Described as the quintessential Tahoe peak, I had this hike on my to do list for quite some time.  Then I heard people talking about it at work and I knew I definitely had to do it.  Since coming to Auburn it has sparked some inner wild hiking beast in me that I never knew I had.  Using the 60 hikes within 60 miles Sacramento book as a motivational guide of sorts, I set out to do as many hikes in my 3 month (which became 9 month, intermittent stint in Auburn).  I planned to end my Auburn hiking bonanza on a high note with this potentially fantastic hike, barring the elements, or broken bones, this hike could be epic.

The ravers were right.  This hike starts out with some pretty fabulous views of South Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake.  What’s better than one lake view? well two!

Then it wraps around the mountain in numerous cutbacks up to Floating Island Lake.

Then more rocky-ish incline to cathedral lake… Beautiful and pristine. A great place to stop for a snack.

Take this time as a good rest period as after this it’s straight uphill cutbacks over rocky terrain.

Ankle breakers left and right.  Stay off your phone unless you want a fractured ankle and a pricey helicopter rescue.  I’ve never used them but I think hiking poles would have been helpful. It goes up and up and up and I swear I felt like Reese Witherspoon in Wild.  All I needed to do was throw my hiking shoes down the side of the mountain…

After more rocky ascents you finally summit at 3,159 feet to the most beautiful 360 degree view.

Btw. The wasps and the chipmunks up here are fearless.  One chipmunk was basically in my camelback attempting to pick pocket some cashews.  Not a single sole at the summit except for little ‘ol me for about 30 minutes. I started my hike at 0800 and summited at 1100.  I suggest you plan your day well, I would pick a weekday and early morning if you enjoy solitude.  The views are amazing and definitely worth the trek up.  The trek down is only slightly quicker but only after you do the treacherous rocky downhill.

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”