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maps & website by Michael Jones


Gold Lake

affiliated with

Sacramento Valley Hiking Conference

 

 

 
 

 mi-eq

hike name

best season

but not if snow below

edition

  length &
elevation gain

Short hike

4.6

Bucks Creek  loop

 Jun-Oct

5500'

 2005-8

4.1 mi   250’

5.5

Lakeshore Trail shuttle

 Jun-Oct

5500'

 2008

4.7 mi   400’

5.6

Rock & Gold Lakes up-and-back

 Jul-Oct

6500'

 2008

 4.2 mi  700’   

Easy Dayhike
(none)

Moderate Dayhike
9.9 Spanish Pk from Silver Lake up-and-back  Jul-Oct 7000' 2008 7.1 mi   1400’
11.9 Spanish Pk from Bucks Summit up-and-back  Jul-Oct 7000'  2008 8.9 mi  1500’

Challenging Dayhike or overnight
18.9 Right Hand Branch loop   Jul-Oct 7000' 2005-8 14.6 mi   2150’

Uber Dayhike  or overnight
23.4 Bucks Big Loop  Aug-Oct 7000'  2008 17.4 mi  3000’

Generally there is snow from November 1 through May or June.
October is often perfect, but check the forecast for storms.
Mosquitos are usually worst in July, while flowers are best in July and August.
Bears are plentiful, but usually no problem since they are hunted here.
Cattle are frequent on Bucks Big Loop and less so on Right Hand Branch hike.

mi-eq = mile-eqivilent = miles + elevation gain/500'