How To Go Backpacking to Lake Spaulding: Camping Guide
Looking for an easy overnight backpacking trip in Northern California? Lake Spaulding is a beginner-friendly backpacking destination that offers alpine lake views without the crowds.
We chose Lake Spaulding because it was our first winter backpacking trip and wanted a shorter trail. However, when I was researching trails I found many variations that might not be suitable for a beginner in winter.
Hence I wanted to write this guide after coming back from our epic trip to Lake Spaulding to show you how you can prepare a safe backpacking trip here, even if you’re coming in winter.
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Lake Spaulding backpacking route
Located in the Tahoe National Forest, Lake Spaulding is just 3.5 hours away from the San Francisco Bay Area. The area is actually managed by PG&E and the lake has a few flat areas that are suitable for camping.
We chose this route because it is just 3 miles one-way with an elevation of about 1,000 ft. It seemed doable, so we felt confident about it as first-time winter backpackers. The trail follows Jordan Creek, featuring roaring waterfalls and even a detour to Emerald Pools if you have the time.
There’s often snow on the trail throughout winter, so you may need snowshoes to get to Lake Spaulding. However we went during a dry winter year and the big storm hadn’t arrived even in March, so we had snowpack at best.
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Route overview: Lake Spaulding via Pioneer Trail
Total distance: 5.3 miles (8.5 km) round trip
Total elevation gain: 1,007 ft (307 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearest parking spot: Emerald Pools Trailhead Parking
Where we camped: At the end of the trail (39.335742, -120.634863)
Trail map
This is the AllTrails map we referred to for our backpacking trip. You can also download it as a GPX file and upload it to your navigation device for future use.
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Things you need to know
While it’s great that you don’t need any permits to be able to backpack to Lake Spaulding, here are some things you need to know for a safe trip.
Best time to backpack to Lake Spaulding
If you have cold weather backpacking gear, I think the best time to camp here is from late fall through winter and spring. The winter wonderland views are amazing with you won’t have to compete for limited dispersed camping space. You also won’t have bugs – but note that snowshoes may be required.
Safety tips
Bear safety
There may be bears in the area, so make sure to bring bear canisters to store all your food and scented items while you’re camping. It also helps to prevent other critters from getting to your food. Make sure to never store food inside your tent.
Mosquitos in early summer
Believe it or not – the bugs show up as soon as the snow melts. If you’re heading out in early summer (June to July), bring bug spray or a head net. Alternatively, treat your clothing with permethrin as it kills mosquitoes on contact. We’ve also gone as far as to bring a mosquito repellent device along.
Filter your water
Although the lakes and streams look clean, especially since the area is managed by PG&E, make sure to bring your water filtration devices. We use the Sawyer Squeeze together with the CNOC roll-top bag and I highly recommend it.
Pack the right gear for the temperature
If you’re planning to backpack in the off-season, make sure to have enough buffer for unexpected weather changes. For example, the weather could get 10 F colder than you expected, so an insulated sleeping pad, at least a 3-season sleeping bag, and a fleece liner would go a long way.
Navigation
Make sure you download your offline maps before going instead of relying on cell service. You’ll also want to bring a portable charger as backup.
Our Lake Spaulding backpacking trip report
Trip dates: early March 2025
We’ve tried snowshoeing to a hut, but never gone winter backpacking to a dispersed camping spot – so we were excited to try that at Lake Spaulding. It was also our first time winter backpacking, so we kept it short – just an overnight trip.
The weather had been warm and it didn’t snow much prior to our backpacking trip, so we didn’t get to use our snowshoes this time.
Daytime temperatures hovered around 50 F and at night it went down to about 35 F. It was right around our comfort level for camping in cold weather and we really enjoyed the experience.
Hiking to Lake Spaulding via Pioneer Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km)
Elevation gain: 500 ft (150 m)
We arrived at the trailhead at about 3pm – which seems a little late but it’s because we wanted to get chick-fil-a and stop by Auburn for coffee before backpacking in.
Do note that apart from the vault toilets, there aren’t any trash services at the trailhead. To avoid leaving food traces in your vehicle, I recommend disposing of everything before arriving.
It took us about 2 hours to get to the end of trail as we admired the waterfall and the creek that was rushing with water. We didn’t get to check out Emerald Pool because we were focused on getting to Lake Spaulding, but it seems cool to stop by for a future trip.
The trail wasn’t difficult for most of it, and most of the incline happens during the second half as we climbed up towards the lake. That said, I hiking poles would be good to have especially if you’re going to be snowshoeing.
Finding a dispersed camping spot
As we got closer to the lake, we had to duck under some water pipes as we went back and forth looking for good camping spots.
We were the only campers there that evening, so we got to pick any spot we wanted. Unfortunately since Lake Spaulding is quite close to the road you could hear the cars in the distance.
Nonetheless, my favorite moment here was watching the sunset and the surrounding peaks turn pink. We cooked instant noodles for dinner and ate some snacks before going to sleep.
Conclusion
If you’ve always wanted to try winter backpacking but aren’t prepared to go deep into the wilderness just yet – Lake Spaulding might be the perfect choice. You’ll most likely be able to find parking and a decent camping spot without the usual summer crowds.
Aside from backpacking, you can also make reservations at an established campsite at Lake Spaulding Campground (may be closed in 2025).
Don’t forget to treat your clothing with permethrin, bring a water filter, and download your offline maps. For more ideas on best backpacking trips to try in California, check out this article. Happy adventuring!
