Hike Squaw Valley for Mountain Top Views
Lake Tahoe, California Hiking Trails from the Olympic Village
Tucked away from the bustling crowds on Route 89, the ski resort of Squaw Valley becomes a hiker’s paradise during the warmer months of the year. The pristine green valley is a pleasant retreat for walking or bike riding at the lower elevation and offers a variety of well marked trails along the upper ridges. A series of trails meander across the mountain top and reward trekkers with the best views in the valley. Two options give hikers a choice of access by either starting at the bottom in the Village or by taking the tram and starting the trip from the ski lifts at High Camp.
Squaw Valley Hiking Trails from the Tram
Taking the tram includes a short scenic ride to reach an elevation of over 8,200 ft. and may be accessed from the Village center. Although the ride does cut down on some hiking time, taking the tram still allows hikers plenty of opportunities for a full day trip. The tram operates on a fixed schedule and may not be advantageous for early morning hikers. The first cable car leaves the station at the Village at 10:40 a.m. with service continuing into the late afternoon and on some summer days into the evening. Schedules and rates vary depending on the season and may be verified by calling (800) 403-0206.
At the top of the mountain, the view of Lake Tahoe below and the surrounding mountains immediately come into play. A restaurant, outdoor pool and shop provide amenities for visitors and a chance for hikers to get their bearings before starting on the trail.
A wide dirt path takes hikers up past the Links Chairlift where a choice of trail options awaits. A 1 mile loop trail makes an easy walk and offers views of Lake Tahoe Valley below. A more strenuous 1 mile hike to the Gold Coast Chairlift provides higher elevated views and continues to the Newport Chairlift for another 1.5 miles. For serious trekkers, the Palisades trail travels 2.2 miles beyond Gold Coast and rewards those who finish with a full spectrum of mountain top vistas. Some of the most breathtaking California Sierra Nevada scenery may be found at the top of the Emigrant Chairlift. The 360 degree views are worth the steep 1.5 mile hike from High Camp.
The trails above the cable car are generally wide and well marked with signs posted at each crossing. Occasional snowfall occurs throughout the year at the higher elevations and may impact some of the trails. In the early spring and late fall months, hikers should be prepared to have some crossings over snow particularly at the upper levels and secluded areas. For current information and a listing of all the activities in Squaw Valley www.squaw.com provides the answers. Wildflowers populate the meadows along the paths throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Squaw Valley Hiking Trails from the Village
For hikers who enjoy the feeling of accomplishment before reaching the elevated views, the uphill climb to Shirley Lake is the perfect choice. The trail begins at the Squaw Valley parking lot and continues on Squaw Peak Road where the trailhead is marked on the left side of the road. Hikers will traverse boulders and pass waterfalls as the path continues beside the creek. Bright blue slashes of paint indicate the trail that can sometimes be deceiving. The key is to stay close to the creek particularly on the downhill climb. After 2.5 miles, Shirley Lake appears nestled among the pines and makes a great picnic and wading spot. The return trip is a steep scramble over boulders - another option is to take the tram back to the Village.
The stunning scenery of Squaw Valley reminds those who remember the 1968 Olympics why the area was chosen for the games. Although the Village has grown to incorporate more shops and restaurants, Squaw Valley is a quiet retreat away from the busier Lake Tahoe region. At the top of the mountain, the peaceful serenity of this natural paradise will bring joy to any hiker’s day.
Summit View
|
Shirley Lake
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles