A Checklist to Help You Pick a Hike 1) When picking hikes from the above table, look at the climb, the difficulty & the highest elevation, not just the distance! Know your limitations and of course have respect for your fellow hiking Summiteers. Hikes above 8,000 ft. affect most non-acclimatized people negatively, and we could also have some very hot, sunny conditions, plus tough stream crossings from the record winter of 2016-17 here. 2) Every trail bend might seem perfect for photo taking, and we ll all be snapping photos like crazy.just please not so much as to be to the detriment of your fellow hikers or denying all of them the time to actually reach our hiking destinations! Thanks. 3) Traditionally, we call these above regular Summit hikes destination hikes. Natural and/or historical interpretation is not the focus of these hikes, unlike most other Summit programs. While your leader will often offer some interpretation, if you want the primary focus to be on ecosystems, plants, history, geology, birds, photography, environmental issues, etc., we recommend Summit rambles and other Summit programs. A partial exception: our Vikingsholm hike, which offers a half hour tour ($10) of the lakeside castle. 4) If a goal is great views of lakes and mountains, skip Azalea, Eagle, & Five Lakes -- you re in luck with the others. Best view on a half-day hike?...that s easy: Ellis Peak. 5) Looking for a basic Intro. to Alpine Hiking at the easy level? Our Azalea Lakes hike is specifically advertised and designed that way; Picnic Rock and Rubicon Pt. also qualify. 6) If you don t want to have 1/3 of your hike be rocky off-trail travel, skip Azure Lake and Castle Peak. In fact, you ll have to skip Castle Peak, the only hike requiring a pre-interview at the Summit, unless you have your fear of heights managed and are quite athletic, agile, and sure of foot on very steep slopes with loose rocks. 7) If runoff from the record winter snow is still a factor in August, our hikes with a waterfall will benefit (Cascade Falls, Vikingsholm, Azure Lake, Relay Peak, and some falls/rapids on Mt. Tallac and Grass Lake.) 8) Fancy a swim or wade to beat the heat? At your leader s discretion, it s an option on Azalea, Azure, Eagle, Grass, and Five Lakes and on the Vikingsholm and Castle Peak hikes. The Rubicon Point hike will visit a swimming beach where we won t swim, but a quick wade is possible. 9) Looking to avoid mid-summer Tahoe crowds on the trails? Our least-traveled trails are the 2 nd half of Relay Peak, some of Azalea Lakes, the start of our Mt. Tallac route, and, well, that s about it. Our generally early starts should help. 10) Looking for one of the best hikes in the region? Pick any hike!
2017 Family Nature Summit Hike Descriptions in alphabetical order Azure Lake & Cascade Falls Hike; 1/3 off-trail 7:30-3:30 Tue. Strenuous Loop 35 min. drive Roy M.; asst.: Amy H. hi pt.: 8,420 ft. 7.0 mile 1,900 ft. climb "A striking gem...with picturesque rocky lakeside cliffs."** The hike to Azure Lake starts on the trail to Cascade Falls (see below.) The trail ends at the falls but we head up the Cascade Creek drainage off trail, into the Desolation Wilderness. It is unlikely that we will encounter many, if any, other hikers on route to the lake. We will navigate through thick brush, over fallen trees, scramble over boulders, and crawl up steep drainages as we make our way to this off-the-beaten path, pristine lake. We will lunch with a High Sierra view and solitude usually afforded only to backpackers. You will have an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the lake before we continue our ascent after lunch. The views as we return via the Bayview Trail are stunning, and we will pause to appreciate the magnificence of the High Sierra. The route to the lake is adventuresome, you must be comfortable with offtrail scrambling; a leader-provided hand-line may come in handy. The hike out from the lake is strenuous and steep; a good fitness level and agility is required. **(Desolation Wilderness North (Caldwell)). Cascade Falls / Eagle Lake Hike: Desolation Wilderness 7:20-12 Wed. & Thu. Easy+ In/Out 25 min. drive Wed.: Danny M./Amy H.; Thu.:Amy, asst.: Jan hi: 7,000 3.9 mile 850 ft. climb Two very popular trails a mile apart by car. On Hike #1, we'll have views of sizable Cascade Lake below us on the somewhat rocky trail to the 200 foot Cascade waterfall, pretty even if just a trickle in August. On the 2nd hike, we'll end at the most accessible alpine lake in the Desolation Wilderness, Eagle Lake, directly under the sheer 1400 ft. west face of North Maggies Peak. You may want to take a swim or wade. On the way, we'll hike on a footbridge over Upper Eagle Falls, also likely fairly small in August.
