Top Adventures in Olympic Valley
Backpack Granite Chief (2 Days)
Heading out on the Granite Chief Trail, you'll start with a challenging 3.5 mile hike to meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail. During this part of the trek, you'll gain approximately 2,000ft. The good news is that most of this hike is forested, so...
14 miles
Hike the Thunder Mountain Trail
The Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Squaw may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski ru...
3.2 miles
2000 ft gain
Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail
This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash.
Photos: Martin Hapl and Timothy
3.6 miles
2109 ft gain
Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes
This hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill.
Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts...
6 miles
1000 ft gain
The Five Lakes Hike
The Five Lakes Trail is located in the Granite Chief Wilderness in between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley ski resorts and is easily accessible at the intersection of Alpine Meadows and Deer Park roads. The 5-mile moderate trail ascends approxima...
Ski Outer Outer Limits at Alpine Meadows
Starting off of Lakeview chair at Alpine Meadows, head to the far right towards the sign for Outer Limits run. Traverse across the run and past the Ski Area Boundary signs on the far side. Continue through the trees where you will find a series of...
Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry
This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge...
Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach
A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically s...
Camp at William Kent Campground
William Kent Campground is a few miles south of Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe's western shore. Access to the lake is just a short walk from the campground. The campground provides bathrooms, campfire rings, a trash dump station, firewood vendor, grills...
6282 ft gain
Relax at Kaspian Campground
Kaspian Campground is a short walk from the shores of Lake Tahoe, less than 10 miles from popular Meeks Bay. The campsites are relatively private and are surrounded by pine and fir trees. Each campsite has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The...
6298 ft gain
Hike to Eagle Rock
Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the e...
1.5 miles
250 ft gain
Short Hike at Donner Lake
This is a super relaxed hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native AmericansPark at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park V...
3.5 miles
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Truckee, California
Goose Meadows
Overview Goose Meadow Campground is located along the Truckee River adjacent to Highway 89, about half-way between Tahoe City and Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and hiking opportu... -
Tahoe City, California
William Kent Campground
Overview William Kent Campground is conveniently located on Lake Tahoe's west shore, a few miles south of Tahoe City. It straddles the highway and features not only a large area in which to camp, b... -
Truckee, California
Granite Flat (California)
Overview Granite Flat Campground is located between the Truckee River and Highway 89, just one mile from Truckee and a short distance from Tahoe City. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and hi... -
Homewood, California
Kaspian Campground
Overview Kaspian Campground is located in a mature forest of pine trees overlooking the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Campers will be nestled in a sparse forest of pine trees and evergreen shrubs, just min... -
Unnamed Road
Lakeside (Truckee)
Overview Lakeside Campground is located on the picturesque Prosser Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, just 10 minutes north of Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, canoeing, fishi... -
Truckee, California
Alpine Meadows Campground
Overview Located close to Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Reno, Martis has a beautiful, peaceful campground off the beaten path. Martis Creek area features hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and catch a...
