Originally published August 7, 2007. Four Yamaha Rhinos and one KTM motorcycle tackled the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail in California’s Eldorado National Forest. This technical out-and-back route near Wrights Lake combines challenging rock crawling with outstanding Sierra Nevada scenery.
Barrett Lake is not far from the legendary Rubicon Trail as the crow flies, but it offers a demanding experience of its own. The route runs approximately 5.5 miles from the trailhead near Dark Lake to Barrett Lake, where the elevation is about 7,668 feet.
Because this is a dead-end trail, everything you drive on the way in must be driven again on the way out. There are difficult rock gardens, narrow passages and few opportunities to avoid the harder obstacles.
If you are afraid of scratches—or the loud thump rocks make against your skid plates when a front tire slips off a ledge—this probably is not the trail for you. Expect to have at least one tire in the air on plenty of occasions.
Yamaha Rhinos on Barrett Lake Jeep Trail
We had four Yamaha Rhinos and one KTM motorcycle in our group. Three of the four Rhinos had six-inch-wider long-travel suspension, while one retained its stock suspension.
The stock-width Rhino was still capable of completing the trail. However, the additional suspension travel and better shocks on the modified machines made the slow, rocky ride considerably more comfortable.
Reaching Barrett Lake
Camping is available near the lake, but we stopped for lunch before turning around and tackling the trail in the opposite direction.
Stuck in the Rock Garden
How in the world did I manage to get the Rhino this stuck? The good news was that even in this awkward position, four people could lift the front end and slide it away from the rock.
Tires, Wheels and Ground Clearance
Tires and wheels make a major difference on this type of rock-crawling trail. Additional ground clearance helps keep the undercarriage away from the rocks, while lower tire pressure lets the tread conform to the terrain and find more traction.
Beadlock wheels help retain the tire bead when running low pressures. I ran my 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires at approximately 5 psi on OMF beadlock wheels and was very happy with that combination in the rocks.
Dust on the Trail
An exhaust outlet pointing toward the ground can make the dust even worse. A rear-facing outlet is preferable, provided the exhaust retains its required spark arrestor.
Trail Access and Seasonal Closures
Barrett Lake Jeep Trail—currently identified by the Forest Service as route 16E21 and historically known as 12N77—is generally open for only a short period during late summer and early fall. Snow, mud, storms and resource-protection requirements can delay its opening or cause temporary closures.
Always check the Eldorado National Forest road and trail status before leaving home. A posted seasonal status should not be treated as a guarantee that the gate will remain open following changing weather or trail conditions.
Spark arrestors and valid vehicle registration are required. Keeping the vehicle quiet is also important in this environmentally sensitive area along the Desolation Wilderness boundary.
The gateposts are approximately 86 inches apart and serve as a practical gauge for the narrow passages farther up the trail. A vehicle that cannot clear the gate will not fit through the trail’s tighter sections.
Parking at the trailhead is very limited, with only a small turnaround loop. A compact trailer or carrying the UTV in a pickup is preferable. Another option is to unload near the trailhead and move the tow vehicle and trailer to an appropriate parking area near Wrights Lake.
Protecting Barrett Lake
The trail passes through a sensitive alpine environment next to Desolation Wilderness. Stay on the designated route and obey all signs and wilderness boundaries. Entering Desolation Wilderness with a motor vehicle is prohibited, while hikers may need a wilderness permit.
Camping is permitted in designated areas near Barrett Lake. Pack out everything you bring and avoid parking or camping directly along the lakeshore. Responsible use is essential to keeping this historic trail available for future off-road enthusiasts.