Donner Pass: Azalea Lakes Hike; Intro to alpine hiking 1-5 Tue. & Sat. Easy Loop 29 min. drive Tue.: Dave L.; Sat.: Roy; asst.(both): Seth S. hi: 7,280 3.1 mile 250 ft. climb More lakes, more rock slabs, less miles, less climb... a slow pace but some tricky footing. This hike is our "Introduction to alpine hiking" for those not sure of their abilities. We'll use the Pacific Crest Trail to visit a picturesque lake bordered by striking granite rock slabs, then briefly split up, some on a short but rocky off-trail scramble to Azalea Lake's dramatic lakeshore cliff top. After re-joining, we'll go a bit off-trail to an ideal swimming rock on Flora Lake's less-visited side. On the off-trail routes, good agility is required with often rocky footing. All of us will get some nice views, visit a couple lakes, and soak up an alpine look and feel despite our short distance covered. We might even do a bit of GPS and/or paper map navigating as a group. On Sat. this is the only program that conflicts with the Summit Annual Meeting. Donner Pass: Castle Peak Ridge Hike; 1/3 off-trail 7:20-3:30 Sat. Strenuous + Loop 29 min. drive Dave L., asst:. Chris H. hi pt.: 8,800 ft. 7.6 mile 2,000 ft. climb On the way up, we have a brief, near-technical loose rock scramble on a short but very steep, loose rock slope; A top-most agility level and a high fitness level are required and this is the only Summit hike requiring a pre-interview at the Summit with the hike leader about your skills (and fear of heights); you may be asked to find another program. We'll follow a popular Pacific Rim Trail segment through granite outcroppings, then head up off trail into volcanic rock on the peak's southwestern spur to a surprise, unique geological photo op. After a break for distant views on top, we'll have a leisurely off-trail stroll down the gentle eastern ridge with more dizzying views, then stop at the dramatic Frog Lake Overlook. Heading down, we may decide to add a half mile (included in the 7.6) to cool off our feet in Summit Lake.
Donner Pass: Donner Peak & Mt. Judah Hike 8-3:30 Wed. Moderate + Lollipop 33 min. drive Dave L., assistants:. Chris R. & Seth hi pt.: 8,243 ft. 6.6 mile 1,550 ft. climb Less nature, more views, more history, and more peaks than your usual Summit hike. Some of the neatest historic sites are often those miles from roads, and we'll visit one: Roller Pass, where 1848 CA gold rush emigrants' wagons were pulled up the last obstacle, the cliffs we'll hike to, via oxen and a 400 foot chain. We'll hike parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, Donner Pass Trail, Overland Trail, & Coldstream Emigrant Trail (the latter three still revealing evidence from the 1840's era.) There are great High Sierra and Summit Valley views from Mt. Judah which we'll climb gradually, passing briefly under a remote Sugar Bowl ski lift. A good fitness level is required. Donner Peak's relatively short climb is a bonus with its views of Donner Lake just 1.5 miles away and 2100 feet below us. At the top, we'll squeeze through a unusual labyrinth of sheer mini-canyon rock walls. Most of us will decide to do an optional extra mile (included in the 6.6) at the end of the hike on the remnants of the nation's first coast to coast road (the Lincoln Hwy.-Old Donner Summit Rd.) to (and perhaps through) the Great Summit Tunnels and snow sheds to the China Wall (& adjacent Native American petroglyphs.) This was the hardest part of the Trans-Continental railroad to build. This section was used from 1868 to 1993. This is the only Summit hike to get to the actual Donner Pass. Ellis Peak Hike: Lake Tahoe views 6:30-12 Sat. Moderate + In/Out 20 min. drive Danny M., asst.: Chris R. hi pt.: 8,740 ft. 6.3 mile 1,900 ft. climb The best view of any of our half-day hikes, something possible only with this early start. It s a rare hike in that we'll walk toward Lake Tahoe...Nearing the summit, the full lake in its entirety will begin to magically appear, just 2.5 miles from us (and 2,500 ft below us.)... Ellis Peak "sits on the threshold of world class greatness; it can be difficult to decide which way to face; Everywhere you look are miles of spectacular High Sierra grandeur." ** Our 360 degree view reminds us that, worldwide, Lake Tahoe is the highest freshwater lake this big after Lake Titicaca, Armenia's Lake Sevan, and several in Tibet. Mountain bikes and occasionally dirt bikes use this trail. The drive up to the trailhead along Blackwood Creek is nice and largely traffic-free. The first mile has the biggest climb (800 ft.); a good fitness level and agility is required. After a dramatic ridge walk with views of distant lakes, we'll descend into some wildflower-filled meadows before the summit climb on this variety-laden hike. **Moon CA Guide to 1,000 of the Best Hikes in CA (Stienstra/Brown)
