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 Big Meadow 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.
Once you make it across the highway, you start a climb on a well defined trail through a rocky forest as you climb .6 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 the 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 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 in areas along the trail.
After you make it to the top, you’re about a mile from Round Lake, and when you finish the descent, you’ll come to a fork with a marker. Continue on to Round Lake, which is 1.6 miles from the marker. As you hike on, it may seem like it’s more than .6 miles, and then Round Lake appears. And on a hot day, a breeze coming off the lake can feel refreshing.
Once you get to the lake, there is an offshoot trail along the north side. Follow it and take in the beauty of the water, the granite rocks and the wildflowers that grow around it. The trail eventually terminates, but there are plenty of places either on the shore or back in the trees to sit and take in the lake and the area. The only issue I had were the mosquitos. Once you’ve enjoyed the day, turn back to the main trail and head to the parking lot.
The trail 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 and when she past 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 Round 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: Vaulted toilets in the parking lot