Wrights Lake California: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking & Travel Guide

Last Updated on: April 20, 2026

Wrights Lake in El Dorado National Forest is one of the best alpine destinations in Northern California for hiking, camping, and kayaking. Located near Placerville at over 7,000 feet elevation, this scenic mountain lake offers easy access to Desolation Wilderness and a peaceful escape from the valley heat.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip, a day hike, landscape photography, or a relaxing paddle on the water, Wrights Lake delivers a well-rounded outdoor experience with stunning Crystal Basin landscapes of clear water, the timber belt and the rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Wrights Lake Quick Facts

Location: El Dorado National Forest, near Placerville, CA
Elevation: ~7,000 feet
Camping: Wrights Lake Campground (seasonal)
Access: Typically June through October (weather dependent)
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing
Nearby: Desolation Wilderness, Crystal Basin

How to Get to Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake is located about 1.5 hours from Sacramento and roughly 35-45 minutes from Placerville.

Take Highway 50 east toward South Lake Tahoe. Turn onto Wrights Lake Road near Kyburz (4.5 miles before the road). Follow the road for about 8 miles to the lake

The road is paved but narrow and winding in sections. Snow typically closes access during winter and spring, so always check conditions before heading out.

Alternative Route: Head up Ice House Rd. for 11 miles until you intersect with Wrights Road two miles south of the Wrights Lake entrance.

The Origin Of Wrights Lake Name?

Wrights Lake (or Wright’s Lake) is named after two brothers – Bert and Ed Wright. The brothers were dairy farmers with lands near modern day Galt. The story is that the brothers were looking for summer locations for their dairy cows to graze.

In the early 1850’s, the brothers came across the lake and felt that it was the perfect area due to the water supply and ample lands for grazing. Apparently, the brothers filed land claims totaling over 1200 acres near the lake.

Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake Camping

Wrights Lake has two campgrounds: a main campground for general visitors and a separate equestrian campground designed for horse and packstock users.

Wrights Lake Campground is one of the easiest ways to turn a lake visit into a full Sierra getaway. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs and includes picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, accessible vault toilets, and a camp host, but it stays rustic with no hookups or resort-style amenities.

Camping at Wrights Lake is fairly straightforward on cost. The main Wrights Lake Campground is listed at $36 per night, and the Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground is also listed at $36 per night. It’s $72 per night for double. If you bring an extra vehicle, then there is a $5 nightly extra-vehicle charge,

Important Camping Limitations:

No hookups — No electric, water, or sewer connections
No showers — Primitive camping setup
Limited or no potable water (verify before arrival) — Bring your own water to be safe
Seasonal access — Typically open summer through early fall, depending on snow

Wrights Lake Cabins

Cabins are not available for rent. These are privately owned with most of the cabins being in the same families since the 1920’s. Reportedly, a longtime camper named George Smith was issued a permit to build the first cabin at Wrights Lake in the late 1920’s.

Another peaceful view of Wrights Lake.

Wrights Lake Trailheads: Access and Fees

Wrights Lake is a gateway to some of the most beautiful trails in the region, including access to Desolation Wilderness. Permits may be required for longer backcountry trips. For Rockbound and Twin Lakes Trailheads, there is a $10 day-use fee.

Rockbound Trailhead

The Rockbound Trailhead is located on the south to southwest side of Wrights Lake. It’s roughly 6 miles from the trailhead to the pass, with over 1700 feet of elevation gain. There are several lakes to explore in Desolation Wilderness. Beauty Lake is one of the first destinations that you will come across on this trail.

Twin Lakes Trailhead

The Twin Lakes Trailhead is located on the north to northeast side of Wrights Lake. It’s the gateway to two popular destinations: Twin Lakes and Grouse Lake. The trail is all uphill and has an elevation gain of roughly 1300 feet.

Once entering Desolation Wilderness, you come to a split where the left fork leads to and the right fork leads to Grouse Lake. The trail to Twin Lakes is moderately difficult. Grouse Lake trail is shorter and family friendly. In addition to those stops, you will also access Hemlock Lake and Meadow Loop.

Lyons Creek Trailhead

Lyons Creek Trailhead is located on Wrights Lake Road a few miles before reaching the lake. There is a Trailhead at this location, but no fees as of this writing. The Lyons Creek Trailhead provides access to Lyons Creek Trail, Lyons Lake, Sylvia Lake, and Desolation Wilderness.

Do You Need a Permit at Wrights Lake?

For a casual visit to the lake itself, visitors mainly need to think about day-use access and campground reservations. But if you plan to head into Desolation Wilderness, permit rules become more important.

The Forest Service states that anyone entering Desolation Wilderness needs a wilderness permit, with separate options for day use and overnight trips. Hiking permits are available at trailheads.

Overnight hiking permits are handled through the Pacific Ranger Station, and the permit system requires the group leader to carry a signed permit.

Wrights Lake Water Activities

Wrights Lake is ideal for calm-water recreation, especially since motorized boats are prohibited. This means that the calmer waters provide a wonderful canvas for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and swimming.

