Trail Overview

Meadow Lake Road is the continuation of the Bowman Lake Road trail. The scenery is breathtaking and the camping and recreational opportunities are plentiful. This area of the Sierra Nevada usually is snow-free sometime in late May. A California campfire permit is necessary, and later in the season, fire bans may be put in place if the fire danger is too high. This area is very remote and there is no cell service.

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Difficulty

Only the 0.5 miles from Jackson Creek Campground to Sawmill Lake Campground is rough and needs high clearance and advanced skill. The rest of the trail is easy (when dry).

Technical Rating

Michael Vittelli

Jun 08, 2026

Open

Actually driving a 2WD Hybrid Maverick. Stock clearance 8.3” with Falken Wildpeak A/Ts. Totally doable! Some rough spots and a puddle or two, but pick smart lines and have a friend join you. Stay in the main trail (obviously).

blaine sullivan

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Brian McAndrews

May 27, 2025

Open

Easy access over rough but not technical rock and dirt roads. Very few other vehicles mid-week. Came in on Bowman Lake Road and continued on Meadow Lake and then Faucharie Lake access roads. Camped at a primitive site along Canyon Creek just below Faucherie.

René Lozano

May 26, 2025

Open

Easy trail but campsites by the dam / water I wouldn't go in without a little bit of clearance under your truck/SUV. No snow at all and all trails clear on this trail. Perfect day.

Matt B

May 24, 2025

Open

Not even close to being ready to drive on. There’s a giant snow drift about 4 feet tall blocking all access.

John Tuttle

May 03, 2025

Open

On the Pass from Bowman Lake to Jackson Meadow Reservoir we encountered 4'+ of rotten show on 5/3/25. Going fast but experienced snow wheelers only at this time. Be prepared to get stuck and self recover.