Eldorado NF
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Cody Lake Eldorado NF |
July 6
Having just badly twisted my ankle a few miles away at a different trailhead, I have come over here determined to take a short walk of some kind anyway, when I should be heading straight home to nurse my injured body.
Immediately I am impressed by the outstanding views of Pyramid Peak, the elevation high-point of Desolation Wilderness to the north. From this direction, the resemblance to an actual Egyptian pyramid is amazing. Although the same angle of view is available from Mormon Emigrant Trail south of here, this location is much closer.
Pyramid Peak, 9957*, is six miles away
Within ten minutes I reach Cody Lake, after negotiating a couple of obstacles on the trail. A lone fisher is relaxing in a cute little rubber thingy that he has carried in on his back.
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| Headed for a swim | Steep trail to the lakeshore |
The fishing is supposed to be quite good here
This little lake, just 950 feet long, has a great setting. Even though a major highway and a lot of people are but three miles distant, there is no noise or other distraction up here.
US-50, the American River, and dozens of summer homes lie out of sight below
The trail leads to several cabins in good repair. This is Camp Cody, a Boy Scout facility built in 1937. According to my reading, it was rated at one time as "The best nationally accredited backwoods camp in the Sierra." When active, it boasts a full range of programs; today, however, it is lifeless.
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| Camp Cody, domain of BSA Troop 1 of Sacramento | There are many barbecue pits near the cabins |
As is my wont, I continue around the shoreline, intent upon completing a circle. This proves to be a big mistake, for the route degenerates into a hideous bushwhack across the terminal moraine that holds the lake in place. Last week's manzanita encounter at Azure Lake was a cakewalk by comparison. This is just what my ailing ankle needs.
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| Good swimming today | My bushwhack route |
It takes a good half-hour to cover the hundred yards around to the north end of the lake where the two swimmers are sunbathing. From there it is an easy scramble up to the trail and back to the car. Now it's off to Strawberry Lodge for an ice cream cone!
Cody Lake
§: This very short trail provides access to a decent swimming hole; but there
is limited lounging space and no beach. The mountain views are what make
this trek worthwhile. I recommend that you not
attempt to circle the lake by foot, unless you are a hunting for ticks.
Cody Lake
Camp Cody BSA
Pyramid Peak