3 Must See Spots to Get You Through the Fall Season
3 Must See Spots to Get You Through the Fall Season in
Lake Tahoe, CA
Enjoy the most beautiful autumn colors and immerse yourself in exquisite scenery in California’s most wonderful mountain town. Welcome to Tahoe in the Fall.
The slow and simplistic season of Autumn has arrived. As we wait in anticipation of the winter wonder and reflect on our recent past summer adventures we can sit back and bask in the cool air and colorful foliage. This is Fall, also known as locals’ summer: the kids have gone back to school, the summer vacations are over and the trail traffic is less. So, take advantage! Get out in the cool crisp air and enjoy! Whether you’ve got an afternoon for a hike with the dog, a full day for an epic climb or a long weekend for camping, you’ll find a trail in Lake Tahoe. So, lace up your boots — here are the three best hikes across Lake Tahoe and Truckee to take in Autumn's colors before winter hides them in powder.
SUGAR PINE POINT
The General Creek Trail is the place to see golden Aspen leaves during the fall and is significant because it was home to the historic 1960 Olympic Cross Country Skiing Trail. The trail begins at the Sugar Pine Point State Park which is ten miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. It is a 4.5-mile loop through aspen lined meadow with moderate elevation gain. Hikers can choose to add another mile to get to Lily Pond. There are intersections of other trails that can take you to Duck Lake and Lost Lake, though those hikes are longer and more strenuous. Because the trail starts in a state park, there will be an entry fee. Leashed dogs are allowed on the General Creek Fire Road (where the trail starts) but not on any un-paved trails.
SAGEHEN CREEK
Up north 89 you will find a wonderland of trails at all difficulty levels. Sagehen creek is a moderate 5-mile there-and-back trail that boasts vivid fall colors. The trail starts on 89 about 7 miles from Truckee. You will find the trailhead tucked away to the right (if heading north from Truckee) immediately after a highway bridge for Sagehen Creek. If you hit the Little Truckee, you’ve gone too far. The trail will follow the creek all the way to the southeast arm of Stampede Reservoir. The trail is great for bringing along youngsters, dogs, and picnics.
PAIGE MEADOWS IN TAHOE CITY
Paige Meadows is a moderate, 5-mile loop with beautiful aspens and is regarded as one of the best places in Tahoe to see fall colors. The trails in this area offer great biking and beautiful hiking. There are a few ways to get here:
1) From Tahoe City go South on the bike path along highway 89 for about a mile until you reach Granlibakken Road. Hang a right on Granlibakken and make your third left onto Rawhide Street. Climb up the fire road at the end of the street and it will lead you up to the meadows.
There are many trails that intersect the meadow, but they will all eventually take you to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Explore the meadows as long as you'd like (taking care to stay off the delicate wet and marshy areas, especially in the early season) and then take a right on the Tahoe Rim Trail to head South back into town.
2) The easiest way to access the meadow from Tahoe City is to take a right off Highway 89 (just before Sunnyside Restaurant) on Pine Avenue. Follow the road until an option to turn right onto Tahoe Park Heights presents itself. Follow the road up the steep hill, turning right on Big Pine and then immediately left on Silvertip Drive. Park at the end of the road and access the trails via the fire road that extends from the end of Silvertip.
Info found at: https://www.wedreambig.com/blog