Rock Lake, the trail is a gated 4WD road. Single track trail continues into the heart of the Grouse Ridge Area. Optional return for a loop trip can be done by dropping down the Bull Pen (Texas Creek) to Looney Meadows. Then return to Lindsey area via a primitive road with little traffic.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Best)
This is actually one of the best opportunities for mountain bikers in the Grouse Ridge country. This old 4WD road is still used and maintained for administrative purposes. The wide tread and challenging climb make this a good ride into Lower Rock Lake. From there up to Upper Rock Lake the trail is a singletrack and has some rocky sections, but they are short. From there to the divide just above the Upper Lake is a smooth ride.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
So many options; so little time. So spend it here.
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Best)
This corner receives far less traffic than other parts of the Grouse Ridge area. The Rock Lakes are lovely and the hike into the lakes is easy enough to backpack into. Then as discussed above there are several options for doing some day hiking. Not to mention fishing. Should I say something about skinny dipping? If you do, be sensitive to families. This is a good kids area for 8-years or older.
