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    Afoot & Afield: Tahoe-Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region
    Afoot & Afield: Tahoe-Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region
    Afoot & Afield: Tahoe-Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region
    Ebook1,048 pages10 hours

    Afoot & Afield: Tahoe-Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region

    By Mike White

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    About this ebook

    Ever since the Wild West days of Kit Carson and the Comstock Lode, visitors have been drawn to Reno-Tahoe in search of adventure. Today, the best adventures are found outdoors, where hikers can take lakeside strolls, mountain ascents, or simple walks with dogs and kids. Afoot & Afield: Reno-Tahoe, by local author Mike White, features more than 175 trips in a diverse range of terrain around Lake Tahoe and the communities of Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Minden-Gardnerville.

    These trips are tailored for every type of hiker, and many are suited for mountain bikers. This new edition features 26 new hikes and all updated content.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWilderness Press
    Release dateAug 17, 2015
    ISBN9780899977928
    Afoot & Afield: Tahoe-Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region

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      Book preview

      Afoot & Afield - Mike White

      TO MY TWO SONS, DAVID AND STEPHEN.

      Afoot & Afield Tahoe–Reno: 201 Spectacular Outings in the Lake Tahoe Region

      2nd edition, 1st printing

      Copyright © 2016 by Mike White

      Cover and interior photos by Mike White

      Maps: Mike White / Bart Wright (Lohnes + Wright)

      Cover design: Scott McGrew

      Original text design: Andreas Schueller; adapted by Annie Long

      Editor: Holly Cross

      Proofreader: Lisa Bailey

      ISBN 978-0-89997-791-1; eISBN 978-0-89997-792-8

      Manufactured in the United States of America

      Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.

      Distributed by Publishers Group West

      Cover photos, clockwise from top: Tahoe Rim Trail near South Camp Peak; waterfall on the Mt. Rose Trail; autumn in Thomas Creek Canyon

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.

      SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions and know your own limitations.

      Contents

      Overview Map

      Acknowledgments

      Preface

      INTRODUCING THE TAHOE–RENO AREA

      Climate

      Geology

      Plants

      Animals

      Wilderness

      COMFORT, SAFETY, AND ETIQUETTE

      Seasons and Weather

      Special Hazards

      Navigation

      Trail Etiquette

      USING THIS BOOK

      Choosing a Trip

      Explanation of Trip Summaries

      Map Legend

      OVERVIEW OF HIKES

      CHAPTER 1 GRAEAGLE AND SIERRA CITY

      1 Madora Lake

      2 Eureka Peak Loop

      3 Grass, Rock, Jamison, and Wades Lakes

      4 Mt. Washington

      5 Gray Eagle Creek

      6 Smith Lake

      7 Mt. Elwell Loop

      8 Long Lake Loop

      9 Bear Lakes Loop

      10 Frazier Falls

      11 Lower Salmon Lake

      12 Upper Salmon Lake Trail to Deer Lake

      13 Deer Lake Trail and Pacific Crest Trail Loop

      14 Tamarack Lakes Road to Sierra Buttes

      15 Sierra Buttes via Pacific Crest Trail

      16 Sardine Overlook

      17 Tamarack Lakes Trail

      18 Volcano Lake and Mountain Mine

      19 Loves Falls

      20 Wild Plum Loop

      21 Haskell Peak

      22 Chapman Creek

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 2 TRUCKEE, DONNER SUMMIT, AND VICINITY

