Hiking
Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp and choose from a variety of trails (maps available from Guest Services). Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak, visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak, or meander through the meadows covered with wildflowers, and enjoy the panoramic views afforded from Squaw's spacious upper mountain.
Hiking Trails
All listed mileage is one way.
Easy To Moderate
- 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.
Hike with Care
Squaw Valley offers guests 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’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.
- 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.
Dogs
You are welcome to bring your dog with you on your hike at Squaw Valley. Please be sure to bring a leash as all dogs must be leashed while riding in the Aerial Tram and inside any buildings or facilities. There is no charge for dogs on the Aeria Tram. Once at High Camp, your dog is welcome on the hiking trails, however, dogs are not permitted at the roller skating rink and pool, nor in any restaurants. We ask that you use your best judgment in leashing them on the trails.
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.
Have a great day on the mountain!
