Hike of the week: Galena Falls

Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers: Galena Falls

Description: Every Saturday during the summer, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will feature a hike that highlights an amazing vista, a beautiful alpine lake or a meadow blanketed in beautiful wildflowers. All of the hikes begin at 8am. Please register for all TRTA guided public guided hikes by visiting this link.

Galena Falls: Join us for a hike that will meet at the Mt. Rose Trailhead and Parking Plaza off of Hwy 431 at 8am on Saturday, August 20th. Please register here.

This hike gives you Falls, Vistas and Wildflowers and is just an incredibly beautiful day hike that begins 8,990’ at the Mt. Rose Trailhead and Parking Plaza off of Mt. Rose Hwy. Begin your journey by reading the fantastic interpretive signs near the restrooms to learn a little more about how the Tahoe Basin was formed. As you walk behind the restrooms, you will see the trail. Almost immediately, you will need to take a sharp right, so that you end up on the trail that leads toward Mt. Rose and not on the old fire road trail.

Once you hang a Ralph, you will begin to ascend a sandy trail that is open and lined on each side with lovely lupine and paintbrush. The Tahoe Meadows will open up below you to the south. Continue to follow the trail as it gradually winds upward. You will soon be blessed with incredible views of the Tahoe Meadows and Lake Tahoe. The vistas are worth some photos, so don’t forget your camera.

You will just continue to follow the trail as it begins to enter the forest approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. You will be traversing the side of volcanic Tamarack Peak on your way to Galena Falls. The trail levels out nicely and you can expect some rolling ups and downs before arriving at the falls; nothing too strenuous though. This is a great trail, because the trail tread is level and remains at about a 24” width, so perfect for group hikes.

Make sure you just look around as you hike this trail, and notice the beauty that exists in an alpine environment. You will begin to see dwarf lupine hugging the ground, whitebark pine, and rugged terrain that remains from the volcanic activity that once shook up this area.

The treat of the trail is cascading Galena Falls! At 2.5 mile from the trailhead you arrive at the base of the falls, and this is a great photo spot. Please respect the delicate environment of the falls, and do not climb up the side of it. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is beginning a trail project that will create an official trail that climbs next to the falls. Leave No Trace is a beautiful thing because it ensures that future trail users will get to enjoy this special place.

You will notice at the base of the falls that the Tahoe Rim Trail will turn sharply to the east and then to the north. There is a simple creek crossing, and then shortly you will come to a fork which is the TRT/Mt. Rose junction. Make sure you take a left and begin to climb the old Relay Peak Road/TRT. Galena Falls will be to your left and recognize that this will be the most difficult part of your hike. The road climbs steeply to a wet alpine meadow above the falls. Be sure to bring your field guide along and take the time to identify some of the brilliant wildflowers!

As you continue on the road, you will come to another intersection, which is a dirt and gravel road that cannot be mistaken. If you were to turn right at the road you would continue on a steep climb toward Relay Peak, which is the highest peak on the TRT at 10,338.’ This is your signal to turn left and begin your hike on the road, which will take you south toward the Tahoe Meadows and Hwy 431. The road will eventually curve back east and gradually take you on a long downhill back to the trailhead and parking lot.

Distance / Expected Duration: Approximately 6.5 miles

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Difficult Strenuous Herculean

Starting Elevation: 8,990 feet

Fitness Level and/or Special Skills Necessary: This hike may not be the best option for your family and friends that just came up from the Bay Area. Altitude sickness is a realistic possibility on this hike, as it starts at nearly 9,000 feet. This is not a difficult hike, and the trail is very level. Take your time and realize that a trip to Galena Falls is only 4.5 miles long if you just want to do that hike.

Water on the Trail: Carry at least 1 liter of water per person on this hike or fill up at Galena Falls, but always filter your water.

Trailhead/s: is on Hwy 431 near Tahoe Meadows 17 miles west of US 395. Paved parking, interpretive signs & vault toilets.

From Incline Village / East Shore & South Shore of Lake Tahoe / Carson City
Take 50 till hwy. 28.
Then take 28 into Incline Village.
At the first traffic light make a right onto Country Club.
Go to the stop sign (2 miles) and then make a right onto 431.
Go approximately 4-5 miles to the top of the mountain… It’ll open up into a big meadow.
At the end of the meadow go around the bend to the actual summit.
The parking area is on the left hand side.

