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Dardanelles
Lake
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Dress warmly and in layers
- it may be cold, but you will warm up
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate. High elevation.
ELEVATION GAIN:
800 feet. Net, counting all ups and downs is 1600 ft. Highest
elevation is about 8000 ft.
HIKE DISTANCE:
7.6 miles
GENERAL LOCATION:
US 89 at Big Meadows/Tahoe Rim Trail access - 5 miles south of US 50
toward Hope Valley
DESCRIPTION:
This is a delightful hike, through many mixed conifers and aspens
(think Fall color). At the time of our hike, the aspens
should be
turning. The terrain is varied, through forests and meadows
and
across creeks. This area is the head waters of the Truckee
River,
and there are several stream crossings. The trail starts with
a
crossing of US 89, then heads uphill for about 1/2 mile through some
rocks (including stairs) for a 300 foot gain to Big Meadow.
The
trail is then flat for awhile, before
starting uphill to a saddle. The total elevation gain to the
saddle is about 500 feet. Down from the saddle, the trail is
again fairly flat until a slight rocky climb to Dardanelles
Lake.
The setting of the lake, in a rock bowl, is gorgeous. A
massive
granite cliff rises from the south shore and towers over the lake. At
this
time of year the water has warmed, and swimming is possible.
Those who have done the Showers Lake hike might remember that at the
Lake Tahoe overlook, we also look down on Dardanelles Lake.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:
Two and a quarter hours each way (plus another 15 min or so for
construction delays). One way distance is about 103 miles.
This is a $12 driver donation. If you plan to be a passenger,
please bring correct change. We recommend stopping for dinner at Los
Hermanos at the Pollock Pines exit on the way home. David and Monique will be staying that night in Tahoe, so will not be driving home.
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Dave
Wood/Monique Wood
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE: Pit toilets (phew!) at the trail
head. We will plan to stop at McDonalds in Placerville on the
way (Broadway exit).
PREPARATIONS
FOR HIKE:
PREPARATION FOR HIKE: 1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER
YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2) Bring a copy of your ID
(driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and
phone number with you on the hike.
3) Always bring 2
pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty
hiking boots after the hike. DO NOT get your driver's car
dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
4) Bring lunch and
water. Trekking
poles will` be useful for creek crossings and rock steps.
RISKS:
Creek crossings
QUESTIONS:
Dave/Monique Wood 408-7562
MEETING TIME: 7:15
in the Orchard Creek Parking lot - leaving time is 7:30.
Thunderstorm
threat or rain cancels hike
Prehike
photos (2010)
Driving
Directions
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