Lakes Basin

Simple pleasures really can be the best. Theyre what Northern Californias Lakes Basin area has to offer. About an hour and a half northwest of Lake Tahoe the basin holds more than 50 alpine lakesGold Packer and Lower Sardine are the most popularaccessible by car or hiking boots.The region has its plush sidejust sample the Citron cocktail at sunset at Sardine Lake Resortbut its true heart is easygoing lowkey and thrifty. There are more than 10 public campgrounds including Sardine Campground where every site has a view of the jagged Sierra Buttes. You can rent boats at Sardine Lake Resort. Or hit the areas dozens of trails: Families can wander the easy 0.5mile path to Frazier Falls; intrepid hikers can climb about 2.5 miles to the top of Mt. Elwell or conquer the mighty pinnacle topped by the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout a 7mile roundtrip.