As I wrote in the Big Meadow to Round Lake summary, if you like hiking through meadows like I do, then this hike through Big Meadow is absolutely for you.
The hike starts off at the trailhead parking lot just off Highway 89 on Luther Pass, which is part of the larger Tahoe Rim Trail. You hike a pleasant .1 a mile before you come upon Highway 89 and have to cross it. Listen for traffic, as you should be able to hear it before you can see it coming around the corners from both directions.
Once you make it across the highway, you start a climb on a well defined trail through the rocky forest as you climb .06 miles up to Big Meadow. Along the way, take in the sounds of flowing Big Meadow Creek, the wildflowers along the trail, the pine trees and chipmunks running here and there.
The trail runs through a thicket and a small bridge that crosses a creek as you head toward Big Meadow. The trail through the meadow is about .3 miles long surrounded by mountains and trees. Before entering the meadow, stop and take in its pure vastness.
Once you make it to the other side of the meadow, you enter the forest again and climb for a mile. It’s not a difficult climb but rather constant. Along the way, in the early summer, purple, red and yellow wildflowers dot the trail in places, and butterflies abound.
Once you make it to the top, continue down to a fork in the trail about 2.4 miles in, and turn right. From there, if the water is flowing, you will have up to three streams to cross. Trekking poles can come in handy here to help you balance yourself, especially if certain rocks are above water and you don’t want to fall in. If you don’t mind getting your feet wet, you might want to bring an extra pair of socks for when you’re done crossing back. I also once saw a bear on this trail and came across bear scat.
On your way, you will eventually hike over granite, and the lake will suddenly come into view with a large granite cliff dropping down that meets the lake to the south, and to the north are more granite mountains. Upon first sighting the lake, for some it is breathtaking.
Enjoy the lake, have lunch, explore the granite shores where you can. If you go on a weekend, or during the summer, you might also come across people camping there. It really is a spectacular lake and much worth the hike.
The main trail to Dardanelles Lake (Tahoe Rim Trail) before the turn off is also used by horseback and mountain bike riders. The vast majority of the mountain bikers encountered on the trail are respectful and cautious of others, but I did have one kamikaze mountain biker fly up on me. I’m not sure what she ran over, but it crunched when she did, and if I hadn’t of heard that, the day would not have ended good for either of us. I barely had time to jump out of her way from the time I heard the sound behind me and when she passed me. Just keep your awareness up when you’re hiking and listen for the sounds around you.
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, take Highway 89 South toward Luther Pass. Follow it until you come to the Big Meadow Trailhead sign and turn here: 38.789619, -119.999513. Once off the highway, follow the road to the parking area here: 38.789436, -120.000183.
The Skinny
Trail: Big Meadow to Dardanelles Lake
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.788500, -120.000812
Trailhead Elevation: 7313 Feet
Distance: 7.2 Miles – Out and Back
Level of Difficulty: 🟡
Average Grade: 4.1%
Steepest Grade: 9% for one mile
Ascension: 1309 Feet
Trail Condition: 🟢🟢🟢🟢
Scenery: 🟢🟢🟢
Nearest Town: South Lake Tahoe
Challenges: High Temperatures
Traffic: 🥾 on Weekdays, 🥾🥾 to 🥾🥾🥾 on Weekends
Highlights: Views, Wildflowers
Best Time: Summer
Hazards: Exposure
Wildlife Concerns: Black Bears, Mountain Lions, Mosquitos
Cell Service: 📵 (AT&T)
Would I Do This Hike Again?: Yes
Parking: Free
Restrooms: Vault toilets in the parking lot