      23 Mt. Lola and White Rock Lake

      24 Lacey Valley Trail

      25 Sagehen Creek

      26 Commemorative Emigrant Trail

      27 Donner Lake Rim Trail: Gregory Creek to Summit Lake

      28 Summit Lake Loop

      29 Frog Lake Overlook and Warren Lake

      30 Castle Peak and Basin Peak

      31 Sand Ridge Lake

      32 Castle Valley, Round Valley, and Andesite Peak Loop

      33 Paradise Lake

      34 Lola Montez Lakes

      35 Loch Leven Lakes

      36 Palisade Creek Trail

      37 Lyle’s Lookout Trail

      38 Point Mariah

      39 Summit Valley History Trail

      40 Donner Summit Canyon Trail

      41 PCT: Donner Summit to Donner Pass

      42 Mt. Judah Loop

      43 PCT: Donner Pass to Squaw Valley

      44 Donner Memorial State Park

      45 Coldstream Trail to Tinker Knob

      46 Sawtooth Trail

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 3 NORTH TAHOE

      47 Stateline Point

      48 TRT: Brockway Summit to Martis Peak

      49 TRT: Brockway Summit to Watson Lake

      50 Martis Creek Wildlife Area

      51 Martis Creek Lake–Waddell Ranch

      52 Burton Creek State Park

      53 Western States Trail: CA 89 to Watson Monument

      54 TRT: Tahoe City to Truckee River Canyon Viewpoint

      55 Western States Trail: Painted Rock Loop

      56 Granite Chief Trail to Granite Chief

      57 Shirley Lake

      58 Squaw Valley High Camp Trails

      High Camp Loop

      Squaw Peak

      Emigrant Peak and Watson Monument

      59 Squaw Valley to Alpine Meadows

      60 Five Lakes Trail

      61 Alpine Meadows to Twin Peaks

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 4 WEST TAHOE

      62 TRT: Tahoe City to Ward Canyon

      63 TRT: Ward Canyon to Paige Meadows

      64 TRT: Ward Canyon to Twin Peaks

      65 Blackwood Canyon

      66 Ellis Peak and Ellis Lake

      67 TRT: Barker Pass to Twin Peaks

      68 Bear Pen

      69 Powderhorn Trailhead to Alpine Meadows

      70 Barker Pass to Richardson Lake

      71 General Creek Trail to Lost and Duck Lakes

      72 Ed Z’berg–Sugar Pine Point State Park

      73 Tahoe–Yosemite Trail: Meeks Bay to Tallant Lakes

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 5 SOUTHWEST TAHOE

      74 D. L. Bliss State Park: Rubicon Point and Lighthouse Loop

      75 Emerald Bay and D. L. Bliss State Parks: Rubicon Trail

      76 Emerald Bay State Park: Vikingsholm and Eagle Falls

      77 Eagle Lake

      78 Granite Lake

      79 Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes

      80 Cascade Falls

      81 Taylor Creek Visitor Center Nature Trails

      82 Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes

      83 Mt. Tallac

      84 Glen Alpine to Susie and Heather Lakes and Lake Aloha

      85 Glen Alpine to Gilmore Lake

      86 Glen Alpine to Grass Lake

      87 Tamarack Trail: Triangle Lake, Echo Peak, and Angora Lakes Loop

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 6 SOUTH TAHOE

      88 Big Meadow to Dardanelles Lake

      89 Big Meadow to Carson Pass

      90 TRT: Grass Lake Meadow to Hell Hole Viewpoint

      91 Armstrong Pass to Freel Peak

      92 Armstrong Pass to Star Lake

      93 Armstrong Pass to Hell Hole Viewpoint

      94 Saxon Creek Trail

      95 High Meadows

      96 Star Lake

      97 Cold Creek Trail

      98 Monument Pass–Star Lake Loop

      99 TRT: Kingsbury South to Star Lake

      100 Van Sickle Trail

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 7 EAST TAHOE

      101 Lam Watah Trail to Nevada Beach

      102 Castle Rock

      103 Daggett Loop Trail

      104 TRT: Kingsbury North to Genoa Peak

      105 TRT: Kingsbury North to Sierra Canyon

      106 Sierra Canyon Trail to Genoa Peak

      107 Discovery Trail: Eagle Ridge Loop

      108 Discovery Trail: Genoa Loop

      109 TRT: Spooner Summit to South Camp Peak

      110 Clear Creek Trail to Knob Point

      111 Spooner Lake

      112 Marlette Lake

      113 TRT: Spooner Summit to Snow Valley Peak

      114 Skunk Harbor

      115 Chimney Beach

      116 Chimney Beach to Marlette Lake

      117 Flume Trail

      CHAPTER 8 ECHO SUMMIT AND SOUTH FORK AMERICAN RIVER

      118 Becker Peak

      119 Echo Lakes to Tamarack, Ralston, and Cagwin Lakes

      120 Echo Lakes to Lake of the Woods and Ropi Lake

      121 Echo Lakes to Lake Aloha

      122 PCT: Echo Summit to Bryan Meadow

      123 Pony Express Trail: Sierra-at-Tahoe Road to Echo Summit

      124 Sayles Canyon–Bryan Meadow Loop

      125 Ralston Peak

      126 Lovers Leap

      127 Horsetail Falls

      CHAPTER 9 MT. ROSE AND THE CARSON RANGE

      128 Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Trails to Hole in the Wall

      129 Hunter Creek Trail

      130 Hunter Lake

      131 Upper Thomas Creek Loop

      132 Dry Pond Trail

      133 Upper Whites Creek

      134 Galena Creek Visitor Center Nature Trail

      135 Jones Creek Loop

      136 Jones Creek–Whites Creek Loop

      137 Galena Creek Regional Park Nature Trail

      138 Black’s Canyon

      139 Southeast Ridge of Mt. Rose

      140 Browns Creek Trail

      141 Slide Mountain Trail

      142 Mt. Rose

      143 Bronco Creek

      144 Rim to Reno Trail

      145 Mt. Houghton

      146 Relay Peak Loop

      147 TRT: Mt. Rose Trailhead to Brockway Summit

      148 Incline Lake Trail to Gray Lake

      149 Incline Flume Trail: Mt. Rose Highway to Diamond Peak

      150 Upper Tahoe Meadows Nature Trail Loops

      151 Lower Tahoe Meadows Nature Trail Loops

      152 TRT: Tahoe Meadows to Twin Lakes

      153 Slide Mountain Summit

      154 Ophir Creek Trail

      155 Davis Creek Park

      156 Hobart Road to Hobart Reservoir

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 10 KIT CARSON COUNTRY

      157 Jobs Peak Ranch Trailhead to Fay-Luther Trailhead

      158 Valley View Loop

      159 Fay-Luther Loop Trails

      Interpretive Loop

      Jeffrey Pine Loop

      Grand View Loop

      160 Fay Canyon–Luther Creek

      161 Horsethief Canyon

      162 Indian Creek Recreation Area Trails

      163 East Fork Carson River

      164 Charity Valley East to Burnside Lake

      165 Grover Hot Springs State Park

      166 Thornburg Canyon

      167 Charity Valley West to Burnside Lake

      168 Hope Valley Overlook

      169 Granite and Grouse Lakes

      170 Upper Blue Lake to Fourth of July Lake

      171 PCT: Wet Meadows to Raymond Lake

      172 Meiss Meadows Trailhead to Showers Lake

      173 Meiss Meadows Trailhead to Round Lake

      174 Carson Pass to Forestdale Divide

      175 Carson Pass to Fourth of July Lake

      176 Woods, Winnemucca, and Round Top Lakes Loop

      177 Emigrant Lake

      178 Emigrant Pass

      179 Lake Margaret

      180 Thunder Mountain Loop

      181 Scout Carson Lake

      182 Granite and Hidden Lakes

      183 Shealor Lake

      More Hikes

      CHAPTER 11 Reno–Sparks and Carson City

      184 Swan Lake Nature Study Area

      185 Crystal Mine Trail

      186 Poeville

      187 Peavine Peak

      188 Rancho San Rafael Park Nature Trail

      189 Evans Canyon

      190 Evans Canyon to Keystone Canyon

      191 Keystone Canyon

      192 Oxbow Nature Study Area Nature Trail

      193 Huffaker Park Lookout Trail

      194 Huffaker Hills

      195 Hidden Valley Regional Park Trails

      196 Ballardini Ranch Loop

      197 Lower Whites Creek Trail

      198 Lower Thomas Creek Trail

      199 Lower Galena Creek Trail

      200 Little Washoe Lake

      201 Deadman Creek Loop

      More Hikes

      APPENDIX 1: BEST TRIPS BY THEME

      APPENDIX 2: RECOMMENDED READING

      APPENDIX 3: AGENCIES AND INFORMATION SOURCES

      APPENDIX 4: LOCAL TRAILS AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Acknowledgments

      A

      s with all my writing projects, the most important thank-you goes to my wife, Robin, for her tireless support and encouragement. I greatly appreciated the company of fellow hikers on the trail, including Jan Baguley, Keith Catlin, Bruce Farrenkopf, Dal and Candy Hunter, Diane McCormack, and Andy Montessoro. Thank you to all the folks at Wilderness Press who form my scribblings into a real book.

