Bayview Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation: 6,910'/8,440'
Mileage (one-way): 5 miles to Dicks Lake
- Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. Corrals and watering facilities for horses are available at the trailhead. Camping is allowed for 48 hours.
- Offering magnificent views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, this steep trail leads you up the side of Maggie's Peak into Desolation Wilderness. Stop at Granite Lake for a short rest along the way. In 2.7 miles this trail intersects with the Eagle Falls Trail leading you to Dicks Lake and the three Velmas.
Big Meadows to Kingsbury (RIM Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 7,720'/9,800'
Mileage (one-way): 22.3 miles
- From the junction of Highway 89/50 in Meyers, take Highway 89 five miles to the Big Meadows parking lot on the left. There are toilets and parking for trailers here.
- Breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley and the Carson Valley can be seen along this trail. There are three possible water stops along the way. The first is at Tucker Flat, a second near Armstrong Pass and a third at Star Lake.
Brockway Summit to Tahoe City (RIM Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 6,240'/7,800'
Mileage (one-way): 18.5 miles
- Take Highway 267 from Highway 28 on the north shore to a dirt pull-off, just north of a "Leaving National Forest Land" sign (½ mile south of the summit).
- Panoramic views of the High Sierra, the Truckee River Canyon and Lake Tahoe can be seen from this trail. Watson Lake, a small picturesque lake perfect for a base camp, is located 6.5 miles from the trailhead. In the spring, just beyond the lake, beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers can be enjoyed.
Carson Pass to Highway 50 (PCT)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation: 7,380'/8,990'
Mileage (one-way): 13.4 miles
- From the junction of Highway 89/50 in Meyers, take Highway 89 up and over Luther Pass to Highway 88 and turn right. One mile past Carson Pass, turn at the sign that says "Woods Lake." Park in the dirt parking area. Camping is allowed but there are no toilets or water.
- A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) begins on the other side of the highway. Several options are possible from this trailhead. The trail to Showers Lake is 5 miles long, leading through meadows with views of the surrounding mountains. A second trail leads past Meiss Lake to Dardanelles Lake and then into the heart of Meiss country. A third option is the long trip up the PCT to Highway 50 near Echo Summit.
Meeks Bay Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 6,240'/8,880'
Mileage (one-way): 6.3 to Stony Ridge Lake
- Take Highway 89 east from South Lake Tahoe. You will see a sign that says "Meeks Bay." After crossing a short bridge, look for a small cabin on the left and park in the dirt lot by the Desolation Wilderness sign.
- This moderate ride takes you along the northernmost part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek and continues upward into a forested valley. A chain of alpine lakes can be seen before the trail ascends 1,000' up a series of switchbacks leading to Phipps Pass. A wilderness permit is required.