From West Shore of Lake Tahoe
Take 89 N. into Tahoe City.
Make a right onto hwy. 28.
Take 28 almost all the way into Incline Village.
After you pass the sign for the town make a left onto hwy. 431.
Go roughly 9 miles to the top of the mountain… It’ll open up into a big meadow.
At the end of the meadow go around the bend to the actual summit.
The parking area is on the left hand side.

From Truckee / Auburn / Sacramento / San Francisco
Take 80 (east or west) to exit 188 B toward Sierraville / Lake Tahoe
Turn Right (if coming from the west) or left (if coming from the east) onto 267
Go over Brockway Summit to Kings Beach.
At the light go left onto 28.
Take 28 toward Incline Village.
After you pass the sign for the town make a left onto hwy. 431.
Go roughly 9 miles to the top of the mountain… It’ll open up into a big meadow.
At the end of the meadow go around the bend to the actual summit.
The parking area is on the left hand side.

From Reno
Take Hwy 395 S. till hwy. 431.
Go west on the Mt. Rose hwy (a.k.a. 431)
Go up to the top of the mountain and park in the parking area on the right at the actual summit.

Hike smart this summer!
• Make sure you carry sufficient water and snacks.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring layers of clothing. The weather changes quickly in the Sierra.
• Wear proper footwear. Take care of your feet to prevent blisters and other foot issues.
• Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected back.
• Carry a cell phone that you can use to call for help, if you get into trouble.
• Pack a simple first-aid kit in your pack.
• Stay within the limits of your ability and let common sense be your guide before and during your adventure.
• Leave no Trace this summer! Follow the LNT 7 principles. Care for our wild places and trails!

Trail Etiquette
• Cyclists yield to hikers and hikers and cyclists yield to equestrians
• Always travel at a safe, controlled speed and alert other trail users as you approach from behind.
• Never approach or harass wildlife or domestic animals on the trail. Please do not feet wild animals. It negative impacts their health and survival.
• Stay on the trail. It’s there for a reason!
• Please do not pick wildflowers. Let everyone enjoy them. Some wildflowers are protected by law, and you could get fined for picking them.

Hike of the Week: Martis Peak and Mt. Baldy

Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers: Martis Peak and Mt. Baldy

Description: Every Saturday during the summer, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will feature a hike that highlights an amazing vista, a beautiful alpine lake or a meadow blanketed in beautiful wildflowers. All of the hikes begin at 8am. Please register for all TRTA guided public guided hikes by visiting this link.

Martis Peak and Mt. Baldy: Join us for a hike that will meet at the end of Martis Peak Road, also known as 16N92 or try this hike on your own! Hike 0.7 mile to the Martis Peak Lookout and then head back down to the TRT and travel east toward Mt. Baldy. Please register here.

This hike is all about views, so start it off right with a 0.7 mile hike to the Martis Peak look-out at the end of Martis Peak Road. The look-out is actually a building with walls and windows, or you can stand out on the deck. Many people snowshoe to the look-out in the winter, and it is nice to go inside and get a break from the cold. The look-out stands tall at 8656’ and you are rewarded with 360° panoramic views of the Tahoe Basin, northwest toward Donner Pass, North toward the Sierra Buttes, Northeast toward the Black Rock, and into the high desert of Nevada. It is incredible! Do not forget your camera on this hike.

After your Martis Peak adventure, turn around and follow the road to where it intersects with a dirt road. This is where you turn left, and the Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed 0.2 mile down the road. The TRT will follow the dusty road for about 0.25 mile north to a fork. Stay to the left and walk hike about 300 yards north to a trailhead that has parking space. This is part of the old Western States Trail, and as Tim Hauserman explains in his Official Guide to the Tahoe Rim Trail, “it is also known as the Capital to Capital Trail because it once linked Carson City to Sacramento.”

