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A moderate hike that delivers big with panoramic views and lots of alpine lakes.


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Map Key

10.4

Miles

16.8

KM

Point to Point

8,802' 2,683 m

High

6,275' 1,913 m

Low

2,541' 775 m

Up

731' 223 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Travel in the area requires a self-serve wilderness permit that cab be issued at the trailhead. No open campfires are allowed in the Desolation Wilderness.

Description

From the trailhead parking, follow the dirt road 14N42 - Meeks Bay Trail Access for about 1.3 miles to where the singletrack begins. On the other side of the the road from a good-sized pond, the trail heads uphill onto the northern reaches of the Tahoe Yosemite Trail (TYT). The climb proceeds steadily before leveling out where it reaches the side of Meeks Creek as it cascades downhill. For just over 1.25 miles, the trail remains within sight of the creek, including through an open meadow near the start.

After the meadow, the climbing returns. At 3.3 miles, a double-log bridge facilitates a crossing over and away from the creek. A short climb up and around a depression brings the trail to a rocky outcropping above Meeks Creek. Just ahead sits Lake Genevieve, the first in a chain of several beautiful alpine lakes. At the intersection, continue along the left side of the lake.

There's a lot to look at for the next few miles as the trail passes Lake Genevieve, Crag Lake, Hidden Lake, Shadow Lake, and Stony Ridge Lake one after the other. Travel will either seem to go quickly because of all the sights, or it may slow because you'll want to do plenty of exploring.

The granite slope looming behind Shadow Lake signals the start of a challenging climb up to Phipps Pass. Several tight switchbacks lead up to Rubicon Lake. The route ahead never gets excessively steep, but it is rocky, narrow, and at times exposed, as it traverses striking granite walls and formations. Sure footwork is required in places.

Around the nine-mile mark, things level out as the trail continues around the summit of Phipps Peak. The western end of the trail zig-zags down though the trees to connect with the Pacific Crest Trail below ( PCT: Echo Lake to Highway 80 (Donner Summit)).

The view below the west side of the summit is worth a look, but most hikers won't want to descend to the PCT if using the Meek's Bay Trail as an out-and-back. If completing as a point-to-point, consider exiting on the Eagle Lake Trail or Granite Lake Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley with improvements by BK Hope and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 9 votes

#11

in Lake Tahoe

#7125

Overall
  4.4 from 9 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#11

in Lake Tahoe

#557

in California

#7,125

Overall
2 Views Last Month
5,724 Since Aug 24, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Perfect reflections on Lake Genevieve.
Mar 3, 2024 near Tahoma, CA
Crag Lake
Mar 3, 2024 near Tahoma, CA
Rocky going on the way up to Phipps Pass.
Aug 24, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
The view heading north on the trail
Oct 5, 2018 near Tahoma, CA
A log bridge helps keep hiker's feet dry as they cross Meeks Creek.
Aug 24, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
Heading up to Phipps Pass on the Meek's Bay Trail.
Aug 24, 2016 near Tahoma, CA

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