Monday, July 25, 2016

#6 Hiking Around Reno/Tahoe


June 25th

Today's hike has to be labeled "most scenic".  It's the "Tunnel Creek loop" of the Tahoe Rim Trail on the Eastern ridge of Lake Tahoe.  The actual length is about 23 miles ending up at Spooner Summit, but we chose to only do a portion (6 miles total).  You start in the Tahoe Meadows off Hwy 431 for a walk in the woods.  Veer to the right and begin an ascent which is not really strenuous but will get your blood pumping until you reach the highest point on the ridge (around 8800 ft).  You are immediately rewarded with one of the prettiest views and for the hike along this ridge the views are king!

It might be worth mentioning that this trail is frequented by mountain bikes also, however they are limited to odd number days only.   Even though hikers have the right of way we normally pull to the side to let them pass especially if they are headed uphill!  It has to be hard to gain your momentum on a bike.

The trail skims the top of the mountaintop and winds around through the forest so there's always a chance of welcome shaded areas.   You even pass over a few creeks along the way!  The trail is littered with car size granite boulders, occasional wild flowers and spectacular views at every turn.  

I will do this again in it entirety perhaps in two days, splitting it up near the Tunnel Creek cafe.

It's hard to tell from the picture but these sure look like mountain lion prints!



 Views of the lake

Beautiful meadow




Tuesday, July 5, 2016

#5 Hiking Around Reno/Tahoe




DRY POND VIA THOMAS CREEK TRAIL

What a difference hiking shoes make?  No more smashing toes as I head down the trail!  I "tested" them out on the way to Dry Pond via the Thomas Creek trail recently.   We set out on a crisp cool morning on a trail off Timberline Road.  The trail runs parallel to the Whites Creek trail which also ends up at Dry Pond completing a loop.

If ever there was a "perfect hike", this would be it.  The weather was mild, the trail was a nice blend of strenuous climbing in spots, but mostly shaded, an easy meandering trail with many switchbacks.  It begins hugging the creek with plenty of places for an impromptu picnic.  In some spots it looks like something from the Shire with dried cave-like looking reeds.  Along the length of creek is an occasional mini waterfall, wildflowers including edible wild garlic.  It's easy to see why there could be deer, bear and mountain lions in this habitat.  Wildlife smorgasbord.  I just don't want to be their main entree!

At mile marker approximately 1.5 miles the trails says goodbye to the water and rises back and forth until you reach the summit or Dry Pond area.  Grab a seat on a downed log, relax, have lunch and take in the beauty.  There's plenty of it!  You can continue the loop back or just turn around and retrace your steps, which is what we did.

We will definitely walk this trail again.   I can't wait to return in the Fall, should be ablaze with color this year!


Lion, cougars and bears, oh my!

Cool pools

View of Truckee meadows from one of many switchbacks.

The summit - Dry Pond

Photo op


I know he wants to put his feet in the water!