Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley Hike

Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley Hike

This does take some coordination and planning ahead as it is best to do a one way shuttle hike. Start by parking one car at Squaw Valley in the main skier parking lot. Then, everyone jumps in the other car for a trip to the start of the hike, Donner Summit. The trailhead starts just past the Sugar Bowl Ski Academy off of Old HWY 40. 

The hike starts out with a rocky stairway switchback path. About a mile in, make sure to continue on the PCT and don’t take the Mt. Judah Loop Trail. Soon you will be on top of Mt. Lincoln feeling like you are on the top of the world with views that go on for miles. From here the trail is clear and the wildflowers are plenty. Pass by Anderson Peak, Tinker’s Knob and Mountain Meadow Lake, a very shallow lake resembling a meadow. Most of the hike stays on or near the crest of the range but there at one point it does dive down into the west side with a tough climb back out. The views, some of the finest in the Tahoe area, are well worth the challenge. 

At about 12 miles into your hike you will get to a junction for the Granite Chief trail. This is where you leave the PCT and head down into Squaw Valley. Now it is down, down, down to the valley floor. The trail is difficult to follow at times but look for the stacked rocks (cairns) as indication you are on the right path. As you are farther down there are many options but no matter which one you follow, you will end up in the parking lot where you left your car at the beginning of the day.
The day will end with 17 miles on your feet, 2,500 feet gained and 4,100 feet descended and a million smiles. There is always the option of après-hike food and drink in the Village at Squaw Valley.

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012