Guides/Off-road trails/California
Off-road trail10 midifficulty: difficult

Barrett Lake Jeep Trail

RegionCaliforniaAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Barrett Lake Jeep Trail — off-road trail near Wrights Lake, California, California
en:User:Phreakdigital — Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
10mi
Technical difficulty
Difficult
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance 4WD with low range, all-terrain or off-road tires, and recovery gear. Stock SUVs without lift will damage panels; most traffic is short-wheelbase Jeeps and modified pickups.
Best months
Jul, Aug, Sep
Cell coverage
None on the trail. Service returns at US-50.
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Barrett Lake Jeep Trail is a 10-mile expert-level 4WD route on Eldorado National Forest's Pacific Ranger District, climbing from Wrights Lake to Barrett Lake at 7,600 feet on the western slope of the Crystal Range. The trail is one of California's most difficult published USFS jeep routes and shares a club following with the Rubicon. The Crystal Range forms the western boundary of Desolation Wilderness; Barrett Lake sits just below the wilderness line.

The route is sustained granite slab and large embedded boulder work, similar in character to the Rubicon's harder sections but shorter. Most drivers run it as a day trip with a turnaround at the lake; some clubs camp at the lake before running back. The trail is closed by snow most of the year; July through September is the window. Stock vehicles do not finish without panel damage.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Body and frame damage. Stock vehicles damage panels routinely; even built rigs lose pinch welds.
  • Tire damage. Granite slab eats sidewalls. Bring two spares.
  • Snow. The trail is closed by snow most of the year. July to September is the practical window.
  • No services or rescue. Self-recovery is the rule.
  • Altitude. The trail tops 7,600 feet. Plan for cool nights and rapid weather changes.

Location

10 mi · Off-road trail

Approx. location 38.815, -120.270

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townWrights Lake, California
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r05/eldorado
ClosedOct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Approx. location38.815, -120.270

Getting there

Directions

From US-50. Take US-50 east from Pollock Pines about 25 miles to the Wrights Lake Road exit. Drive north on Wrights Lake Road about eight miles to the Wrights Lake area. The Barrett Lake Jeep Trail / 14N32 leaves Wrights Lake Road at a signed turnoff.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Barrett Lake Jeep Trail leaves Wrights Lake Road on Eldorado NF's Pacific Ranger District, just south of US-50 between Pollock Pines and South Lake Tahoe. The route climbs the western slope of the Crystal Range to Barrett Lake, a small alpine lake just below the Desolation Wilderness boundary. The trail is signed as 14N32 and 14N32A in the USFS Travel Management system.

Trail Overview

Ten miles point-to-point. The trail climbs through fir and lodgepole pine on the lower miles, transitions to granite slab around 7,000 feet, and runs continuous slab and boulder work to the lake. Several named obstacles include the Granite Slabs (a long sustained slab climb), the Cracks (a series of granite fissures that require careful tire placement), and the final descent to the lake. Most groups take five to seven hours including stops.

Points of Interest

  • Barrett Lake. Small alpine lake at 7,600 feet, just below the Desolation Wilderness boundary. Stocked with rainbow trout.
  • Wrights Lake. USFS-developed campground and lake at the trailhead, with stocked trout fishing and hiking trails into Desolation Wilderness.
  • Granite Slabs. Long sustained slab climb on the trail's middle section.
  • The Cracks. Granite fissures that require careful tire placement and spotting.
  • Desolation Wilderness. Designated wilderness east of the lake, with high granite peaks and dozens of alpine lakes.

Where to Camp

Wrights Lake Campground (USFS-developed) sits at the trailhead with primitive sites and seasonal water. Some dispersed sites exist along the trail, though space is limited and most are at the lake. Closest developed campgrounds beyond Wrights Lake are at Loon Lake (Eldorado NF) and Sly Park Recreation Area on US-50.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Run with at least two vehicles. Recovery is common.
  • Air down to 12-15 PSI on the slab. Granite eats sidewalls at street pressure.
  • Plan around the snow window. Most years the trail clears by mid-July and snows in by mid-October.
  • Carry recovery gear and a winch. Stock vehicles and crew-cab pickups have stranded.
  • The Pacific Ranger District (530-644-2349) handles current conditions and Travel Management.
  • A California day-use fishing license covers Barrett Lake.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Barrett Lake Jeep Trail?
Barrett Lake Jeep Trail is rated difficult. The route runs 10 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Barrett Lake Jeep Trail?
High-clearance 4WD with low range, all-terrain or off-road tires, and recovery gear. Stock SUVs without lift will damage panels; most traffic is short-wheelbase Jeeps and modified pickups.
When is the best time to visit Barrett Lake Jeep Trail?
The best months are Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun.
Is there cell service at Barrett Lake Jeep Trail?
None on the trail. Service returns at US-50.