Hiking is a great way to explore the Sierras mountains around North Lake Tahoe. If you want to get off the beaten path and be a traveler rather than a tourist then take heed. Tahoe is hot and dry in the summer and for this reason there is nothing better than having a nice body of water to splash around in after a hike. Besides the main lake, Lake Tahoe that is, there are many great spots tucked away for a nice swim. The best part is that you don't need permits for any of the following.
Hike up to Mount Judah on the famous Pacific Crest Trail which runs all the way from Oregon to Mexico. (Take Donner Pass Rd. up towards Sugarbowl Ski Resort. Before Sugarbowl, turn left into the parking lot for the Ski Academy. Follow that road about 50 yards back to the Mt. Judah trail-head.) Continue to Tinker's Knob across Anderson Ridge, a narrow saddle that offers amazing views of Donner Lake and wildflowers in the spring. You'll feel like you're soaring like one the hawks you'll most likely see gliding out past the ridge! Afterward, take a flying leap off one of the docks on Donner Lake to cool down.
For the serious hiker you can start at the Mt. Judah Trail-head and hike all the way to Squaw Valley. This will take all day so start early. It is 16 miles with big elevation changes--you will need to bring lots of water. If you're up for it, it's an amazing hike taking you through different environments and varied scenery; you'll feel as though you are covering much more terrain than you actually are--you might even feel like a member of Lord of the Rings!
Another favorite hike of mine is the one to Shirley Lake. Bring a small picnic; it's a cute spot for one.(From Truckee, take Hwy 89 South and turn right onto Olympic Valley Rd. towards Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Just head straight toward their fire station and park the car. Then take the Shirley Lake Trail-head.) What is unique about this hike, aside from being rarely frequented, is that much of it is on exposed rock so you feel like you are mountain climbing. Don't worry--you don't need ropes, just pay attention to the painted arrows on the rock leading the way. You probably won't want to swim in this lake as it's pretty murky but be sure to cool off in one of the natural pools that form in the rocks from the freshly melted snow. Dry off next to this mountain stream by basking in the sun on the hot rocks like one of the native lizards.
If you're feeling like an explorer, try Five Lakes Trail. Short, but steep, it makes for a great leg work out, and the reward is a nice cooling dip at the top.(Turn right off of Hwy 89 onto Alpine Meadows Rd, then continue to a small pullout on your right. There is a wooden sign that marks the trail-head.) The beginning of the trail is the most difficult with lots of switchbacks, but the thrilling middle section on the granite rock is worth it. At the top you will enter Granite Chief Wilderness, a shady forest which attempts to conceal most of the five lakes(there is an obvious one you'll see just to the left of the trail). Have fun exploring or head straight for my favorite. Make a sharp left off of the trail when you've reached the covering of the forest keeping the obvious lake on your right. Cross over the fallen tree and voila, you've come to your own private natural swimming pool!
Two words: Water and Sunscreen!
(You are responsible for educating yourself to the precautions and dangers associated with hiking. I take no responsibility.)
This guide to Tahoe hiking adventures was brought to you by Cara Baker.