Remote mountain lakes are incredible and they are even better when the access road requires a high clearance 4WD!

Leavitt Lake is around 9,600ft in elevation and is accessible from Leavitt Lake Road (Forest Service Road 077). However, it is gated at the bottom as snow often limits access until July. It’s a rough road that has multiple sections that can “wash out” and a couple shallow stream crossings. The road is fairly steep in sections and rocky. Not recommended for trailers. Camping is allowed but there are no services (no toilets) and haul in/out anything you bring (leave no trace). It can also get extremely windy – something to keep in mind if tent camping. Weekends can be busy during the summer with 20-40 vehicles. We saw anywhere from 10-20 vehicles arrive during the weekdays but only a handful camped overnight.

We hiked to Ski Lake which is just under 10,000ft in elevation. It’s fairly easy but a beautiful, worthwhile trail. The following day we hiked to Koenig Lake which is easily accessible and scenic. From there we hiked to Latopie Lake which is 10,400ft elevation and rather difficult. Extremely steep, loose and exposed but incredible views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It also leads to the Pacific Crest Trail.

We inflated the paddle boards and paddled multiple times every day. What a wonderful destination!

#truckcamper #superduty #overland