The TRT will continue east through the woods, but in 0.5 mile it will reach an open saddle with a northern vista. Take a moment to look around. You are hiking through a forest of red fir, western white pines and even some hemlocks. Here is where the trail will steepen as you traverse 0.3 mile to a ridgeline that has views into a large U-shaped valley; the drainage for Juniper Creek which drains into the Truckee River. The trail will now angle south for 0.4 mile to a road, and then ascends 0.2 mile south to the end of the road.

Back on trail, you will begin a moderate climb to a ridge with nice views (but just wait; the views are going to get better). Just 0.2 mile south you will discover a rock pile west of the trail that has sweeping views to the south, west and east. Then turn yourself to the north and be amazed by beautiful views of Castle Peak, Donner Lake, Truckee and the Boca and Stampede Reservoirs.

Are you ready to step into the state of Nevada? Now, you are on a bi-state hike, as well! Take a moment to notice how you have also traveled into more of an alpine environment with fewer and smaller trees, as you are now above 9,000.’ The trees you see now are the hardy lodgepole pine, western white pine and whitebark pine. The TRT will soon angle north east traversing below Mt. Baldy (9271’). Beyond Mt. Baldy, you enter the Mt. Rose Wilderness. This is a good place to take a break, eat some lunch or snacks and then turn around and hike back to your car.

Distance / Expected Duration: Approximately 6 miles

Difficulty Level: Easy Moderate to Difficult Strenuous Herculean

Starting Elevation: 8,400’ to Mt. Baldy at 9,271’

Fitness Level and/or Special Skills Necessary: This hike is possible for beginners, because at any point you can turn around and head back to the trailhead. Martis Peak is a must.

Water on the Trail: Carry at least 1 liter of water per person on this hike.

Trailhead/s: Just past Brockway Summit, heading north, you will turn right on Martis Peak Road (16N92). Please look at a map before driving to this location, so you know where you are going. Parking is at the end of Martis Peak Road.

From North Lake Tahoe
If driving from Kings Beach, take HWY 267 towards Truckee. Pass the Brockway Tahoe Rim Trail trailhead, and after you reach the summit of the highway travel less than ¼ mile. The Martis Peak access road will be on the right hand side of the HWY, Forest Service Road 16N92. It is closed with a gate in the winter, with limited parking in front of the gate. Carpool if you can!

Hike smart this summer!
• Make sure you carry sufficient water and snacks.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring layers of clothing. The weather changes quickly in the Sierra.
• Wear proper footwear. Take care of your feet to prevent blisters and other foot issues.
• Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected back.
• Carry a cell phone that you can use to call for help, if you get into trouble.
• Pack a simple first-aid kit in your pack.
• Stay within the limits of your ability and let common sense be your guide before and during your adventure.
• Leave no Trace this summer! Follow the LNT 7 principles. Care for our wild places and trails!

Trail Etiquette
• Cyclists yield to hikers and hikers and cyclists yield to equestrians
• Always travel at a safe, controlled speed and alert other trail users as you approach from behind.
• Never approach or harass wildlife or domestic animals on the trail. Please do not feet wild animals. It negative impacts their health and survival.
• Stay on the trail. It’s there for a reason!
• Please do not pick wildflowers. Let everyone enjoy them. Some wildflowers are protected by law, and you could get fined for picking them.

Hike of the Week: Tahoe City to Cinder Cone

Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers: Tahoe City to Cinder Cone

Description: Every Saturday during the summer, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will feature a hike that highlights an amazing vista, a beautiful alpine lake or a meadow blanketed in beautiful wildflowers. All of the hikes begin at 8am. Please register for all TRTA guided public guided hikes by visiting this link.

Tahoe City to Cinder Cone: Join us for a hike that will meet at the Tahoe City North trailhead, and then climb four miles to an incredible view of the Truckee River Canyon, Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe. This hike also features the remains of the Tahoe Basin’s volcanic past. Join us at 8am on Saturday, August 6th or try this hike on your own. Please register here.

From the Tahoe City North trailhead, you will travel on the newest reroute of the TRT that will wind you up the trail. Note that the first two miles of trail are a bit of a climb, but at least you get the hard part over with first. As you are climbing take some enjoyable breaks as views of Lake Tahoe appear behind the trees. If you enjoy looking at plants, you might notice that Manzanita, Jeffrey pine, and white fir line the trail, as well as the large maple-shaped leaves of Thimbleberry.