Five Lakes Hike: Forest-rimmed alpine lakes 8-12 Tue. Moderate In/Out 15 min. drive Danny M., asst.: Jan H. hi pt.: 7,590 ft. 4.0 mile 1,100 ft. climb Five delightful, serene lakes in the Granite Chief Wilderness Area with nice views on the way up and back. Several popular swimming spots. Some steep, gravelly sections on the way up, but otherwise straightforward. The granite slabs and stunted white and Jeffrey pines and red fir provide a genuine alpine feel. Our 8:15 a.m. arrival at the trailhead will beat the crowds.a nice way to wrap up our week. Granite Chief Peak Hike: Squaw Valley gondola down 7:20-3:30 Thu. & Sat. Strenuous Loop 16 min. drive Thu.: Roy, asst.: Chris R.; Sat.: Amy; asst. Jan. hi: 9,008 asst. both days: John K. 7.0 mile 3,100 ft. climb What if you could hike up to a peak with dramatic High Sierra views, then ride most of the way down on a free 100+ person gondola called the world s largest elevator? That's our plan here, as long as thunderstorm forecasts don't arise. We'll enjoy a diversity of natural scenery in the fir and pine forests hiking up to the Pacific Crest Trail, mostly shielded from the nearby Squaw Valley ski resort. The entire second half of the hike is above timberline with constant ridge-top views, including Lake Tahoe in the distance. This hike requires a top fitness level. Did we mention the craziness at the 8,100 ft. High Camp at the hike end: pool, hot tubs ($), ice cream parlor, deli, bar, ice skating rink, Olympics museum, and gift shop? (http://californiathroughmylens.com/squaw-valley-tram) If thunderstorms threaten, we ll hike back down past scenic little Shirley Lake and not return until 5 p.m. after an additional 4 miles (all downhill.) If the gondola is running, hiking down will not be an option. Lingering impassable snowfields were an issue for us on July 8, 2010 and may again be a factor after the record snowpack of 2017; look for updates during the Summit week. Grass Lake Hike: Desolation Wilderness & Glen Alpine ruins 6:30-12:30 Fri. Moderate In/Out 57 min. drive Roy M., asst.: John K. hi pt.: 7,300 ft. 5.5 mile 900 ft. climb
The second-most accessible alpine lake in the Desolation WIlderness, and a beaut. (Accessible = shortest hike/ least climb.) This gorgeous, outcrop-ringed sunny lake has views of peaks, and of Susie Falls half a mile away. We'll hike for 1/3 mile along the lakeshore if time permits. This hike has the Summit's 2nd-longest pretty streamside hike section, but there are some ankle-twisting rocky trail sections and some possible wet-legged stream crossings. An often rocky old road for the first mile ends at the historic ruins from John Muir's favorite 1884 Glen Alpine Springs resort, passing some nice rapids/ waterfalls on the way on this variety-laden hike. We might stick our toes in the tiny hot mineral springs next to the resort's old stone and redwood social hall, but wading will have to wait for the (considerably chillier) lake. Mt. Tallac Hike: Lake Tahoe views; lakes 6:30-5 Fri. Strenuous + Loop 58 min. drive Dave L., asst.: Seth S. hi pt.: 9,735 ft. 10.4 mile 3,400 ft. climb "The jewel in the crown of mountains which ring Lake Tahoe" (AllTrails.com). "Mt. Tallac soars above Lake Tahoe's SW shore, a landmark peak beckoning fit hikers to its lofty summit." ** "Unparalleled vistas" from the highest peak standing this close to Lake Tahoe. This is the toughest hike at the Summit; a top-most fitness level required. The whole 3,400 foot climb comes in the first 4 miles. "You pay dearly" for this peak; "a butt-kicker climb ending in one of the greatest 360 degree views in North America"** with "loose rocks up to watermelon size much of the hike." "A cascade of snow-tipped mountains offer an immaculate background to the view of the Aloha Lakes" (Dylan Taylor, AllTrails.com) just three miles away. This Summit hike is a rare loop hike to Mt. Tallac as opposed to the usual in and back out (the same way) route. Highlighting the way down are more views, a stop on the shore of pretty Gilmore Lake, and historic ruins from John Muir's favorite 1884 Glen Alpine Springs resort. **101 Hikes in N. CA (Heid).
