Name: Shirley Canyon Trail
Rating: 4.6

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Features Lake · River/Creek · Waterfall

Overview

This hike is full of highlights - a big waterfall in the first half mile, tons of side streams and big boulders to explore, Shirley Lake, and finally the resort complex of High Camp. You can make this a one-way hike by taking the tram (free in the down direction!).

Need to Know

You can make this hike half as long - and much easier on the knees - by taking the tram down. It's free if you get yourself to the top!

Description

From the end of Squaw Village, follow Squaw Peak Road to it's very end, passing some nondescript ski-area mechanics to the well-signed trailhead. The trail starts here and is quite beautiful right off the bat. Follow blue paint marks on rocks and enjoy the creek, which you'll come quite close to several times before getting to your first waterfall at .3 miles.

Pass another nice waterfall at .8 miles. Many people turn around here, but the trail remains nice all the way to the tram (which you can take down for free!), so pressing on... pass a very steep section up rock slabs and emerge into more open country. The views open up and the flowers here can great in the right season. Enjoy Shirley Lake and then follow a short stretch of more singletrack up to High Camp.