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Sandy Meadow Trailhead

Pinecrest, California · Alpine County · Facility

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 feetLat/Long: 38.5150, -119.9292

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38.51500, -119.92920
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About Sandy Meadow Trailhead

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 feetLat/Long: 38.5150, -119.9292

How to Get 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.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Sandy Meadow Trailhead

Heading to Sandy Meadow Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Sandy Meadow Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Sandy Meadow Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10057823) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Sandy Meadow Trailhead?

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.