Easy To Moderate
These hikes can be enjoyed by friends and families. Please note that
they do involve some uphill walking. All listed mileage is one way.
- High Camp Loop (approximately 1 mile)
This gentle trail begins at High Camp, traverses
the ridge to the top of the Links Chairlift.
Hikers then loop down through the upper mountain’s
spacious open bowls to High Camp. During the winter this area serves
as Squaw Valley’s beginner ski and
snowboard slopes.
- High Camp to the top of the Gold Coast Chairlift (approximately
1 mile)
Follow the High Camp Loop trail past the Links chairlift and continue
until you reach the Gold Coast lift. This trail offers views of Lake
Tahoe, the surrounding mountains and the meadows below.
- High
Camp to the top of the Newport Chairlift
(approximately 1.5 miles, 460’ elevation
gain)
Follow the trail from High Camp about a 1/2 mile past the Gold
Coast Chairlift to the top of the Newport Chairlift located beneath
the towering Palisades. In the winter the Palisades is a favorite cliff
area for extreme skiers and snowboarders.
Moderate to Difficult
- High
Camp to the top of the Emigrant Chairlift
(approximately 1.5 miles, 500’ elevation
gain)
This trail offers a stunning 360 degree view of Lake Tahoe
and surrounding mountains from the top. The historic Watson Monument
is located near the top of the chairlift.
- High
Camp to the top of Squaw Peak (approximately
2.2 miles, 600’ elevation gain)
Follow the trail from High Camp, past the Gold Coast lift and
continue up to the top of the Palisades for a view of the Granite Chief
Wilderness and Squaw Valley below.
- High
Camp to Shirley Lake & down Shirley
Canyon (approximately 4 miles)
This is a great half day hike through a mountain canyon that passes
by waterfalls and spectacular granite boulders. Hikers begin on either
the Shirley Lake trail (a dirt road) or the Solitude trail (a narrower
single track trail). Once the trails meet and you reach Shirley Lake
hikers can either hike back up to High Camp and ride the Cable Car down
or hike down the canyon. Please Note: This trail may sometimes be hard
to follow, so remember the general rule is to keep the creek on your
left side and follow it down until you arrive at the base of the mountain.
There are also some steep sections to negotiate through the granite
so hiking boots are strongly recommended.
PLEASE HIKE WITH CARE!
Squaw Valley USA offers friends and families many excellent hiking options
for a fun day on the mountain. Following are some tips and a few rules
to ensure that you have an enjoyable mountain experience.
- Please
respect Squaw Valley USA’s beautiful
natural environment by observing all signs
and staying on designated trails and roads.
Do
not cut switchbacks. Stay out of any construction
or roped off areas.
- Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Many of the mountain trails traverse
rugged terrain.
- Carry along plenty of water (never drink directly from a stream)
and a snack or energy bar.
- Squaw’s
mountain environment is prone to sudden
weather and temperature changes so please
carry adequate clothing.
- To prevent sunburn always use sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses
for protection from the high altitude rays.
- In case of an emergency, dial 0 from a phone at the base of our lifts
or have a Squaw Valley team member contact an EMT.
- Squaw Valley USA welcomes dogs in the Cable Car and on the hiking
trails. Leashes required.
- Please do not hike alone. Outdoor adventures are fun for the family,
but hiking is only a group activity.
- While hiking please keep an eye out for Squaw Valley maintenance vehicles
and mountain equipment working on resort lifts and facilities.
- Please stay off chairlifts and towers. During our summer maintenance,
lifts may be started without warning.
- Seek shelter during thunderstorms. Stay off ridge tops and away from
tall trees, lift towers, and large rock outcroppings, as they can attract
lightning strikes.
- No smoking, please. The fire danger in this area
is very high during the summer.
Keeping Things Green
Squaw
Valley has an environmental improvement department
devoted specifically to projects such as
erosion control, revegetation (incorporating
the use
of natural grasses and wildflowers) and the
implementation of Best Management Practices
(BMP’s) for construction projects.
We
recognize the importance of stewardship in
managing the forest and vegetation that support
ecosystems and allow for public recreation
opportunities.
As you explore the far reaches of Squaw Valleys
mountains and valleys you might notice areas
that are roped off or that appear to have
been
freshly seeded or planted. These are examples
of efforts to improve the mountain’s
natural vegetation, riparian areas, and wetlands,
all of which contribute positively to water
quality. The Valleys forested
and revegetated land absorbs rain, refills
underground aquifers, cleanses water, slows
winter runoff, reduces flooding, and overall,
sustains watershed
stability and resilience.
Please
respect our natural environment and avoid
disturbing these areas. For more information
about all of Squaw Valley’s Environmental
Improvement Initiatives, please click here.
Have a great day on the mountain!
