DHB just completed four hikes in the Tahoe area. Here are some photos and details.
1. Mt Tallac, from the Mt Tallac trailhead. This classic hike starts with a lovely overview of Fallen Leaf Lake, then on past two small lakes (Floating Island and Cathedral), then up a difficult-to-hike boulder field, and finally up a mile-long incline to the summit. The view from the summit is breathtaking in all directions. Here are three photos:
On the trail to Mt Tallac
DHB at Tallac summit
Gilmore Lake, Susie Lake, Aloha Lake and Pyramid Peak, taken from near the Tallac summit
2. The Carson Pass to Showers Lake skyline trail. Although not very well known, this trail passes along a skyline ridge with great views in all directions, then visits the lovely Showers Lake, and then returns via the gorgeous Meiss Meadow and the Upper Truckee River. Here are three photos:
On the Skyline-Showers Lake trail: Meiss Lake and Round Lake
Showers Lake, as lovely as ever
Meiss Meadow
3. The “String of Pearls” trail. This trail starts at the Bay View trailhead, across Hwy 50 from Inspiration Point, near Emerald Bay. The trail rises sharply to a stunning overview of Emerald Bay, then continues to Granite Lake, then to a summit (from which one may optionally hike to Maggie’s Peak), then to Dick’s Lake and Fontanillis Lake, and then to Upper Velma Lake, with a waterfall at one end (which is the outlet from Fontanillis Lake). Along the way, one passes several smaller unnamed lakes and streams. Here are nine photos:
Dick’s Lake
Fontanillis Lake
Fontanillis Lake, another view
Upper Velma Lake, with Lake Tahoe in background
Crossing the stream at the Fontanillis Lake outlet
Waterfall near Upper Velma Lake (water comes from Fontanillis Lake)
Upper Velma Lake
Another view of Upper Velma Lake
Emerald Bay
4. Mt Tallac, via Gilmore Lake. Here is another route to the Mt Tallac summit, which, quite frankly, I find both easier and more scenic. It starts from the Lily lake trailhead, passes the Glen Alpine area, then ascends through lovely forest area with a heart-stopping view of Susie Lake and Pyramid Peak, then to Gilmore Lake, and finally on up to the Tallac summit.
Susie Lake and Pyramid Peak, from the Gilmore Lake trail
Gilmore Lake
DHB on Tallac again