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Highway 88 Corridor Area

Explore the quieter side of the Eldorado National Forest in the Highway 88 Corridor. Hiking trails abound, as well several climbing areas, and stunning alpine lakes. In the winter, there is a ski resort at Kirkwood and an OSV trail system at Iron Mountain. 

Passes & Permits

Overnight permits are required in the Mokelumne Wilderness

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 17 results

Allens Camp Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Access to Allens Camp Trail 17E19Non-motorized Trails Recreation Opportunity Guide (ROG)

Caples Lake Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities
Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Caples Lake CampgroundFees and…

Granite Lake Trail

Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
The trail starts off on the Minkalo Trail to a junction in 0.6 miles, then turns left toward Granite Lake where it arrives at 1 mile. Along the way, the trail crosses a bridge over an unnamed creek…

Horse Canyon Trail

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Biking
The trail leads from the Horse Canyon Trailhead through an old-growth forest before following a dry gully as it ascends 3.1 miles to meet the Thunder Mountain trail, then traverses meadows and forest…

Kirkwood Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Picnicking
Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) - These guides contains information, maps, and directions to assist you in enjoying your trip to the Eldorado National Forest.Kirkwood CampgroundDay UseFees and…

Kirkwood Lake Loop Trail

Hiking
This 1.1 mile loop around Kirkwood Lake begins behind the corral on the north side of Highway 88 in Kirkwood Meadow.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Site Closed
Hiking Biking Winter Sports
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of two ski operations on the Eldorado National Forest operating under a special use permit. Kirkwood offers winter and summer recreation opportunities and equipment…

Lake Margaret Trail

Hiking Biking Horse Riding and Camping
Hiking to Lake Margaret is a moderate 2.5 mile walk that includes traversing granite slabs, forest, meadows, and crossing several streams (which may be high in springtime; use caution). The…

Pacific Crest Trail North from Highway 88

Hiking
From the Meiss Trailhead follow the Pacific Crest Trail 1.2 miles to the ridge.  You will experience spectacular views and a brilliant wildflower display about mid-summer.  Meiss Lake is another 3…

Last updated July 25th, 2025