      Mike White

      Reno, Nevada

      July 2015

      Preface

      M

      uch has happened in the Tahoe–Reno area since the first edition of this guide was published in 2006. The Great Recession certainly halted the out-of-control building boom that previously plagued the Truckee Meadows. Fortunately, unlike the construction industry, trails seemed to fare well during the economic downturn, as several new paths were added to the system. Mostly due to the tireless efforts of volunteers coordinated by nonprofit groups working in conjunction with governmental agencies, such as the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and Carson Valley Trails Association, the number of trips described in this guide has increased from 175 in the first edition to 201 in the second. Residents and visitors alike should be grateful for such a turn of events, as many areas of the country are losing, not gaining, recreational trails.

      For the first edition of Afoot & Afield Tahoe–Reno, I was able to hike every mile of trail that appeared in the guide over the course of three seasons. This time around, with fieldwork limited to one season, hiking every previously described trail along with all of the new trails was simply not possible. However, every effort was made to verify the condition of those trips I was unable to re-hike. Anyone who finds inconsistencies in the descriptions is encouraged to contact Wilderness Press, and updates will be arranged whenever possible.

      I feel extremely fortunate to have walked all the trails and viewed the sights contained in the northern Sierra and western valleys of the Great Basin covered in this book. My hope for this guide into the extraordinary terrain of the Tahoe–Reno area is to leave you similarly blessed.

      Introducing the Tahoe–Reno Area

      W

      elcome to Tahoe–Reno! Away from the glitz and glamour of the casino districts, this area is a recreational bonanza for a vast array of outdoor enthusiasts, whether they prefer land or water sports. Recently dubbed America’s Adventure Place, Tahoe–Reno offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from world-class skiing in the winter to a host of summer opportunities. Favorable weather and stunning scenery combine to create a remarkable paradise for both locals and visitors seeking to enjoy their favorite open-air pursuit. With a range of terrain that varies from the high desert surrounding Reno to the forests of the Tahoe Basin, there are a vast number of trails from which to choose: lakeside strolls, mountain ascents, forested journeys, or just a place to walk the dog.

      To acquaint yourself with the area, consider the following fun facts:

      Tahoe–Reno attracts more than 10 million visitors annually.

      Prior to the Great Recession, Nevada was the fastest-growing state in the Union, with Washoe County reaching a 12% growth rate.

      Twelve miles wide, 22 miles long, and with a 72-mile shoreline, Lake Tahoe is the largest subalpine lake in North America, with a surface elevation of 6,223 feet above sea level.

      With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, Tahoe is the tenth deepest lake in the world, and the second deepest in the United States, after Crater Lake in Oregon (1,958 feet).

      Lake Tahoe holds 39 trillion gallons of water, which would cover the entire state of California to a depth of more than 14 inches. The daily evaporation rate of the lake is 335 million gallons.

      Known for the clarity of its waters, Lake Tahoe is 99.9% pure.

      Sixty-three streams flow into Tahoe, but only the Truckee River flows out of the lake, taking a 116-mile journey and passing through Reno–Sparks before emptying into Pyramid Lake.

      Climate

      Combining both high desert and mountain zones, the climate of Tahoe–Reno offers generally pleasant weather conditions during the usual hiking season. Sunny skies and warm daytime temperatures are the norm, although nighttime temperatures can be quite cool. Summer highs in the 90s are common in the Reno area, while thermometers around Lake Tahoe register more moderate temperatures. What little rain that falls in the summer comes from infrequent thunderstorms.

      Geology

      Geologists speculate that the landform that would ultimately become the Tahoe–Reno area we know today was once beneath a shallow ancient sea in the supercontinent of Pangaea. The North American continental plate eventually broke away from Pangaea and headed west, colliding into the Pacific Ocean plate, which was drifting east. Extreme pressure and heat were created as the North American plate rose above the Pacific plate, producing molten rock that slowly solidified beneath the sedimentary surface into granitic rocks that were later exposed through faulting, or fractures in the earth’s crust.

      Faulting allowed blocks of land to rise and fall, pushing the primarily plutonic rocks of the Sierra Nevada up from the ancient seabed. Eventually two principal faults evolved in the Tahoe area, which produced uplifts that became the main Sierra crest to the west and the Carson Range to the east. In between, the down-thrown fault block formed the deep V-shaped valley of the Tahoe Basin. To the east, similar faulting created a parade of basins and ranges across what is now referred to as the Great Basin.

      A lake began to form at the lowest, southern end of the Tahoe Basin, fed by precipitation and creeks draining the surrounding mountains. The level of the lake rose steadily until an outlet for the river draining the lake was reached to the north, near the current town of Truckee. Later, a significant lava flow from Mt. Pluto, site of the Northstar California resort, dammed the outlet and caused the lake to rise again. Eventually the river was able to cut a new outlet through the volcanic rock near the present-day location of Tahoe City. The highest level of Lake Tahoe has been estimated to be about 600 to 800 feet above the current elevation. Additional volcanic activity occurred at both the south end of the basin, around Carson Pass, and the north end of the basin, near Donner Pass.

      Although a regional ice sheet was absent, in theory the last Ice Age put the finishing touches on the Tahoe Basin. Separate rivers of ice followed some of the existing V-shaped stream channels, carving them into classic U-shaped canyons. Glacial action scoured several of the canyons on the west side of the basin, revealing the classic granite bedrock associated with the Sierra Nevada today. In the process, some of the area’s most picturesque lakes were formed, including Donner, Cascade, Fallen Leaf, and Echo Lakes, as well as scenic Emerald Bay on Tahoe’s southwest shore.

