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Gardner Meadow Trailhead
This trail first passes through Bear Tree Meadow. In .8 miles from the trailhead the trail enters the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. A few yards (meters) later, a trail branches off to the right that leads to Upper Gardner Meadow and Half Moon Lake. The trail may be blocked from view by a log. At the south end of the meadow, the trail forks off into the Arnot Creek Trail and Disaster Creek Trail. Back at the wilderness boundary, the main trail continues on to Lower Gardner Meadow and the Pacific Crest Trail. Take the Pacific Crest Trail north to access Asa Lake, Noble Lake, Noble Canyon, and Highway 4.
Elevation: 8589 feet.
Lat/Long: 38.4963, -119.7974
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Calaveras Ranger District (Hwy 4) |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | A wilderness permit is required for overnight visits to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Best Season: | Summer, early fall |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Water: | In summer season at Highland Lakes Campground (.8 mile) (hand pump) |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet at Highland Lakes Campground (.8 mile) |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:From the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California, head east on Highway 4 for about 46 miles. Turn right when you see the sign for Highland Lakes; follow that road (Highland Lakes Road-8N01) for about 5 miles until just before you reach the first lake. Bear to the left and follow the road a short distance to the parking.
Coming from the east on Highway 4, Highland Lakes Road (8N01) is 1.3 miles west of Ebbetts Pass.
Accessible to all highway-legal vehicle types. Highland Lakes Road is paved for the first mile, then becomes a gravel road to the trailhead. Large parking area, native surface. The road may be rough in some spots.