Recreation area

Sandy Meadow Trailhead

California — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

This trail can be used to access Wheeler Lake; it is flatter and easier than the Wheeler Ridge/Lake Trail out of Woodchuck Basin but longer. It is 4.2 miles to Wheeler Lake. In Mokelumne Wilderness.  Elevation is 7923 feet Lat/Long: 38.5150, -119.9292

Getting there

From the Calaveras Ranger Station in Hathaway Pines, California, head east on Highway 4 for about 39 miles. The trailhead sign on the right-hand side of the road is where the parking area is located. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road. Accessible to all highway-legal vehicle types, native surface small parking area; must cross highway to get to the trail.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more California camping

Sandy Meadow Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.