Words & Photos by Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
Sponsored by Mountain House, EXPED, and Nestout
Summer is finally here, and with it comes our favorite way to explore the Sierra: boondocking adventures that get us closer to trailheads, earlier on the trail, and deeper into the wild. This past weekend, we kicked off our new summer series focused on dispersed camping in the Sierra Nevada, and it couldn’t have started in a more perfect place than Highland Lakes off Ebbetts Pass—a true high-country gem tucked away at the top of Scenic Highway 4.
Dispersed Camping on the North Fork Mokelumne River
After a late Friday drive winding over Ebbetts Pass, we rolled into Highland Lakes Road (Forest Road 8N01) and found a quiet, dispersed campsite tucked beside the North Fork of the Mokelumne River. While there is a designated fee-based campground early along the road, this region is full of free, first-come-first-served camping spots just beyond, especially between the Campground and the river crossing.
By 5 p.m., the Avalanche was backed into a shady riverbank spot. With the wind whipping through the trees and clear skies overhead, it was one of those classic Sierra evenings—cool, crisp, and full of potential. We set up camp, stretched out beside the river, and watched the light fade across the canyon walls.
Dinner, Stars & a Lantern Game Night
Dinner was courtesy of our friends at Mountain House, and let me tell you—their new Cheesey Beef Enchilada Bowl hits the spot. Packed with bold flavors and just enough spice to warm up a breezy evening, it’s one of our new go-to meals for the backcountry.
As night fell, we broke out a simple camp game under the glow of our Nestout Lantern, a compact and versatile light source / Battery pack perfect for off-grid evenings. Above us, a symphony of stars unfolded, punctuated by shooting stars streaking across the dark Sierra sky. These are the kind of nights that remind you why you drive past the pavement and head for the mountains in the first place.
Field Testing the EXPED MegaSleep Duo & Pillow
This summer, we’re continuing our Trail-Tested Gear Spotlight, and this trip gave me a chance to field test the Exped Mega Mat, EXPED MegaSleep Duo and Mega Pillow in the back of the Avalanche. While the Duo layout is incredibly spacious when the two Temperature sections are zipped together and comfortable for two, I learned firsthand that in cooler temps, it’s better to zip up and go solo with the 20-degree configuration—a game changer for staying warm on a windy June night.
The pillow was also a standout—plush, compact, and shaped perfectly for truck bed or tent sleeping. But the star of the show for the evening was the Exped Mega Mat—4 inches of plush luxury. My 260-lb frame and 55-year-old bones appreciated the pain-free morning and restful night’s sleep on this easy-to-set-up bed.
EXPED continues to be one of our most trusted partners for reliable and comfortable sleep systems in the backcountry.
Slow Morning, Hot Breakfast & Highland Lakes Trailhead
With the wind dying overnight, the morning greeted us with peace and the river babbled beside the camp. We lingered longer than usual, enjoying hot bacon and eggs from Mountain House, brewed coffee, and the simple joy of a quiet alpine morning. It’s those moments—unhurried, unplugged—that make dispersed camping so worth it.
By late morning, we packed up and headed up the final stretch of the road to the Highland Lakes Trailhead. The elevation (around 8,600 feet) makes for a quick and cool entry into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.
Hiking the Gardner Meadow Loop to Wolf Creek Pass
While many visitors head to Highland Lakes and The Carson Iceberg wilderness in pursuit of peak climbs like Arnot or Disaster Peak, we opted for a more relaxed and scenic loop through Gardner Meadows, where rivers, wildflower-filled meadows, and remote alpine lakes steal the show.
Our route took us:
- Past Upper Gardner Meadow and Over to Half Moon Lake for a quiet lakeside lunch.
