TRAILHEADS           Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike riding opportunities in Meiss Country are almost endless.   But there are only three trailheads that may be used to reach the area.   One is the PCT trailhead located in the lower Carson Pass parking lot.   This parking lot is located on the opposite side of Highway 88 about one-quarter mile west of the main Carson Pass parking lot.   A fee is charged for parking in this lot.   The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) trailhead is located on the west side of this parking lot.   Mountain bikes are not permitted on the PCT.           Another trailhead is located at Schneider Camp, sometimes shown on maps as "Schneider Cow Camp."   As shown on the map above, Schneider Camp is located at the end of a dirt road that branches off of Highway 88 at the entrance to the CalTrans Caples Lake Maintenance Station.   The road passes through part of the Station between a large metal building on the right and open sheds on the left.   The road continues north to 1) a turn-around area suitable for horse trailers, and then 2) to Schneider Camp (a small wood building is located there).   Beyond the turn-around the "road" becomes rough and may not be suitable for low clearance vehicles.           The third trailhead is Big Meadow Trailhead located on the Luther Pass Highway (Highway 89) approximately 5.8 miles north of the junction of Highway 88 and Highway 89.   There is a paved parking lot on the east side of the highway.   Follow the trail which starts at the lower west end of the parking lot about 200 yards, cross Highway 89 and look for the trailhead signboard on the west side of the highway.  Note: Probably because of the location of this parking area, vehicles left there have been broken into.

TRAILS           The trails into Meiss Country are best identified by trailhead.   You may read brief descriptions of these trails and see a few photos by going to each of the separate pages devoted to each trailhead. The Pacific Crest Trails (PCT) which starts at the Lower Carson Pass parking lot and heads north toward Echo Summit and Canada.   There are several trails that branch off of the PCA which is why the PCT is considered to be a group of trails known as the PCT Trails North. Included in this group of trails is the unofficial trail along the top of Meiss Ridge. Trails starting at Schneider Camp. Trails starting at Big Meadow Trailhead.           Only a limited amount of information about the various trails in Meiss Country is provided on this web site.   A greater amount of information about each of them is provided in the ENFIA booklet, Hiking The Greater Carson Pass Region which may be purchased from ENFIA at the Carson Pass Information Station. SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION           Weather conditions can change quickly in Meiss country so be prepared.   Have proper clothing and equipment no matter how short a hike you plan.   Neither hiking or overnight permits are required but fire permits are.   Fire permits may be obtained at any Forest Service office including the Carson Pass Information Station.   Pets are permitted in Meiss country if they are on a leash.   Please note that leash laws are county laws, not Forest Service regulations.

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ENFIA -- THE ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION