2018 Map of Caples Lake

About this map

Kirkwood sits at the heart of this high-altitude landscape, where the borders of El Dorado, Amador, and Alpine counties converge within the Eldorado National Forest. The 2018 survey reveals a terrain defined by glacial lakes and granite peaks, with Caples Lake and Silver Lake serving as major hydrological landmarks. Transportation and recreation are centered on a dense network of mountain routes, including the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail, alongside rugged paths like the Strawberry 4WD Trail. The map documents the specific alpine geography of the Sierra Nevada, from the volcanic formations of Thunder Mountain and The Sisters to the curious geologic features of the Machado Postpiles. Large basins such as Kirkwood Meadows and Emigrant Valley illustrate the open meadowlands that have long supported seasonal activity in this demanding environment.