- Through a lovely off-trail section weaving across a forested ridgeline
- To Lower Gardner Meadow and a network of meadows, creeks and interesting rock formations
- And up to Wolf Creek Pass along the Pacific Crest Trail, where we turned back just before the storms rolled in
Somewhere just after Half Moon Lake, we spotted what we believe was a Pacific Fisher, a rare and elusive creature in the Sierra Nevada. It darted across the forest floor just fast enough for us to doubt ourselves—but we’re sticking with it. It definitely was not a squirrel, but I won’t rule out a mink. That surprise sighting, paired with vibrant wildflower blooms, full creeks, and snow still clinging to north-facing slopes, made this one of the most visually stunning hikes we’ve done this time of year.
Oh, and did we mention? No mosquitoes. Thank the cold June wind for that!
Trail Angels & Trail Names: Hopper and The Dude
As the skies darkened and snow began to swirl at higher elevations (yes, snow in June), we ascended back to the trailhead. Loaded the truck and headed towards the pass. We Saw many Death Ride cyclists training on the road for the upcoming challenge and found two cold and weary PCT hikers at Ebbetts Pass hoping to get a ride. They were from Japan and had earned the trail names Hopper and The Dude—and after hearing about their frigid night on the trail, we gladly offered them a lift to Markleeville, where they could warm up at Grover Hot Springs State Park.
Tom was so inspired by their journey and spirit that he went home and wrote a song about them. That’s the kind of trail magic you don’t plan—it just happens.
Ice Cream & Reflections
Before heading home, we made our ritual stop at Woodfords Station for ice cream—because no Sierra trip is complete without it. Reflecting on the weekend, it was a near-perfect launch to our summer boondocking and backcountry hiking series.
We camped under the stars, tested new gear, hiked a less-traveled alpine route, and got to share a moment with hikers chasing a dream 2,650 miles long. That’s the kind of story we want to tell all summer long.
Sponsor Spotlights & Gear Insights
Mountain House Meals
Mountain House continues to deliver gourmet-level freeze-dried meals for outdoor adventurers. Their Cheesy Beef Enchilada Bowl is bold and satisfying, while their Bacon & Eggs breakfast provides hearty, protein-packed energy to fuel big hiking days. We recommend keeping a few new flavors in your kit—especially for cold mornings or high-altitude dinners.
EXPED Sleep Systems
The Exped Mega DUO Mat, the EXPED MegaSleep Duo is ideal for couples or solo adventurers who want adaptable sleep options. Whether in a tent or the back of a truck, the Duo’s zip configuration and thermal range make it a solid multi-season option. Paired with the Mega Mat and 4-inch luxury cushion and the Mega Pillow, it’s one of the most comfortable car camping setups we’ve tested.
Nestout Lanterns
The Nestout lantern is compact; its primary purpose is a battery pack for your phone and batteries, but it comes with a rechargeable lighting solution that’s perfect for evening games, cooking, or reading by the fire. Lightweight yet powerful, it deserves a spot in your go-bag for boondocking and backpacking a like.
Crazy Creek Pack Table: Small Table, Big Impact
This trip also gave us the chance to field-test the Crazy Creek Pack Table—a surprisingly sturdy, Montana-made tabletop that instantly elevated our campsite setup. Compact enough to fit in your glove box (packed down to just 6” x 6” x 2”), this little table proved its worth in multiple moments: first, creating a level cooking station for our Windburner stove on uneven Sierra ground, and later, serving as a game table beside the fire while shooting stars blazed overhead. Its adjustable legs gave us stability on rocky riverbanks, and the rugged build held up beautifully under weight. Whether you’re backcountry cooking or just need a clean surface to hold dinner and cards, the Crazy Creek Pack Table delivers smart, durable convenience without taking up space.
Looking Ahead
This is just the first of many dispersed camping stories we’ll be sharing this summer. Whether you’re looking to find hidden camp spots, beat the trailhead crowds, or just embrace a simpler pace in the Sierra, we invite you to follow along.
Next up: Another truck-bed campout and new trail in the Eastern Sierra—stay tuned for more adventure, gear tips, and unforgettable places to pitch your tent.
#DiscoverMoreSierra #BoondockingTheSierra #SierraRecMagazine
