Fall Hikes: Get out there!
Here at Lake Tahoe, once the crowds dwindle after Labor Day, it’s time to start thinking about fall colors. The best way to see the shining yellow and oranges of autumn is to put on your hiking shoes and go out for a stroll. Here are four of my favorite hikes that with not much effort will take you through the groves of aspens that our the highlight of the season:
Page Meadows
This series of six meadows on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe is always a great bet for fall colors. Easy access is available from the end of Silver Tip Drive at the outer edge of the Talmont Estates development. A great feature is that the different orientation of the meadows leads to different time periods for colors. While one meadow is still surrounded by leaves of green, the next is fully into orange mode. In other words, if you miss one peak of color, you might be able to catch another one.
Ward Canyon
The Tahoe Rim Trail between Ward Canyon and Twin Peaks is a paradise in the fall. The hike begins gently following Ward Creek, and then starts to climb steadily as the views of the peaks and the aspens get better. Keep hiking to catch a glimpse of McCloud Falls and the Pacific Crest ridgeline.
Sagehen
The easy hike along Sagehen Creek, about 8 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89, is a popular spot for springtime wildflowers, but the last mile before reaching Stampede Reservoir is also a prime spot to enjoy the colors of fall.
Spooner Lake/Marlette Lake
To get perhaps the best color bang for the least amount of hiking buck, get in the car and drive to where Highway 28 and Highway 50 come together on Spooner Summit. Take a left on Highway 50 towards Carson City and head to the TRT trailhead on the left in about 3/4 of a mile. Follow the trail down to Spooner Lake which is surrounded by aspens. Want more? Hike the four mile trail up to the shore of beautiful Marlette Lake, where an extravaganza of yellow and orange awaits.