Five Lakes Basin Women's Backpacking Trip Register

Date and Time:
Fri, Jun 27, 2025; 9:00 AM (Pacific) - Sun, Jun 29, 2025  2:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Sierra Nevada Group

Location: Carr-Feeley Lake Campground and Trailhead

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Lauren Tackbary
   lauren.tackbary@sierraclub.org
   (630) 408-0591
Terra Alpaugh
   tralpaugh@gmail.com
   (626) 222-8299

About the trip: 

This is one of our favorite routes in the Grouse Ridge area: we pass dozens of swimmable lakes and enjoy epic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains throughout. We will hike 19 miles over three days, interspersed with plenty of opportunities to take breaks, stop for photos, and jump in the lakes. There is minimal foot traffic once you get out to the Five Lakes Basin, so we'll be able to enjoy the lakes in relative solitude. This trip is being offered to women and female-identifying individuals to create a safe space for exploring and learning more about backpacking with a supportive and welcoming community around you. Trip is open to beginners and experienced backpackers, but must be in good physical condition to carry at 35-40lb backpack. If you are interested but are new to backpacking, please reach out to the trip leaders to see if this trip is a good fit for you. 

What to bring: 

Participants will be required to bring their own food and gear. The leaders will not provide food, coffee, kitchen equipment, water filtration, or any other personal items. The leaders will provide a comprehensive list of what to pack and bring, and can help you figure out what you need once you sign up for the trip. 

Getting to the trailhead: 

The trailhead is only one hour and 15 minutes from Nevada City, but the last few miles are on a dirt road that can be rough sometimes, so we recommend an all-wheel or four-wheel drive car or carpooling. Take Highway 20 East towards Tahoe and then turn left on Bowman Lake Road. Drive up Bowman Lake Road about 8 miles and turn left on Forest Route 17. Take this about 3 miles until you get to the Carr-Feely Lake Campground and Trailhead. 

Itinerary: 

We will begin our backpacking trip at the Carr-Feeley Campground Trailhead. We will meet at 9am PST and do introductions, ensure everyone has the right gear, and start on the trail at 10am. 

Day 1:  (8 miles) Estimated 5-6 hours including lunch and snack breaks 

We will start hiking on Round Lake trail: the beginning section is fairly flat as we pass Carr Lake, Feely Lake, and Island Lake. Once past Island Lake, we will start climbing up to the Grouse Ridge area, passing Round Lake and Milk Lake.  At a scenic vista, we will break for lunch and enjoy the views before turning on Glacier Lake Trail towards Glacier Lake. We will continue to Five Lakes Basin, surrounded by beautiful granite as we drop down to the pristine lakes. We will find a place to set up camp, enjoy the surroundings, take a swim, and have dinner before bedtime. 

Day 2: (8.25 miles) Estimated 5-6 hours including lunch and snack breaks

We will wake up early to enjoy coffee and breakfast as the sun rises, before packing up camp and hitting the trail. We will quickly ascend out of Five Lakes Basin before starting a slow incline up to Sand Ridge with epic views off both sides of the ridge. We will drop off the ridge and head north on Grouse Ridge Trail past marshes and tiny lakes, before heading up to Upper Rock Lake. We will break for lunch somewhere along this trail before we hit the switchbacks to get to the Upper Rock Lake. It’s a bit of a climb but the view is well worth it! We will take the Crooked Lakes Trail to Penner Lake, where we will set up camp, swim, and enjoy one of our favorite lakes in the area. 

Day 3: (3 miles) Estimated 2 hours including snack break

The last day we will have coffee and breakfast before packing up camp and heading back on Crooked Lake Trail, passing Island Lake and hooking back up to Round Lake Trail where we started. The last day is short and easier, so we can be a bit more leisurely getting up and on the hike back to the car. We should be back to the cars by noon.

Gaia Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/ONzPM8G2hg9yE5ieyMQvLyHX

 

Level: Moderate

Cost: Free

Bring: A list of backpacking equipment will be provided to all participants.

Signup Restrictions: Please sign up and the outings leader will reach out to schedule a phone call to discuss the trip. You must sign up ahead of time to attend this trip.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels