2PACE DARDANELLES HIKE WITH GROUP LUNCH

                                        South Lake Tahoe/Hope Valley                 

Thursday, October 17, 2024

A HIKE FOR BOTH MODERATE AND FAST-PACED HIKERS

JOIN YOUR GROUP OF PREFERENCE / ABILITY

MODERATE Pace: Dardanelles Lake (7.6 miles, 1335’)

FAST Pace: Round Lake and Dardanelles Lake (8.5+ miles, 1520’)

Difficulty (Rating):         Moderate/Strenuous for length and elevation to 8000’

Hike Distance:               Moderate Pace:  7.2 miles                           Fast Pace: 8.5 miles

Elevation:                       Start: 7400’/ Highest: 8000’       Gain: Mod: 1335’     Fast: 1520’

Pace:                         Moderate: Regular Pace            Fast Moving Pace: 2.5 miles/hour

Trail Conditions:           Some moderate rocky step-ups, stream crossings (using well-placed rocks--use poles). The trail is mostly dirt with large rocks around the lake areas.

Description:                   Stunning! 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 setting of Dardenelles lake, in a rock bowl, is gorgeous.  A massive granite cliff rises from the south shore and towers over the lake.

                                          The terrain is varied, through forests and meadows and across creeks.  The trail is mostly dirt with some areas of rocks to navigate.  Aspens, shade, views, lakes, ferns, meadow, wide creeks, erratic boulders.

This area is the headwaters 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 a while, before starting uphill to a saddle.  The total elevation gain to the saddle is about 500 feet. 

FAST PACE: At the junction with Dardanelles Trail, the fast group will continue straight along the Tahoe Rim Trail to Round Lake. This trail passes through an erratic rock “garden” of glacial moraine rocks that are really interesting. There is one rocky step-up section but overall, a nice trail. Once we reach Round Lake, we will take some time and then turn around and hike back (ups and downs) to meet up with the moderate group at Dardanelles Lake.

                                          MODERATE AND FAST: Lunch at Dardanelles Lake

Facilities:                        Pit Toilets at the trailhead.

Drive Time/Miles:         2 ¼ hours, 100 miles

Donation:                       $18

Hike Leader/Sweep:    Moderate: Gay Mackintosh, 916-209-3628, mackintoshbg@msn.com

                                          Fast: Lisa Mariotti, 925-323-9982, lkmariotti@gmail.com

Meetup/Leave Time:    Meet 6:30 AM / Leave 6:45 AM

Preparation for Hike:  

·         Being prepared physically as well as having the right equipment makes for a better experience, not only for you, but for your fellow hikers.

·         If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking at high altitude or at a fast pace.

What to Bring:

·         PLENTY OF WATER!  Recommend 2L minimum plus electrolytes. Higher altitudes are dehydrating even when cool.

·         Hiking boots/shoes, hat, sun protection, insect repellant, small first aid kit. Wind/rain jacket always advisable in the mountains. Trekking poles recommended due to lots of rocks.

·         ID (driver's license), health insurance card, and emergency contact / phone number.

·         Extra pair of shoes to change into after hike and a plastic bag for muddy/dusty hiking boots to keep your driver’s car clean.

Hike Route Links:       

AllTrails MODERATE Link: https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/us/california/big-meadow-to-dardanelles-lake-via-tahoe-rim-trail

Alltrails FAST Link https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-august-2-2024-866d90e

Driving Directions

Prehike Photos