For my trip, I chose to further explore closer to Wrights Lake and only took the Rockbound trail 0.5 miles to reach Beauty Lake. Despite many hikers questioning the true “beauty” of Beauty Lake, I actually enjoyed the scenery and the view. In fact, I was able to get some nice pictures and avoid most of the mosquitoes.
Directions
From Sacramento, head east on Highway 50 past Placerville. Roughly 4.5 miles east of the town of Kyburz is Wrights Road. Make a left onto Wrights Road and travel 8 miles north until you reach the Wrights Lake visitor’s center, which is located at a fork in the road.
Be cautious when driving on Wrights Road because it is very narrow and winding. There are spectacular views of the hills and Tahoe National Forest. Also, this road is usually closed in the winter due to heavy snow. You can also reach Wrights Lake via Ice House Road.
When reaching the visitor’s center, choose the road that splits to the left and travels roughly 1 mile along Wrights Lake. This will lead you to the Rockbound trailhead parking, which is located on the left side of the road.
Tips
- Bring bug spray
- Sunscreen
- And go during the early morning, preferably in the spring or early winter
Rockbound Pass trailhead
Rockbound Trailhead
This trailhead has the following:
- Plenty of parking spaces
- A bathroom
- A trail map display roughly a few hundred feet east
- A trail mileage sign next to the map display
Check out more of my Desolation Wilderness adventures.
Final Words
Beauty Lake does have some charm to it. Although, I believe Wrights Lake is more beautiful, Beauty Lake can be very photogenic in the early mornings and during the spring or early winter. My suggestion for those of you who don’t want to hike roughly 6 miles to Rockbound Pass, just stop at Beauty Lake and then head less than a 1/2 mile south over to Wrights Lake for more beautiful landscapes.
Check out more of Crystal Basin adventures.