Once you are 2.25 miles up the trail, get out your camera for a panoramic shot of Twin Peaks and Squaw Valley. This is where the trail levels out, and you can begin to catch your breath. Stay on the main trail, because you will notice that there are several crossings of the Fiberboard Freeway on this section of the TRT. The Fiberboard Freeway was named after the company that once owned much of the land in the area.

There will be another good view about 3.4 miles from the trailhead. Climb up on the boulders and to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Mt. Watson to the northeast. If you continue on the trail for another half a mile or so, you will discover dark-red volcanic rock known as the Cinder Cone on the right. Tim Hauserman shares in his Official Guide to the Tahoe Rim Trail that “longtime Tahoe locals will tell you that this cinder-cone area was the repository for Tahoe City sewer water before the treatment plant was built in Truckee in the 1970’s.” Hopefully, that will not change your mind from taking this hike. You will know you are at the Cinder Cone, when you see a flat, red surface that lacks plant growth due to the fact that it was impacted by human use.

If you continue past the Cinder Cone just a bit further, you will come to the east rim of the Truckee River canyon. There are terrific views of Alpine Meadows and Ward Canyon. This is a good lunch spot or snack spot. Then you can turn around and head approximately four miles back to the trailhead. If you were to continue on the Tahoe Rim Trail, it would take you to Mt. Watson, down to Watson Lake and finally up to the Brockway Trailhead off of Highway 207. This section of the TRT is 19.2 miles.

Distance / Expected Duration: 8 miles

Difficulty Level: Easy Moderate to Difficult Strenuous Herculean

Starting Elevation: An elevation gain of 1000’ from the Trailhead

Fitness Level and/or Special Skills Necessary: This hike is possible for beginners, because at any point you can turn around and head back to the trailhead.

Water on the Trail: Carry water on this hike. There is a seasonal spring a little over a mile from the trailhead.

Trailhead/s: Tahoe City North – Turn off Hwy 89 onto Fairway Dr. 0.2 mi W of Hwy 28. Roadside and lot parking near Community Center. No facilities.

Parking is at or near Community Center. There are no facilities, but we are 2 minutes from Tahoe City which has everything one needs.

From Incline Village / East Shore of Lake Tahoe / Carson City
Take 50 till hwy. 28.
Then take 28 into Tahoe City.
At the traffic light go straight onto Hwy. 89.
Make a right after the gas stations (0.2 miles after traffic light) onto Fairway Drive.
Go 0.2 miles and park at or near the community center.
From West / South Shore
Take HWY 89 North to Tahoe City.
At the traffic light go left staying on Hwy. 89.
Make a right after the gas stations (0.2 miles after traffic light) onto Fairway Drive.
Go 0.2 miles and park at or near the community center.
From Truckee / Reno / Auburn / Sacramento / San Francisco
Take Hwy 80 (east or west) to exit 185- toward Squaw Valley / Tahoe City / Lake Tahoe
Take HWY 89 South to Tahoe City.
Before the Tahoe City traffic light & the gas stations go left onto Fairway Drive.
Go 0.2 miles and park at or near the community center.

Hike smart this summer!
• Make sure you carry sufficient water and snacks.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring layers of clothing. The weather changes quickly in the Sierra.
• Wear proper footwear. Take care of your feet to prevent blisters and other foot issues.
• Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected back.
• Carry a cell phone that you can use to call for help, if you get into trouble.
• Pack a simple first-aid kit in your pack.
• Stay within the limits of your ability and let common sense be your guide before and during your adventure.
• Leave no Trace this summer! Follow the LNT 7 principles. Care for our wild places and trails!

Trail Etiquette
• Cyclists yield to hikers and hikers and cyclists yield to equestrians
• Always travel at a safe, controlled speed and alert other trail users as you approach from behind.
• Never approach or harass wildlife or domestic animals on the trail. Please do not feet wild animals. It negative impacts their health and survival.
• Stay on the trail. It’s there for a reason!
• Please do not pick wildflowers. Let everyone enjoy them. Some wildflowers are protected by law, and you could get fined for picking them.