Need a good two night trip near Folsom CA

[swoodrow]

Like the title says taking my buddy out for his first hike/overnight need something about 2 hours drive from folsom area about 20 miles for the hike. ... any ideas greatly appreciated not from around there no clue what's up there

[Brien]

Check out Desolation Wilderness off Hwy. 50. I've got a trip planned up to Aloha Lake this summer.

[swoodrow]

Thanks

Im researching as i speak

[Spiguyver]

Desolation Wilderness is great. Beautiful area, lots of great lakes and some trout if you're into that.

[Dpingree]

Grouse Ridge area off of Bowman road, lots of lakes and trails. Bowman road is off Hyw 20 by I- 80.

[swoodrow]

well got some good news/bad news .... got a promotion at work but also means a change of plans .... so instead of backpacking we just going to camp and take a few day hikes ... any good spots to camp near desolation wilderness????

[garyg763]

When the campgrounds open you can hike into Desolation at Wrights Lake and Loon Lake.

[Alex MacDonald]

used to be a campground of sorts right on the South end of Loon, or you can drive up hwy 88 into Hope Valley; there's some nice spots in the trees on the north edge of the valley.

[kormi]

isn't Loon lake by Rubicon trail? Mosquitoes up the yang.... if it's the same Loon lake.

[Alex MacDonald]

yeah, the same place. I think the jumpoff point for the Rubicon trail is at the North end of the lake, past the dam. The skeeters can be really nasty! I wonder though, because of your drought conditions, if they can find enough standing water in the Desolation area. The Hope Valley area would be my first choice, most likely on Caples Creek just Northwest of the Kirkwood in. Beautiful area, or it used to be. I once owned property in Kirkwood, and have spent literally years of time there. You could also jump onto the Horse Canyon trail near the Oyster Creek rest stop, and hike the loop into Kirkwood over West Pass on the #4 lift, then down through the valley, up the Carson Spur and back to your car. About 25 miles or so, a nice hike, but you'll encounter the little flying irritants there too. Lots of beautiful areas within 2-2.5 hours of Folsom!