Spicer Reservoir

Open June to October, stunning views of Spicer Reservoir have been captured in the video below by Titus Davis. The drought has drained the lake which can reach 2,000 acres when full. Spicer is located eight miles southwest of Highway 4 on Spicer Reservoir Road, a winding paved route about 4 miles west of Bear Valley. Maximum speed on the lower portion of the lake is 10 mph; the upper portion, surrounded by the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, is managed for non-motorized uses only.

There are trails for hiking and horseback riding. A boat ramp with turnaround area and movable dock, but no boat mooring available. There is limited parking (only 25 vehicles with trailers and 20 cars.)

Utica and Union are two more much smaller reservoirs also located off the Spicer Reservoir Road. The setting is more rustic than either Spicer Reservoir or Lake Alpine. No developed recreation facilities exist at either Utica or Union; however, the area is popular for day use, dispersed camping and paddle sports such as canoeing and kayaking.

Although closed in the winter, a SNO-PARK just south of the intersection of Highway 4 and Spicer Reservoir Road provides access to snow play areas, and groomed snowshoe, cross country ski and snowmobile trails.

Search and Rescue Coordinator Deputy Lyons advises: do not go alone while hiking, hunting, fishing etc. always notify someone of your travel plan, including the route, who is not involved with the activity. Prepare for inclement weather and bring extra supplies to last longer than the anticipated activity. Other details are here.

Spicer has 43 tent and RV campsites. They are first-come, first-served and open from June to October, weather permitting.

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