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Zach L

Hiked 1/16 on a chilly morning but the sun and steady uphill warmed us up pretty quick. The views begin when you reach the initial saddle (under a mile in) and are pretty consistent throughout the hike. The hike offers some nice vantage points in multiple directions, basically improving on all the views you first experience driving into Chisos Basin.

Hiked this a few weeks ago with friends. We went up the Pinnacles Trail, up to Emory Peak, and then over to the South Rim, and returned via Laguna Meadows. Long day, around 16 miles, but tons of great views. Arguably the views along the South Rim are more enjoyable but from Emory you can see into the Chisos Basin which was really neat. A little bit of scrambling needed to summit either rocky prominence of Emory, not too bad but maybe a bit intimidating for some.

03/31/23

Fairly easy to find the trail head. May have to pay for parking at the newer lots but worth the price of admission to see this giant monkey carved boulder. Trail is a bit steep. Offers an incredible view of Lake Tahoe from the top. Bring lots of water and watch out for mountain bikes that also use this trail.

This trail is medium difficulty. Bring shoes that have a good tread. The lake itself is much bigger in person and during the hot summer is great for a dip after the long hike. Dog friendly.

This is one of the most beautiful bike paths ever constructed. It has stable railing that overlooks Lake Tahoe and has plenty of room for all. Recommended to take this route during the summer at sunset. It has emblemed fish along the path that were out there in honor of the donors who made this bike path a reality.

Go early to snag a parking spot! The trail is not steep and will take about 20-30min to get to the bottom. It has an historic house that is a must to learn about how it was constructed. The beach is somewhat small but offers area of shade in the afternoon and small boulders to jump off of into the water. Pack out what you pack in.

This path is always filled with bicyclist, dog walkers, and runners because it offers views of the wetland birds and has a wide birth for any trekker of this route. It does run next to a main highway but it offers some distance so you do not feel the wiz of the wind rush by you from the traffic.

This loop is ideal to walk during the month of October leading up to Halloween. It is said that some of the tombstones glow. Be careful not to desecrate the graves and enjoy the view of the north side of town as this cemetery sits atop a small mountain.

This is a great spot to swim and paddleboard, only downside is the parking. It’s fun to paddle out to the rocks and climb around or jump off. If you’re feeling more adventurous, park in Incline and bike the lakeside trail to Sand Harbor for a swim.

- The overview is pretty spot on. If you park at the bottom (where the pavement ends) be sure to stay right at the immediate fork, then left at the next to keep on the main road. On our visit 4x4 wouldn’t have been necessary but the road was potholed/rutted so clearance would have been. From here it’s a steady incline up the road to start. If you drive to the base of Castle Pass it’s quite a bit shorter and you’ll jump right into to the main climb of the hike. It’s steep, dusty, and rocky so choose appropriate footwear. If you’ve got time, extend the trip and hike out to Basin Peak too.

03/31/23

- I’ve visited the June Lake beach a few times and it’s a scenic spot to relax and take a break from driving or cool off after hiking. The color of the lake is pretty and the beach is broad, the coarse/gravelly bottom extends out into the lake a ways (so you can gradually wade deeper into the chilly water). The parking area isn’t large but has been adequate on my visits and the restrooms were clean. Grab a kayak or SUP and explore the shoreline!

This route sits above the Truckee River and has some decent views of Northwest Reno. Great to take dogs off leash. We went after some snowfall so it was a bit muddy. There is a drainage ditch that follows a portion of the trail. Would recommend for an afternoon walk as this was not very steep or challenging.

This trail has multiple falls that you can see from the trail that follows its path. This waterfall is a much smaller than the main attraction but the view from the railing is still worth stopping to take a look at the water flowing through. The path to this portion of the trail does start to get skinny so take your time as it is a far tumble down to the river if you have a misstep.

This is a short steep walk to the old historic fire look out. The views do not disappoint. The parking can be limited at the trail head as it is tucked back on a residential road. Dog friendly route. Plenty of sitting bench areas at the top with bathrooms.

The views from the slopes on this mountain never get old. Depending on which ski run you take, you will either see Washoe Valley, Reno or Lake Tahoe. This is considered a easy resort for those who are just started learning how to ride through the mountain of snow. It also has some of the steepest chutes around for the more experienced and adventurous riders. Be on the look out for the adorably fluffy ski patrol team members.

This path follows the Truckee river and winds through downtown Reno. It is stunning in every season but especially in the Fall. Many events after held next to or along this path. Whether it be farmers markets, concerts, art shows, craft booths or even a long line of food trucks. Perfect for a walk with your pet or a bicycle ride.

This hike begins a lot like Clouds Rest as it switchbacks up through the forest between Fairview Dome and Cathedral Peak toward the lakes. Take your time here and don’t let the incline and elevation deter you, the payoff is worth the effort! We did the upper lake first thinking we wanted to get all elevation gain out of the way but either order would be fine. On the upper lake trail you get closer views of Cathedral Peak and which towers over the area. Lower lake is bigger and arguably more impressive, especially because of the meadow with a feeder stream winding through it. Both great places to have a picnic or backcountry camp.

This is a cool little spot to explore, just be cautious finding a route up the sandstone to get to it. The sandstone has colorful layers and swirling patterns and the lighting plays off the walls in photogenic ways. There’s also plenty of graffiti and carving in the walls which isn’t as cool but there are worse places for it (my favorite was the toucan eye on the ceiling). Climb up, look around, take some photos, and clean up after yourself.

Love these beautiful old trees, they’re living artwork. The trail itself isn’t too strenuous but realize you’re at 9,000’+ so everything seems a bit more taxing. There’s a beautiful seasonal visitor center and a shorter Discovery Loop if you’re not up for the longer loop. Excellent views across the valley from White Mountain Road on the way up from 168 as well. Well worth a visit for all ages.

I day hiked this with two friends on 8/29/21 and it was a long, beautiful, magnificent day. The back stretch feels way longer than the posted mileage. We filled up at Trail Camp Pond and still ran out of water at the summit so it was a thirsty walk back to Trail Camp. We left TC at 6pm and the 2.5 hour hike back to the car felt like it took just short of forever. But, we all summited, the weather was perfect, and it was an incredible experience. Also, the next day my calves were incredibly sore…don’t plan too much.

This is a fun hike for kids and adults alike. There’s plenty of rocks to climb on and the backdrop is Mt Whitney and friends. There are a few other (smaller) arches along the loop to find if you’re so inclined. A great stop along 395 to stretch your legs but also a nice destination itself if you’re staying in the area.

Depending how far up the dirt/gravel road you can drive you’re likely to be left with a fairly steep climb up the remaining path to the top. Easy to follow trail, fantastic views, and it’s sort of an adult playground up top. Climb up, on, and around the rock formations and admire the Indian Wells Valley from different vantage points. Behind you is Owens Peak which can be tackled from a parking area further up the road.

Great hike with multiple options from a single trailhead. We climbed up past Granite Lake to Maggie’s Peak and on the return took the trail over to Cascade Falls and back. Trail is a nice steady climb to the saddle above Granite, then a short steep push to Maggie’s. Great views of South Lake and Desolation Wilderness from the summit. Lots of lakes visible from the different viewpoints including Dicks, Azure, Cascade, Fallen Leaf, Granite, Eagle, and others. There’s some free parking along the road across from the Inspiration Point parking lot (which is $10 for 30+ minutes), it probably fills up early but there were openings at 3pm.

Easy to get to and a great place to bring family and friends who are visiting. Short stretch of dirt road beyond the payment to get here but there’s a parking area with restrooms and a paved trail. Especially neat on a cold morning when all the steam is rising off the hot sites.