Fishing at Wrights Lake

Fishing is one of the quieter pleasures at Wrights Lake, where anglers mainly target trout in an alpine setting that feels more relaxed than many larger Sierra reservoirs. Current California stocking information shows Wrights Lake supports rainbow trout and brown trout, and the easy shoreline access near the campground makes it a good choice for a simple morning or evening outing.

kayaks on Wrights Lake calm water morning conditions California

Calm morning waters make Wrights Lake ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Wrights Lake Points of Interest

In addition to the main attraction of Wrights Lake, there are more wonderful places to visit:

Chappell Crossing

This cute little bridge is located near the beginning of the Twin Lakes trailhead. The stream from Wrights Lake runs underneath this bridge and over to the meadow. The trees provide a backdrop to an overall picturesque location.

The name of this area is in honor of Roger Chappell also lovingly known as “Ranger Roger.” According to MTDemocrat.com, Chappell was a teacher for over 30 years in the Pollock Pines School District and was a dedicated worker for the U.S Forest Service during the summers. He taught many kids and families all about the area. Roger died in May of 2011, at the age of 73. His passion and influence in the Wrights Lake area are immeasurable and he will forever be honored with this tribute.

Chapel Crossing

Wrights Lake Meadow

Located on the north side of the lake, this wide open meadow provides stunning scenic views with the Sierra mountain peaks in the background. It’s just a few hundred yards past Chappell Crossing along the Twin Lakes trail.

Wrights Lake Meadow

Best Time of Year to Visit Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake is a classic high-elevation Sierra destination, which means timing matters. The official day-use page says the recreation area is generally open from the first of July through the end of September, while the wilderness permit page warns that heavy snow may begin as early as October and can persist through July.

In other words, Wrights Lake is very much a seasonal place. Summer is the easiest and most dependable time to visit, while spring or winter trips depend heavily on snowpack and road conditions.

That short season is also part of the lake’s appeal, because when it is open, it feels like a true mountain retreat rather than an all-year roadside stop.

What Makes Wrights Lake Special

Wrights Lake stands out for its rare balance between easy access and a true alpine wilderness feel. Unlike many high-elevation lakes in the Sierra Nevada, it’s relatively easy to reach, yet it still provides direct access to the rugged beauty of Desolation Wilderness.

Compared to busier destinations around Lake Tahoe, Wrights Lake offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while still delivering the same kind of scenic mountain backdrop. That combination makes it an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy hiking, camping, or kayaking without the crowds, while still experiencing Tahoe-like scenery.

What to Know Before You Go to Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake feels easygoing, but there are a few rules and practical details worth knowing before you show up.

One of the biggest is that motorboats are not allowed, which helps preserve the lake’s quieter feel for paddling, fishing, and shoreline relaxation.

The official campground listing also points visitors toward bear boxes and “bear aware” practices, which is an important reminder in this part of the Sierra. Always be aware of the wildlife.

If you are using the day-use area, keep in mind that parking is first come, first served, so summer weekends can fill up fast. Get there early during peak season.

Temperatures can drop quickly at these elevations, so bring layers of clothes.

Last, but not least, always check road conditions before you go.

Things to Do Near Wrights Lake

Wrights Lake isn’t just an isolated spot on the border of Desolation Wilderness. In fact, this lake works especially well as part of a bigger Crystal Basin outing that include the following destinations:

Union Valley Reservoir: The largest lake in Crystal Basin, Union Valley is the area’s biggest hub for boating, camping, swimming, fishing, and lakeside recreation.

Ice House Reservoir: One of the best-known stops in the basin, Ice House is a scenic mountain reservoir popular for camping, paddling, fishing, and easy-access summer lake days.

Loon Lake: Loon Lake has a more rugged, high-country feel and is a favorite for granite scenery, boating, fishing, and access to nearby trails and off-highway routes.

Gerle Creek Reservoir: Smaller and quieter than the big-name reservoirs, Gerle Creek is a good pick for a more relaxed stop with fishing, paddling, and a less-developed atmosphere.

Bassi Falls: Not a lake or reservoir, but one of the best nearby road trips. Bassi Falls is a popular waterfall hike in the Crystal Basin area with granite scenery and a strong seasonal payoff.

Why Visit Wrights Lake, California?

Wrights Lake is one of Northern California’s most underrated outdoor destinations. With its combination of alpine scenery, accessible trails, and peaceful camping, it’s an ideal spot for both day trips and weekend getaways.

I’ve made multiple trips to Wrights Lake over the years and its beauty never fades. If you’re looking for a place to hike, paddle, and unwind without the crowds of Tahoe, Wrights Lake is the right choice.

Canoe and Kayak Dock for Wrights Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wrights Lake open year-round?
No, the road is typically closed in winter due to snow.

Do you need a permit for Wrights Lake?
No permit is needed for day use, but required for Desolation Wilderness overnight trips.

Is Wrights Lake good for kayaking?
Yes, calm waters make it excellent.

Can you swim in Wrights Lake?
Yes, but the water is cold.