Lake Tahoe Backpacking & Hiking
Lake Tahoe California
July 27 - August 3, 2019
Co-Trip Leaders: Nanette Eshelman, Will Eshelman and Diane Osborn
Type of Trip: Backpacking/Hiking
Trip Cost/Deposit: $625/$313 + Airfare
Cancellation Date and full payment: April 25, 2019
Wilderness Level: 4 Very high risk with EMS more than 1/2 day away
Trip Difficulty: Rugged rocky surface – 10 miles daily with 5000 total elevation gain
Group Size: 10/7 Maximum/Minimum
High School Youth with Adults okay
Discover the Crown Jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America on this combination day hike and backpacking trip. A hike to the summit of Mt. Rose at 10, 764 ft. will have views of Lake Tahoe, waterfalls and if lucky, waves of butterflies at the peak. Backpacking into the Desolation Wilderness will take us along alpine lakes and afford breathtaking views of the night sky. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps in sections so we can add that to our hiking resume! Day hikes and driving tours will allow us to see the highlights of Lake Tahoe, including Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls, and Sand Harbor. Optional activities may include the Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor, kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Tahoe or a ride on the cable car to High Camp at Squaw Valley, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Other side trips will take us to Donner Pass and a 5 mile jaunt on the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking will be at higher elevations so the pace will be moderate, but with considerable exertion and granite trails will challenge hikers not accustomed to rocky paths. Tough feet or trusted hiking shoes required. This will be bear country so our packs for the backcountry will have the added bear canister. Sun protection will be needed for our hikes across open areas in the Desolation Wilderness. Practice hikes prior to our trip will take us to the Knobstone Trail and a regiment of exercise including stair steps, leg weights or hilly hikes is suggested.
Trip fee includes lodging at State Park Campgrounds, backcountry sites, 2 evenings in a hotel or similar setting, vehicle rental in California, four meals on the trail, backcountry permits and miscellaneous supplies. Transportation to and from California as well as meals in towns and on the road are at participants’ expense
All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.