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Asa Lake/ Lower Gardner Meadow Trail
Meadows, forest, Asa Lake (a small, spring-fed lake). Easy to moderate. 2.3 miles one-way.
Start at the Gardner Meadow Trailhead at Highland Lakes. Trail enters the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in .8 mile. Just past the wilderness boundary sign the trail forks; take the left fork (right fork goes to Upper Gardner Meadow; it may be hidden by a log). The trail continues as trail 20E02 for one mile, passing through Lower Gardner Meadow and ending at the Pacific Crest Trail. Take the Pacific Crest Trail north (left) for .3 miles to reach Asa Lake. The Pacific Crest Trail continues north to Noble Lake (about 3 miles) and the Ebbetts Pass Trailhead at Highway 4 (about 6 miles).
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 |
| Closest Towns: | Bear Valley to the west, Markleeville to the east. |
| 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:Trail is accessed via Gardner Meadow Trailhead: 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 Highlands 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.
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.
See the Gardner Meadow Trailhead page for a map.