The Best Backpacking in Kyburz

Although it stands only slightly higher than its neighbors, Pyramid Peak nonetheless dominates the Crystal Range atop which it sits. Great views from the summit make this a must-do.The Route: The route is fairly straightforward to Lake Sylvia (see map). Simply follow the well-defined Lyons Cr...

Rockbound Pass and Red Peak Stock Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California

McConnell Lake Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.

Lake Lois and Lake Schmidell is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Kyburz, California.

This 26 mile loop meanders through some of the most primitive trails in Desolation Wilderness. Starting from Wrights Lake, the route proceeds over Rockbound Pass, loops around several lakes, and returns to Wrights Lake. Not many hikers venture past the steep and rocky Rockbound Pass to enter this...

Lake Schmidell via Blakely Trail (16E07) is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Pollock Pines, California.

Maude Lake via Rockbound Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.

Enchanted Pools, Twin Lakes, Island Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Kyburz, California.

Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Pollock Pines, California.

Starting from the Wright's Lake parking area, walk past the service gate to find the loop trail. Follow the loop trail to the signed trail for Twin, Grouse, Island, and Hemlock Lakes heading toward the right. You will begin an approximate 150 foot ascend before coming to a saddle. Another 150 foo...

To get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...

The Twin Lakes trail starts winding through a pine forest, with a couple bridge crossings over crystal clear trout-filled streams.  The marsh-like water is very slow moving, and even though it is indeed beautiful, it is also a prime location for pesky mosquitoes in the summertime.  Be sure to loa...

Caples Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Kyburz, California.

Red Mountain Trail is an out and back trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Red Mountain, California

Pyramid Peak is the tallest peak in the Crystal Range and the Desolation Wilderness, just west of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day it can be seen from the Bay Area over 150 miles away. Named for its distinct shape, Pyramid a massive heap of glaciated granite slabs and talus, and the Rocky Canyon route ...

The trailhead to begin this hike is located at: 38.8117 N, 120.1237 W. From Hwy 50 just south of Lake Tahoe, take Hwy 50 southwest for almost 11 miles, where you'll turn into the parking lot after crossing Pyramid Creek. There is a $5 day-use fee to park in the trailhead parking lot. The hike i...