Billy’s Hill and Glascock Mountain
Carson Pass to Fourth of July Peak
Ihave written about hiking toĀ Round Top Lake and Winnemucca Lake in a previous post, but I want to revisit the hike from a different way. If you like summer wildflowers, this is absolutely the hike for you.
Instead of starting out at Woods Lake, on this hike you start from Carson Pass, just a few more miles up on Highway 88.
The wildflower display on the trail to Winnemucca Lake, Iām told, is “world renowned.” I donāt know if that’s true, but I can attest to the beauty along the trail to the lake like Iāve never encountered on in the wild before. There is lupine, Indian Paintbrush, and a host of flowers I donāt know the names of, but are blue, purple, yellow and white. Itās an explosion of color, and in all the times Iāve hiked this trail, Iāve seen not only hikers, but photographers out on the trail too. About 1.5 miles in, you get into the wildflower burst. There is some uphill, but itās not bad to this point, so itās more than worth going just for this. If you were to just go to Winnemucca Lake and turn back, the wildflowers alone would make it a five-star day and the lake a bonus. Continue reading “Carson Pass to Fourth of July Peak”
Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail
The Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail is not too often hiked but is a walk with history. As you hike it, itās difficult to imagine how thousands of people in covered wagons made it along this terrain, and this trail isnāt anywhere near other difficult terrain they encountered on their way up Covered Wagon Peak. You wonāt go that far if you turn around where I did, but you can. Continue reading “Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail”
Hiking Big Meadow Trail to Round Lake
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. Continue reading “Hiking Big Meadow Trail to Round Lake”
Hiking Valley Vista Trail
The hike up to Valley Vista Trail can be heart pounding in areas and seemingly level in others while you ascend the entire time. On a clear day while hiking, you can see the Sutter Buttes, portions of the north end of Capay Valley, the Sacramento Valley and the Sierras way out to the east. Continue reading “Hiking Valley Vista Trail”
Stevens Trail Along the American River
The Stevens Trail just outside of Colfax starts off pleasantly as you hike amongst lush greenery on both sides of the trail under the shade from oak tree canopy. The 1400 foot 3.7 mile descent to the American River is gentle, and the traffic sounds of the traffic on Interstate 80 fade into the distance as you venture away from the trailhead. Continue reading “Stevens Trail Along the American River”
Hiking Around Loon Lake
Thereās nothing difficult about hiking this scenic trail along Loon Lake on the Rubicon Trail, which offers picturesque images of the lake if you venture off the forested trail a little bit for the views. Along the way you will hike past granite rocks and hills as the trail is a gateway to Desolation Wilderness. This hike is purely about the scenery and not much of a challenge, as the trail is nicely maintained. Continue reading “Hiking Around Loon Lake”
Hiking The Mount Konocti Trail
