Free Guided Hikes on the Tahoe Rim Trail feature Wildflowers, Birds and Astronomy
Posted on June 18, 2011
Filed Under Mountaineering
You can’t beat the views, invigorating fresh air and camaraderie as you hike the famous Tahoe Rim Trail that encircles Lake Tahoe along the crest.
From wildflower and birding hikes and even a family astronomy hike, join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for free guided hikes this summer.
June 25th – Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers Series – 8am start
Spooner Summit South Trailhead
Distance: 10 miles, Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
“Spooner Summit to South Camp Peak”. This fairly steep, difficult hike follows the Tahoe Rim Trail for 10 miles. The trail switchbacks upward through open forests and previously burned and logged trees to reveal panoramic views of Lake Tahoe upon arrival at South Camp Peak. Join us for great exercise and great photo ops! This hike begins at Spooner Summit South Trailhead at 8 AM.
June 30th – Family Astronomy Hike at Tahoe Meadows 7:45pm start
Distance: 1.2 miles, Difficulty: Easy
This easy, 1-2 mile nighttime hike through Tahoe Meadows focuses on exploring the mysteries of the night sky. This is a family friendly hike designed to introduce families to fun topics including stars and constellations. This hike begins at the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead at 7:45 PM.
Sunday, July 3rd – Birding in the Meadows –7:30am start
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) and the Lahontan Audubon Society (LAS) are sponsoring this easy hike (1-2 miles) through verdant meadows. Enjoy a profusion of birds and wildflowers as the group searches for species such as Mountain Bluebird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Dusky Flycatcher, and Pine Grosbeak in Tahoe’s flower-covered alpine meadows. This hike will begin at 7:30am in Page Meadows. This is a popular trip so please register early as space is limited.
Saturday, July 9th – Grandma, Grandpa & Me Hikes –10am start
This hike will actually happen in two locations – at the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead at 10am on the North Shore and 10am at the Big Meadows Trailhead on the South Shore. This is a great opportunity to share an easy wilderness experience and your love of the outdoors with your grandchild. Guides will introduce the children to some environmental principles, such as animal and plant adaptations, habitat protection, and the food chain. They’ll also cover wilderness safety and Leave No Trace. This hike is appropriate for 4 – 13 year olds.
Saturday, July 9th – Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers Hiking Series –“Castle Rock”
Hike the awe-inspiring Tahoe Rim Trail over rolling terrain, with many vistas of the mountains and Lake Tahoe along the way to Castle Rock. This hike will begin at 8am at the Kingsbury Grade North Trailhead.
Saturday, July 16th – Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers Hiking Series – “Dardanelles Lake”- 8am start
The trail will follow a winding moderate climb up thru the forest until we reach Big Meadow, an open level meadow with beautiful mountain views. The rolling trail continues until we cross a couple of shallow creeks and reach our final destination of Dardanelles Lake, a scenic lake with a backdrop of striking cliffs. You will stop for a rest at this beautiful alpine lake. This eight mile hike begins at 8am at the Big Meadows Trailhead.
Saturday, July 23rd – Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers Hiking Series – “Echo Lakes” – 8am start
Hikers will travel from the Echo Summit North Trailhead to the Desolation Wilderness Boundary on this 10.6 mile hike where you’ll hike some ups and downs, trek past spectacular granite formations and enjoy the deep blue surface of Lower and Upper Echo Lakes to the Desolation Wilderness boundary where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Echo Lakes below.
Sunday, July 24th – Birds, Views and Falls -7am start
The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA), and the Lahontan Audubon Society (LAS) are sponsoring this moderately difficult hike (6.5 miles) from the Mount Rose Trailhead to Galena Falls in search of late summer birds and spectacular scenery. You will take time to enjoy the birds and soak in great views before arriving at Galena Falls and the surrounding alpine meadows. Possible avian participants are Green-tailed Towhee, Clark’s Nutcracker, Mountain Bluebird, and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Bring water, sunscreen, and a sack lunch. This hike will begin at 7am at the Mount Rose Trailhead.
Wednesday, July 17th – Lake of the Woods Hike -8am start
You’ll start by skirting the Lower and Upper Echo Lakes, then climb towards Haypress Meadows to discover the wildflowers. We dip down to Lake of the Woods, past a community of Sierra Star Tulips, for lunch. This is a great way to spend a summer day! This 10 mile hike begins at 8am at Lower Echo Lakes.
Saturday, July 30th – Vistas, Lakes and Wildflowers Hiking Series – “Barker Pass”- 8am start
Not only will you enjoy some great vistas and wildflowers on this hike, but you will also learn how TRTA Trail Builders build and maintain this incredible trail. This is a hike with a “hands-off” trail building lesson! This 3.5 mile hike will begin at 8am at the Barker Pass Trailhead.
Three Peaks in Three Weeks Hike Series – Do you want to bag some big peaks this summer? This is your chance! Allow experienced guides to lead you to the top of Mt. Rose, Mt. Tallac and Freel Peak. Register now, and keep your fingers crossed that the snow melts fast!
Friday, July 15th – Mt. Rose – After a quick peak at Galena Falls, you’ll continue on for our strenuous 2.5 mile ascent of Mt. Rose. Along the way, enjoy extraordinary views and some unique wildflowers. This nine-mile hike will begin at the Mt. Rose Parking Plaza and Trailhead at 7am.
Friday, July 22nd – Freel Peak – You will traverse up and down past heavily gnarled junipers then start a switchback through thinly forested slopes, past massive granite formations, with outstanding views of the Crystal Range. You will also cross three spring fed creeks that support brilliant wildflower displays, if the timing is right. The final mile is a very strenuous 1150 foot climb with a payoff: a spectacular 360 degree view. This 10.4 mile hike will begin at 6:30am at the Big Meadows Trailhead.
Friday, July 29th – Mt. Tallac - On the first, level 1.5 mile, we trudge over large gravel/boulders. At a junction for Grass Lake, you’ll turn northward and climb steadily over talus-covered trail that meets the TRT after about 2 miles. You and your group will visit Gilmore Lake and climb up Mt. Tallac. Enjoy wildflowers and a gradually emerging view of Desolation Wilderness and beautiful Lake Tahoe. This 11.6 mile hike begins at 7am at the Glen Alpine Trailhead.
Pre-registration is required for all hikes. Full moon hikes require TRTA membership. For more information or to sign-up for these hikes call the TRTA office at (775) 298-0012 or email programs@tahoerimtrail.org.