      With dramatically less precipitation in the rain shadow of the Sierra crest, glaciers were mostly absent from the Carson Range to the east. Consequently, without the glacial scouring of the west side of the Tahoe Basin, the topography of the Carson Range is composed primarily of granitic and volcanic soils rather than the classic Sierra granite bedrock. While the west side of the Tahoe Basin is sprinkled with an abundance of tarns, lakes, and ponds, the east side is nearly devoid of such features. Additional glacial activity influenced the area when ice dams formed across the Truckee River canyon and broke several times, producing floods that further shaped the canyon, depositing debris downstream as far away as present-day Reno.

      Plants

      Since the area has such a wide range in elevation (from 4,400 feet in the Truckee Meadows to 10,881 feet atop Freel Peak) and a wide range in annual precipitation (7.5 inches in Reno to nearly 60 inches at Soda Springs), hikers can expect to encounter a similarly wide range of flora. The gamut of flora ranges between the drought-tolerant vegetation of the high desert and the alpine foliage carpeting the highest peaks. The Lake Tahoe Basin is characterized by coniferous forests, almost all of which are second growth, while the ubiquitous sagebrush is commonly associated with the valleys of western Nevada. Generally, the flora of Tahoe–Reno can be classified into the following plant communities, roughly proceeding from east to west.

      SAGEBRUSH SCRUB ZONE

      No plant is more representative of the Great Basin than the big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), with the plant’s yellow blossoms honored as Nevada’s state flower. The plant’s pungent aroma following a summer thunderstorm is perhaps the fragrance most associated with the West. At first glance, sagebrush appears to cover everything in sight on the valley floors and surrounding foothills. However, before the area was settled and cattle and sheep grazing were introduced, the vegetation was three-quarters native bunch grass. After the livestock consumed the grass, the unappetizing sagebrush was allowed to fill in the vacant spots where the grass once flourished. Nowadays, the much smaller percentage of grass in the Sagebrush Zone is primarily nonnative species, such as cheatgrass and downy brome, introduced by the westward expansion. The other trademark shrub most associated with the West, the tumbleweed, is also a nonnative plant, having been introduced from the steppes of Russia.

      A wide variety of drought-tolerant shrubs may accompany the sagebrush within this zone, commonly including rabbitbrush, blackbrush, ephedra, bitterbrush, spiny hopsage, cotton thorn, desert peach, and snowberry. Wildflower displays vary considerably from year to year, corresponding to the amounts and timing of precipitation. Common wildflowers in this zone include evening primrose, prickly poppy, blazing star, desert paintbrush, mule ears, scarlet gilia, and sulphur buckwheat. Sagebrush oftentimes extends into the pinyon-juniper zone and, under the right conditions, extends even into higher elevations, including the alpine zone.

      PINYON-JUNIPER ZONE

      Above the sagebrush zone, the pinyon-juniper zone harbors extensive woodlands of the singleleaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) and lesser amounts of the Sierra juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. australis) in the Carson Range and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) in the Virginia and Pine Nut ranges. Beginning around 5,000 feet, this zone extends to 8,000 feet and occasionally beyond, thriving in locations along the Sierra foothills that receive more than 12 inches of annual precipitation. Within the Great Basin, the woodlands of the pinyon-juniper zone form the largest forested zone, exceeding all other forested areas combined. Rarely achieving a height taller than 30 feet, these two species display rounded, spreading crowns—squat forms not generally associated with the perfect shape of a Christmas tree. Pure stands of pinyon pines are common in the higher elevations. Curl-leaf mountain mahogany, which is drought tolerant, is often found intermixed in this zone, usually on rocky, arid slopes and ridges.

      Some common shrubs found in this zone include big sagebrush, serviceberry, bitterbrush, snakeweed, snowberry, elderberry, rabbitbrush, and wild rose. Wildflowers are more common here than in the sagebrush scrub zone, and common species include several varieties of penstemon.

      Sierra juniper

      MONTANE ZONE

      The montane zone is found from lake level to about 8,000 feet, being the largest zone in the Lake Tahoe Basin and containing the widest variety of plant types. The montane zone can be grouped into five distinctly different divisions.

      Jeffrey pine forest occupies dry slopes that span elevations from approximately 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Open Jeffrey pine forests represent the most common type of coniferous forest on the eastern slope of the Carson Range, intermixing with white fir. In the lower realms of the Tahoe Basin, the Jeffrey pine forest is mixed with sugar pine, ponderosa pine, white fir, and incense cedar. Those conifers are replaced by western white pine, ponderosa pine, and red fir toward the upper limits. On southern exposures, light stands of Jeffrey pine forest often intermix with Sierra juniper or with open areas of montane chaparral.

      Montane chaparral is a drought-tolerant community that spans elevations across the spectrum of the montane zone and into the subalpine zone, typically occupying dry slopes with a southern exposure. This community incorporates several common shrubs, including huckleberry oak, tobacco brush, rabbitbrush, manzanita, chinquapin, and sagebrush. Along the eastern fringe of the Carson Range, mountain mahogany and juniper trees may dot the slopes of the montane chaparral community.

      White fir forest is named for the dominant member of a mixed forest, which also includes incense cedar, sugar pine, Jeffrey pine, and ponderosa pine, as well as red fir at the upper limits. In the Tahoe Sierra, to elevations around 7,000 feet, white firs prefer a moist habitat, forming either dense stands with little ground cover, or more open stands that allow deciduous trees and shrubs to thrive, including quaking aspen, willow, maple, currant, gooseberry, thimbleberry, and honeysuckle.

      Red fir forest extends above the white fir forest to about 8,500 feet. Unlike the white fir, red fir is often found in exclusive stands, usually on cool northern or eastern exposures. The red fir forest is generally dense, allowing very little ground cover, which when present is composed primarily of shade-loving flowers and plants.

      Montane meadow is a community that occurs in areas of sufficient groundwater. Similar in some respects to the montane chaparral community, montane meadows span the realm of the upper montane zone into the subalpine zone. The wetter environment allows grasses, rushes, and sedges to thrive, along with several species of moisture-loving wildflowers.

      SUBALPINE ZONE

      Above the montane zone, the subalpine zone begins around 8,000 feet and continues upward toward timberline, which, depending on a number of variables, starts anywhere from 9,000 to 10,000 feet in the Tahoe Sierra. With characteristically poor soils and a harsh climate, where snow covers the ground for up to nine months of the year, the prolific forests below give way to isolated stands of conifers and the open terrain of meadows and talus slides. Red firs, lodgepole pines, and junipers may extend into this zone in some areas, with lodgepole pines often rimming the shoreline of subalpine lakes. Despite the sporadic appearance of these trees from the lower realm, the two conifer species most closely associated with the subalpine zone are mountain hemlock and whitebark pine. Nearing timberline, dwarfed and wind-battered whitebark pines become the only conifer able to survive the conditions associated with such a harsh environment. Shrubs and plants in this zone also take on a diminished stature, hugging the ground to eke out an existence. Common plants include heathers and laurels. Where seeps and rivulets provide moist soils, a short-lived but stunning display of colorful wildflowers delights passersby. Small patches of soil in rock outcroppings may provide an equally delightful display of plants and flowers.

      ALPINE ZONE

      Above timberline at the extreme upper elevations of the Tahoe Sierra is the alpine zone. Although there is some debate among botanists as to whether or not the Tahoe area truly has a well-defined alpine zone, only the backcountry traveler who reaches the summit of some of the basin’s highest peaks will be able to observe the habitat in question. The vegetation within this zone appears to be a combination of tundra species from the north and desert species from the east. Whatever their origin, these plants are generally compact, low-growing perennials that grow rapidly and flower briefly, with most of their growth occurring below ground. Low-growing shrubs, such as low sagebrush and short-stemmed stenotus, share the extreme conditions and poor soils of the alpine region with an assortment of wildflowers. The uppermost slopes of Mt. Rose and Freel Peak provide some of the best opportunities in the Tahoe Sierra for hikers to experience the flora of the alpine zone.

      RIPARIAN ZONES

      The last of the classifications within the Tahoe–Reno area is the riparian zone. The vegetation in the zones lining watercourses is generally quite luxuriant, even within the parched sagebrush scrub and pinyon-juniper zones. With the additional moisture provided from perennial streams, lush foliage along the banks includes deciduous trees and shrubs such as aspen, cottonwood, willow, alder, creek dogwood, and mountain ash. Smaller plants and colorful wildflowers are also common in creekside environments.

      Animals

      Along with a wide variety of plants, the Tahoe–Reno area is home to a varied community of fauna. Alert eyes may be able to spot several different species of animals while traveling the trails.

      MAMMALS

      The largest mammal in the region is the omnivorous black bear, which may range in color from black to cinnamon. Some members of the black bear population, particularly near developed communities on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, have become quite pesky in seeking food from garbage cans, dumpsters, and campgrounds. However, the vast majority of bears you might see in the backcountry remain timid and wary of human encounters. Although bears here are not nearly as much of a potential nuisance as the more infamous bears in Yosemite, hikers and backpackers should obey the following guidelines:

      Don’t leave your pack unattended on the trail.

      At camp, empty your pack and open all flaps and pockets.

      Keep all food, trash, or scented items in a bear-proof canister or safely hung from a tree.

      Pack out all trash.

      Don’t allow bears to approach your food—make noise, wave your arms, throw rocks. Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use good judgment.

      If a bear gets your food, you are responsible for cleaning up the mess.

      Never attempt to retrieve food from a bear.

      Never approach a bear, especially a cub.

      Report any incidents to the appropriate authority.

      More likely to be seen along the trail than a bear is the mule deer, so named for its floppy ears. Mule deer prefer varied terrain with an ample food supply, which consists mainly of leaves from trees and shrubs, along with grasses, sedges, and other herbs. Watch for deer around dusk in grassy meadows, or during the day in open forest where browse is plentiful. Deer herds in the area are migratory, retreating in winter either west to the California foothills or east to the western valleys of Nevada. Since extinction of the grizzly bear and wolf from the Sierra, the mule deer’s only remaining predator, other than humans, is the mountain lion.

      Although present in the region, mountain lions, also known as cougars, are rarely seen by humans. I have yet to see a single mountain lion in the wild during many years of hiking and backpacking in the West. Ranging in length from 6.5 to 8 feet and weighing as much as 200 pounds, mountain lions tend to be primarily nocturnal, patrolling a vast range. Although mule deer are their principal food source, mountain lions will stalk smaller mammals as well. At an average weight of 20 pounds, the bobcat is the mountain lion’s smaller cousin. Also nocturnal and equally reclusive in nature, bobcats prefer a diet of rodents. You’re much more likely to hear their blood-curdling scream during the night than to see bobcats in the wild.

      The highly adaptable coyote is often seen loping across clearings and through the woodlands of Tahoe–Reno. From backcountry campsites, backpackers frequently hear the coyote’s nighttime chorus of howls and yelps. Although a quite common animal to residents of the West, many people fail to realize that coyotes are omnivores, preferring a diet of small rodents but also dining on berries and plants when such prey is unavailable.

      Other common, medium-sized mammals of Tahoe–Reno include beavers, muskrats, martens, marmots, raccoons, porcupines, red fox, weasels, and badgers. Hikers frequently see Douglas squirrels, California ground squirrels, golden-mantled ground squirrels, western gray squirrels, western flying squirrels, and chipmunks. Cottontails and jackrabbits are commonly seen scampering through areas of sagebrush scrub. Smaller rodents include pikas, voles, shrews, mice, moles, and pocket gophers.

      At dusk, backpackers camped around the shore of one of the area’s backcountry lakes are almost guaranteed a visit from a handful of bats searching the skies for the evening’s first course of insects. Midsummer visitors will be comforted to know that large helpings of mosquitoes are on the bats’ menu.

      BIRDS

      Located on the Pacific Flyway, the skies above Tahoe–Reno are home to hundreds of bird species. While hiking around marshlands, rivers, and creeks, or the shores of Lake Tahoe, keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl such as wood ducks, mergansers, mallards, great blue herons, and Canada geese.

      Although not particularly common, bald eagles and ospreys are seen from time to time in the Tahoe–Reno skies. Red-tailed hawks are more frequently seen patrolling the skies, particularly around ranchland in the valleys of western Nevada. Great horned owls are primarily nocturnal but may be seen napping on a tree limb during the day.

      A walk along a mountain trail without seeing either a Clark’s nutcracker, mountain chickadee, or Steller’s jay is hard to imagine. Numerous songbirds fly around the Tahoe Basin, but a fine treat would be the sighting of a mountain bluebird flitting about a subalpine meadow or perched on the branch of a young lodgepole pine near the edge.

      Viewing deck on the Lake of the Sky Trail

      REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

      Amphibians and reptiles are common residents of the area. The most frequently seen species include Pacific tree frog, western fence lizard, and the common garter snake.

      Although possible, encountering a rattlesnake on the trails of Tahoe–Reno is unlikely. Most rattlesnakes will sense the vibration created by your boots on the trail and move away before you arrive. Occasionally, hikers can surprise a rattlesnake, which may result in the snake curling up into a defensive coil and making that distinctive rattling sound with its tail. If you happen to find yourself in this situation, stop, quickly determine the location of the snake, and move deliberately away—do not approach it! Be assured, rattlesnakes are not aggressive and are more afraid of you than you are of them. Like all snakes, rattlers are cold-blooded and will avoid the heat of the day, making the rare encounter on the trail more possible in the early morning or early evening when they are seeking warmth from the sun. Avoid sticking your appendages in crevices or under logs and rocks during the hot part of the day when they prefer the shade. A fatal bite from a rattlesnake is extremely uncommon.

      INSECTS

      Insects are abundant members of the Tahoe–Reno community. Unfortunately, the species that gets the most attention seems to be the mosquito. Thankfully, depending on elevation and how quickly the previous winter’s snowpack melts, the peak of the mosquito season lasts for just a few weeks in the Tahoe backcountry, usually from the last weeks of July into the first week of August.

      Ticks would be considered simply nasty bloodsucking pests if not for their potential for causing debilitating diseases. These insects seem to be more prevalent during spring or early summer following a particularly wet winter or early spring. When ticks are troublesome, use plenty of insect repellent and cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants with the cuffs tucked into your socks. Self-inspection or examination by a spouse or close friend should be done at least once a day. If a tick burrows into your skin, use tweezers and apply gentle traction to remove the pest, being careful not to leave the head behind. Folk methods, such as applying petroleum jelly or a match so that the tick will back out of the skin are not effective. After complete removal of the tick, thoroughly wash the affected area with antibacterial soap.

      The black widow spider is a common insect in the valleys of western Nevada. Only the female, characterized by a red hourglass on her shiny black abdomen, is poisonous. Although her venom is many times more poisonous than a rattlesnake, the amount of venom transmitted in a bite is so small that bites are almost never fatal. Black widows are not aggressive by nature.

      Although scorpions are present in Nevada, the species in northern Nevada are not poisonous.

      FISH

      The lakes and streams of the Tahoe–Reno area teem with fish, where anglers can ply their craft in search of brook, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Along with these trout, Lake Tahoe itself is home to a couple of additional introduced species—Mackinaw, also known as lake trout, and Kokanee salmon. Although biologists theorize that Mackinaws in Lake Tahoe may reach weights as high as 50 pounds, the record catch so far is 37 pounds, 6 ounces. Landlocked cousins of the sockeye salmon, Kokanee salmon were introduced to Lake Tahoe in 1944. The Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center provides an excellent opportunity for viewing the annual spawning migration of the Kokanee each autumn, usually coinciding with the locally renowned Kokanee Festival that occurs during the first week of October.

      Wilderness

      On September 3, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Wilderness Act of 1964. The act defined wilderness as being in contrast with those areas where humans and their own works dominate the landscape, where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by humans, and where humans themselves are visitors who do not remain. Wilderness retains a primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of the work of humans substantially unnoticeable. In addition, wilderness has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation; has at least 5,000 acres of land or is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.

      The Tahoe–Reno region is blessed with four designated wilderness areas, three in California (Desolation, Granite Chief, and Mokelumne) and one in Nevada (Mt. Rose). In addition to these four, two other areas have been proposed for inclusion in the wilderness system, Castle Peak and Meiss Meadows. The nearly 18,000-acre Castle Peak tract is north of Donner Summit and holds some of the most scenic backcountry in the north Tahoe area. Meiss Meadows is a 31,000-acre parcel 2 miles south of Lake Tahoe, between California Highways 88 and 89. For more information on these proposed wilderness areas, see calwild.org.

      The preservation of wildlands within the wilderness system is an essential link to our nation’s heritage, providing citizens with the opportunity to visit areas unmolested by the permanent presence of humans and development. As stated by President Johnson at the signing of the original Wilderness Act, If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them with a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it. Proper stewardship of the earth requires that we support the preservation of natural lands for those who follow us.

      Comfort, Safety, and Etiquette

      T

      rails in the Tahoe–Reno area vary from short, easy strolls in a park, requiring nothing more than a dab of sunscreen and a half-filled water bottle, to full-fledged assaults on high peaks, where extra preparation and a good dose of mountain savvy are prerequisites. By employing some common sense and following some simple guidelines you should be able to experience full enjoyment on the trips described in this guide while minimizing the risks posed by any potential hazards.

      Seasons and Weather

      Nevada is an arid state—the most arid in the United States. Reno’s yearly average for precipitation is a paltry 7.5 inches, more than half of which usually falls between December and March. The massive barrier created by the Sierra Nevada is the principal reason for this lack of precipitation. As Pacific storms move eastward, the moisture-laden clouds rise along the western slope, cool, and drop most of their moisture before spilling over the crest and blowing into Nevada. In contrast to the small amount of precipitation falling in the valleys, Marlette Lake in the Carson Range, a mere 7 miles east of Carson City by air, records more than 27 inches annually. While the bulk of moisture in the mountains falls as winter snow (190 inches at lake level), precipitation in the valleys is mixed, with Reno receiving about 25 total inches of snow over the course of a typical winter. The snowfall from a single storm rarely exceeds more than a few inches and generally remains on the ground for only a few days. Storms reaching western Nevada are usually preceded by high winds. Aside from Pacific storms, a smaller percentage of Reno’s precipitation is generated from random summer thunderstorms. Reno can expect measurable precipitation only 51 days of an average year.

      Summer conditions tend to be sunny, dry, and hot, with daytime highs typically in the 90s. However, the high desert cools off dramatically at night, with low temperatures above the 60s uncommon. Spring in the Reno area tends to lack the steady progression from winter to summer that more temperate climates experience. Residents often claim that Reno has no spring, simply moving from winter to summer at some unpredictably random date anytime between late April and early July. Fall can perhaps be the most pleasant time of year, with dry conditions prevailing and daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

      Like the high desert, the shores of Lake Tahoe enjoy a 93% probability of sunshine on any given day between June and August. However, unlike the high desert, summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 80°F, thanks in part to the moderating influences of the lake’s 193 square miles of surface area and the dense forests carpeting the slopes of the lake’s basin. Nighttime temperatures are relatively mild as well, ranging from the 30s in June to the 40s in July and August. Precipitation is light, generally coming in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm, with averages of 0.69 inch in June, 0.26 inch in July, and 0.31 inch in August. Unlike the Rockies, where the locals say they set their watches by the regularity of the afternoon thunderstorms, the Sierra may experience summers of few or no thunderstorms, or a string of days when they’re a regular occurrence. Hikers in the Sierra should always be prepared for the potential of an afternoon thunderstorm and beat a hasty retreat when lightning is a threat. Although conditions at lake level may be pleasant, temperatures drop an average of 3.5°F per 1,000 feet of elevation.

      Autumn is often an ideal season for enjoying a hike in the Tahoe–Sierra, when most of the tourists have returned home and left the backcountry to the locals and diehards. Warm and dry weather often lingers through the waning days of summer into September and October, before the first major storm of the season blankets the slopes with snow. Temperatures, although cooler, are still pleasant enough for hiking, with daytime highs in October averaging 56°F, and even though the average precipitation for the month climbs to 1.9 inches, there still is an 84% chance of sunny weather on any given day. The autumn color provided by quaking aspens in stream canyons, and willows and grasses in the meadows can be quite spectacular. Usually by early November a Pacific storm has brought a significant snowfall to the higher elevations, encouraging people to put away their hiking boots and start waxing their skis.

      Special Hazards

      LIGHTNING

      There are two aspects of lightning to be avoided: the direct strike and subsequent ground currents. The best place to be out of doors when lightning strikes is in a broad valley, near the shorter trees in a dense stand of timber. This may be a possibility when hiking around Lake Tahoe, but the sparsely timbered valleys around Reno do not offer such havens. The rule of thumb suggests a position lower than nearby projections. If you happen to be on a high ridge when a thunderstorm develops, beat a hasty retreat to lower ground, avoiding hollows, depressions, overhangs, and small caves, which increase your exposure to ground currents. The following guidelines should help you avoid a lightning strike.

      Keep an eye on the weather, and retreat when thunderstorms are imminent.

      Seek lower ground.

      Avoid metal, hollows, depressions, overhangs, small caves, and solitary projections. Maintain a distance of 15 feet between people.

      Crouch down and cover your ears (to protect from thunder).

      Stay out of narrow drainages that may be prone to flash flooding.

      ALTITUDE

      Trails in the Tahoe–Reno area range in altitude from 4,500 feet to nearly 11,000 feet, elevations high enough for some flatlanders to experience mountain sickness and its more serious counterpart, acute mountain sickness. Symptoms may include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, memory loss, and loss of mental acuity. If such symptoms are present, a quick descent to lower elevations is needed to alleviate the problem. Sufferers of acute mountain sickness may require immediate medical attention.

      Although the dynamics of mountain sickness and acute mountain sickness are not fully understood, there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of experiencing these disorders.

      Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol.

      Eat a diet high in carbohydrates prior to and during your trip.

      Acclimatize slowly.

      People subject to anemia should consult a physician.

      SUN

      The typically sunny weather that makes the Tahoe–Reno area a desirable place to recreate can become a serious problem for people who are ill prepared for the hazards. Unprotected exposure to the sun at these altitudes for as little as a half hour may be enough for fair-skinned people to develop sunburn. Sunblock with a high UV rating should be applied to exposed areas of the skin, and sunglasses that block out a minimum of 90% of UVA and UVB rays should be worn. Light-colored, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing used in combination with a wide-brimmed hat will offer additional protection.

      WATER

      Water—either too little or too much can be a problem. Too much water is usually only a problem during spring or early summer in the Tahoe–Reno area, when streams are swollen with runoff from the previous winter’s snowpack. Exercise caution at these times when crossing streams.

      Water is scarce in some areas—in some places it may be completely unavailable, a condition made worse during drought years. Proper planning may be necessary to assure that rest stops and campsites will have adequate water supplies nearby. Always bring water with you for the start of your trip and replenish your supply in the field as needed. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during your hike, particularly during hot conditions. And visitors should be aware that the high desert is much drier than areas closer to sea level, making it possible to dehydrate very quickly.

      Water quality in the backcountry has become a well-documented concern, especially in high-use areas. Any water acquired in the field should be filtered, treated, or boiled before drinking.

      Navigation

      No backcountry skill is more important than the ability to find your way to your destination and safely back again. Space does not allow for a detailed dissertation on all of the elements of navigation, orienteering, and route finding, so you will have to gain a more complete understanding of these skills from other sources. The following guidelines are a starting point for learning the necessary skills.

      Study your route carefully before leaving home.

      Give a reliable person a detailed description of your route, expected time of return, and whom to call if you don’t return.

      Carry a topographic map of the area, along with a compass or GPS receiver.

      Pay attention to the terrain as you travel, and make mental notes of significant landmarks.

