Hidden In The Heart Of Tahoe National Forest Is An Uncrowded Sierra Lake Beauty With Fishing And Trails

When it comes to lake fun in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, there's a reason over 15 million visitors vacation in Lake Tahoe every year. Turquoise waters, lakefront dining, and more picture-perfect vistas than you can count — Tahoe is in a league of its own. However, the surrounding mountains are dotted with alpine lakes that get far less attention than the "Jewel of the Sierra." One lake that has remained so far off the beaten path that even perennial Tahoe visitors haven't heard of it is Culbertson Lake.

As a native Californian, I've been visiting the Sierras since I was a kid, but I still scratched my head when I first heard of Culbertson Lake. Measuring only 70 acres, this alpine lake is actually a holding reservoir perched at 6,447 feet. From above, the way the water's vivid turquoise catches the light makes it look like a glassy portal to another dimension. Jagged peaks ring the lake while hardy pines form a crescent around one side of the water's edge. The shoreline is rocky, but there are plenty of soft patches beneath pines that are great for pitching a tent. 

One of the reasons Culbertson Lake remains relatively undiscovered is its location. Nestled in the Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area, this lake is situated in a section of Tahoe National Forest that's far less explored than South Lake Tahoe's casino-lined shores. For reference, there's only one review on Google with a warning that is a tongue-in-cheek attempt to keep the beauty of Culbertson hidden from other potential visitors.

The only way to reach Culbertson Lake is by hiking. It's generally considered a backpacking destination because, once you've made the effort, why wouldn't you spend a few nights somewhere so beautiful. However, the trail can also be done as a day trip. Your journey starts from the Lindsey Lake Trailhead, which you can find by searching for "Lindsey Campground" on Google Maps. To reach the parking area, you'll have to drive several miles along a dirt service road that is best attempted with a high-clearance vehicle. 

The trail itself is well-marked and passes Upper and Middle Lindsey Lakes, two alpine beauties with sloping granite and views of the wide-open sky. The exact distance of the hike depends on how many detours you make to see the other lakes. However, the fairly direct route that is listed on AllTrails measures just under 3.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as moderate. The trailhead is about an hour and 15 minutes from Tahoe City and the nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), a one-and-a-half hour drive away. 

Once you reach Culbertson Lake, pitch your tent at one of three dispersed campsites. You can look at the sites via Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) booking portal, but they're all first-come, first-served. Best of all, the dispersed camping is free. As the lake is remote, you'll want to follow tips from park rangers for staying safe when camping. The scenery varies greatly season to season, but between June and September the trail brings high-country beauty at its finest, featuring towering conifers and lush shrubs.

While it might sound like a cop-out, basking in the pristine Sierra Nevada scenery is the main activity at Culbertson Lake. Although Tahoe National Forest doesn't release visitor data for this particular area, hikers on AllTrails describe having the place entirely to themselves, even during peak summer months. So, plan to simply relax with your dog by the water — pets are allowed — or find the perfect place to read uninterrupted. 

Culbertson Lake is also a top fishing destination for stocked rainbow and brook trout. Fly Fishing the Sierra advises fishing the lake with sinking lines and weighted streamers. Fortunately for anglers, Culbertson isn't part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's trout eradication program, an initiative designed to rehabilitate endangered frog populations by removing previously introduced trout in several lakes near Culbertson. So, fishing here is better than many other lakes in the area.

For visitors who can't sit still, Culbertson Lake provides opportunities to hike to other places in the Grouse Ridge region. While there are plenty of beautiful mountain trails around Lake Tahoe, paths near Culbertson Lake lead to alpine gems, such as the Upper and Lower Rock Lakes as well as Penner Lake. From the ridge above Penner Lake, you can take in fantastic views of Culbertson Lake below, but you'll need to be prepared as this hike is a rocky, uphill challenge. Looking for another hidden Sierra Nevada spot? Visit nearby Grouse Ridge Campground for alpine lake views and trails.