Markleeville is short drive to natural wonderland

As the summer heat begins to radiate off of the Carson City pavement, it's nice to be able to get out of town and cool off.

We're fortunate to live in an area where a vacation can be found in a short drive.

Of course, there's Lake Tahoe, but there are other natural wonders not far from here as well.

One of my favorites is Markleeville, just a 45-minute drive from Carson City, south past Minden on Highway 88 and turn south onto Highway 89 at Woodfords.

A quaint, artistic little town with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing and just plain sightseeing.

The Grover Hot Springs State Park offers two hikes, one is a three-mile round trip to a waterfall and another is a 10-mile trip to Burnside lake with a 2,100-foot elevation gain.

The gem of the park is the hot spring, fed by six mineral springs. Temperatures range from about 102 to 105 degrees. There is also a cool pool adjacent.

Although the amenities are basic, the views are fantastic.

The park is surrounded on three sides by Sierra Nevada peaks, including 10,023-foot Hawkins Peak to the northwest and 9,419-foot Markleeville Peak to the southwest.

For those looking to make a longer vacation out of it, there are several campgrounds in the area.

Developed

Recreation Sites

Crystal Springs

On Highway 88 two miles west of Woodfords. 6,000 foot elevation. 20 sites with water, vault toilets, tables and firepits. Fishing and hiking. RVs and trailers to 22 feet. Open May to October. No reservations. Daily fee. Campground paved and paved access road.

Grover Hot Springs

State Park

On Hot Springs Road four miles west of Markleeville. 5,900 foot elevation. 76 sites equipped with firepits and grills, cupboards, bear-proof lockers and tables. Each campsite is close to piped drinking water and restrooms. Two are designed specifically for wheel-chair use, and accessible restrooms are nearby. To reserve campsites, call 800-444-7275. Campground closed from early October to May. Camping is permitted in the day-use area adjacent to the park entrance during the winter.

Hot Springs: changing rooms and showers available. Hours vary. Call 530-694-2249 for current operating hours. Hiking, fishing and swimming available. Daily fee.

For more information, go to www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25165.

Indian Creek Reservoir

On Airport Road three miles north of Markleeville. 5,600 foot elevation. 19 sites situated next to the reservoir. These sites are suitable for recreational vehicles up to 34 feet or tents. Restrooms have flush toilets and hot shower (fee). 15 tent-only sites, with parking nearby. First come, first served. Picnic area, hiking, fishing and boating. Open April through October. Daily fee.

Kit Carson

On Highway 88 six miles west of Woodfords. 6,900 foot elevation. 12 sites with water, vault toilets, tables and firepits. Fishing and hiking. RVs and trailers to 22 feet. May to September, no reservations. Daily fee. Camp-ground and access road paved.

Markleeville Creek

On Highway 89 one mile south of Markleeville. 5,500 foot elevation. 10 sites with water, vault toilets, tables and firepits. Fishing. No RVs or trailers. Open May to September. No reservations. Daily fee. Paved access road. Bear boxes available.

Silver Creek

On Highway 4 east of Ebbett's Pass. 6,800 foot elevation. 31 sites with water, vault toilets, tables and firepits. Fishing and hiking. RVs and trailers OK. Open May to September, daily fee. Campground and access road paved. Bear boxes available.

Snowshoe Springs

On Highway 88 five miles west of Woodfords. 6,600 foot elevation. 13 sites with water, vault toilets, tables and firepits. Fishing and hiking. RVs and trailers to 16 feet. Open May to September, no reservations. Daily fee. Campground and access road paved.

Turtle Rock Park

On Highway 89 three miles north of Markleeville. 6,100 foot elevation. 28 combination RV or tent sites, 12 tent-only sites in designated tent area. Water located at various sites in the park, flush toilets, tables and fire rings. No fishing and no hiking, however fishing and hiking close by. No livestock permitted. Trailers to 35 feet (limit 6 sites). Open end of April to October, depending on weather. No reservations. Daily fee is $15 for combination RV and tent site. Senior rate for those sites $10; tent- only sites $10. 14-day maximum stay limit.

Call (530) 694-2140 ext. 28 Russ Champion, park manager.

Undeveloped Recreation Sites

Centerville Flat

On Highway 4 six miles south of Markleeville. 5,900 foot elevation. Undeveloped sites with stream water, vault toilets and firepits. Horse camping and fishing. RVs and trailers OK. Open April to October. No reservations. No fee.

Wolf Creek Meadows

On Wolf Creek Road 12 miles south of Markleeville. 6,700 foot elevation. Undeveloped sites with stream water, vault toilets and firepits. Horse camping, fishing and hiking. RVs and trailers OK. Open May to October. No reservations. No fee.