Picnic Rock Hike: Lake Tahoe views 8:30-12 Tue. Easy In/Out 25 min. drive Dave L., asst.: Chris R. hi pt.: 7,800 ft. 2.4 mile 600 ft. climb What if there was a 600 foot, partly shaded climb over not much more than a mile to a rocky promontory with a great view of all of Lake Tahoe? Wouldn't that be a nice way to start off a Summit? Turns out that there is, and we have it scheduled for Day 1 in the (relative!) cool of the morning. Bring a camera (-phone) & maybe binocs; we'll be at the north end of the lake, so the sun will be over the lake and in our eyes...guess you can't have everything! Looking west, we'll spot Castle Peak and Donner Pass in the distance, Northstar's slopes up close. The Tahoe Rim Trail is just "partly shaded" because, like many forests here, many pines and firs were logged out in Sept. 2016 to thin the forest as a fire mitigation technique. Relay Peak Hike including Mt. Rose s SW ridge walk 7:30-5 Wed. Strenuous Pt. to pt. 45 min. drive Dave Mahler, asst: John K. hi pt.: 10,338 ft. 9.5 mile 2,100 ft. climb We'll reach the highest peak for this Summit on a well-maintained trail leading to amazing views. We start at the Mt. Rose Pass trailhead at 8,911 feet elevation, then gently ascend a ridge. Contouring around Tamarack Peak we'll see nice views across a shallow valley of Mt. Rose, the area's highest peak. After an easy 2.3 miles from the start, we reach Galena Falls cascade, a lovely picture spot. After a short climb up a few switchbacks to the top of the falls, we head west to the flanks of Relay Peak, climbing steadily past an interesting artifact of an earlier era. On the 10,338 foot summit of Relay Peak, wonderful 360 degree views will greet us. Lingering snowfields might be a factor after the record snowpack of last winter; look for updates at the Summit. Several sources say that on a clear day one might be able to see Lassen Peak 116 miles away (at 300 degrees magnetic.) After Relay Peak, some of the best is yet to come, as we follow the Tahoe Rim Trail for several miles of moderate ridge walking with great views. At Rose Knob we'll see Lake Tahoe beautifully spread out below us. An aggressive scramble down a few hundred feet of talus puts us onto a steep, sandy trail descent of 2,200 feet, the most at the Summit. But we'll have the route to ourselves, a nice compliment to the hike to Galena Falls which "may be the most popular trail in Nevada." Cutting below tree line, we'll arrive at our final surprise destination where we will relax in comfort until the van picks us up for the ride back. This is our only hike with a local expert (Dave Mahler.)
Rubicon Point Hike along Lake Tahoe shoreline cliffs 1-5 Wed. & Thu. Easy Loop 25 min. drive Wed: Roy, asst: Betty T.; Thu: Danny, asst Seth hi: 6,790 2.5 mile 650 ft. climb A dizzying hike along sheer cliffs plunging 200 feet into the aquamarine waters of Lake Tahoe; nowhere else can you reach in such a short distance such "incredible lake views." ** In places you can also see 75 feet below the lake surface (120 ft. before pollution and sedimentation.) We'll "hit the beach" not to swim but to perhaps wade and definitely to look for osprey. A visit to a small 1919 lighthouse is a nice diversion. The recently burned sections of this very popular trail are interesting both from a firefighting perspective (massive holes remain where smoldering fir stumps were dug out) and from how nature begins its recovery. **L. Tahoe 50 Mustdo Hikes (White) Vikingsholm Castle & Rubicon Trail Hike 8:30-3:30 Fri. Moderate Pt. to pt. 22 min. drive 6.7 mile 1,100 ft. Amy & Danny; assistants: Jan H. & Chris R. hi: 6,700 ft. climb Two separate hiking groups. Extra fee if doing the recommended tour: $10 "The premier Lake Tahoe day hike." ** We'll get incredible views of the lake 200 to 350 feet below us & visit a small 1919 lighthouse. This very popular shaded shoreline hike has a significant amount of climb and distance, so a fairly good fitness level is required. While you could just hang out on the beach or even take a swim in the 65 to 75 degree water (at the surface), we recommend that you also take the half hour, $10 tour of the 1929 castle, the most authentic example of Scandinavian architecture in the US. We may also opt for additional half mile side hikes (included in the 6.7) to the point jutting out furthest into the lake (Emerald Pt.) and to Eagle Falls (good flow even in August most years.) Did we mention the gift shop and ice cream? We'll have half of our group visit Vikingsholm near the end of their hike; those starting their hike at Vikingsholm may elect as a group to not swim there but at Calawee Cove Beach near the end of their hike. **Moon CA Guide to 1,000 of the Best Hikes in CA (Stienstra/Brown)