      Hike in a group and keep the group together.

      If you become lost, finding shelter is your first priority.

      Trail Etiquette

      Public lands belong to everyone and deserve to be respected. Hikers are responsible for leaving the backcountry as it was found, or better, if possible. All recreationists should understand and practice Leave No Trace principles in all of their wanderings. The following guidelines should help in keeping the Tahoe–Reno area in pristine condition.

      ON THE TRAIL

      Plan ahead and be prepared—know the regulations and concerns of the area and prepare for them.

      Stay on the trail—never cut switchbacks.

      Preserve the serenity of the backcountry for others—avoid making loud noises.

      Yield the right-of-way to uphill hikers.

      Yield the right-of-way to equestrians by stepping off the trail on the downhill side.

      When hiking, stay alert for mountain bikers. Although all signs indicate that mountain bikers should yield to hikers, most bikers seem to expect that hikers will be the ones to step aside.

      Avoid traveling in large groups.

      Leave it there—destruction or removal of plants and animals, or historical, prehistoric, or geological items is unethical and almost always illegal.

      Take it with you—pack out everything, even trash left behind by others.

      CAMPING

      Camp a minimum of 100 feet from any water source.

      Select a campsite well away from trails.

      Never build improvements, such as fireplaces, rock walls, drainage swales, and so on.

      Camp on hard surfaces, not on vegetation.

      Use only downed wood for campfires. Never cut trees, dead or alive.

      Use only existing fire rings for campfires.

      Never leave a fire unattended.

      Fully extinguish all campfires by thoroughly soaking with water.

      SANITATION

      Bury human waste 6 inches deep and cover with soil, a minimum of 100 feet from trails and 500 feet from water sources.

      Pack out toilet paper, or burn in areas where fires are permissible.

      Cook only the amount of food you can eat to avoid the need to discard leftovers.

      Wash and rinse dishes, clothes, or yourself a minimum of 200 feet from water sources. Never wash in lakes or streams.

      Pack out all trash—do not attempt to burn plastic or foil packaging.

      Filter, boil, or purify all drinking water.

      For more information on Leave No Trace principles, see lnt.org, or phone 800-332-4100.

      DOGS

      Dogs are permitted to accompany you on most of the trails described in this guide, noted in the headings for each trip. Consider leaving your pet behind when visiting the more popular trails, as too many dogs and too many people can be a volatile combination. Where bringing along Fido is permitted, make sure your pet is well socialized and is on a leash or under voice control. Uncontrolled dogs can present a hazard to wildlife. Also, make sure to pack along enough water to keep your dog hydrated both while driving to and from the trailhead and on the hike itself. Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in sunny or warm conditions.

      Campfires should occur only in designated areas.

      Using This Book

      T

      his guide introduces you to the Lake Tahoe and greater Reno area, with just over 200 possible hikes that run the spectrum from short and easy to long and difficult. Trips are separated into 11 chapters, each covering a loosely defined geographical subregion. Each chapter has an overall map showing the locations of all the trips within the region, and each trip is shown on a map. This section provides explanations of the maps and the trip descriptions that will help you in determining the type of trips that are best suited to your level of interest, skill, and conditioning.

      Choosing a Trip

      There are three ways to decide which trip is best for you:

      Choose a trip in the area you’d like to visit from the overview maps at the beginning of each chapter.

      Turn to Appendix 1, Best Trips by Theme, to choose a hike based on its sights or characteristics, such as geology or autumn color.

      Choose a specific trip from the table of contents.

      Explanation of Trip Summaries

      Each trip entry includes a capsule summary, highlights, directions to the starting point, information about facilities and/or the trailhead, and the full description of the trail itself. The capsule summary at the beginning includes the following information:

      DISTANCE AND TRAIL TYPE

      Distances are round-trip, unless specified as one-way. Trail types include loops, semiloops (a trip combining loop and out-and-back segments), out-and-back, and point-to-point hikes. A vehicle shuttle is often recommended for point-to-point hikes; for these hikes, driving directions are provided to the endpoint of the hike as well as the starting point, in the Facilities/Trailhead section of the summary. If a hike looks enticing but its listed distance is longer or shorter than you prefer, don’t let it hinder you from extending the hike or turning back sooner.

      HIKING TIME

      This figure represents an estimate of the time it would take for the average hiker to complete the trip. This estimate may vary depending upon the rate at which you prefer to hike, the number and length of rest stops you prefer, and how much additional time you spend enjoying the surroundings.

      ELEVATION

      These figures represent the number of vertical feet lost or gained on each trip. Flat trips with minimal elevation gain or loss list elevation as Negligible.

      DIFFICULTY

      The difficulty rating takes into consideration the type of trail, terrain, elevation gain, and necessary route finding. The four categories are as follows:

      EASY: The trail is well defined and easy to follow, and the terrain is gentle. Easy trails are well suited for hikers of all levels.

      MODERATE: Trails are usually well defined, but the terrain has more ups and downs. These trails require hikers to be physically fit.

      DIFFICULT: These longer trips have sections of trail that may be in poor condition or require cross-country travel. Terrain is steep and challenging. These trips are suitable for experienced and physically fit hikers only.

      VERY DIFFICULT: The longest and most rigorous trips in the book, these may require cross-country or mountaineering skills. Only the most skilled, physically fit, and experienced hikers should attempt these trips.

      TRAIL USE

      This category describes the uses for which the trail is suited, including backpacking and mountain biking, whether the trail is a good choice for kids, and whether dogs are allowed on the trail. Where this book says Dogs OK, it is permissible to have your dog off leash.

      BEST TIMES

      Although conditions may vary from year to year, this entry notes the months when the trail is generally free of snow.

      AGENCY

      The public agency with jurisdiction over the trail is listed here, with its phone number and website.

      The hiker emblem helps keep hikers on track.

      RECOMMENDED MAPS

      The best maps for successfully navigating the trail are listed here. The abbreviations preceding the map names are the initials of the agency that published the map. Many are from the US Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Other sources of maps include the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT), Carson Valley Trails Association (CVTA), Washoe County Regional Parks, and the

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