After getting an alpine start at Calaveras Big Trees SP, we drove up to Highland Lakes Road. I parked my car in a pullout near highway 4, and loaded my stuff into the SUV that would take us the rest of the way. It was still pretty dark, but I had packed everything the evening before so I didn't have to worry about finding stuff. The road appeared to have been graded recently, and my sedan could probably have made it.
An excellent campsite at the Highland Lakes Campground.
At the lakes we drove around to look at all the campsites before finding an excellent one that overlooked the larger of the two lakes. We bundled up, and set up camp, including a 20/40m dipole. After hanging out for a while, we decided to go up to the summit for lunch. The trail leaves from the top of the campground on the west side of the road.
The forested beginning of the trail.
The first section of the trail goes through the forest, but when you get up on the ridge the trees stop. There is a well worn use path that leads all the way up to the summit. It was easy to follow, if steep in places.
Just need to go up the ridge.
The use trail generally stays on the south side of the ridge when it comes off the crest.
Looking down at the larger Highland Lake.
Just below the summit is a relatively flat area. We stopped here to set up the antenna before tagging the summit. Some smoke had started blowing in, so it was hazy, but overall a nice day. We had excellent cell service on the summit, and had no problem spotting ourselves and getting contacts. Once we had had our fill, we packed up and retraced our steps back to the campsite.
View from the peak.
Trailhead: Highland Lakes Campground.
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the trail from the top of the campground to the ridge, then the use trail to the summit.
Red Tape: None.
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