EMIGRANT & SQUAW PEAKS HIKE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22,
2012
NOTE: This hike has been prehiked to Emigrant Peak, but not Squaw
Peak, but the trails to both peaks are well maintained and easy to follow. For
hikers attending the October Tahoe Getaway, this hike is a good one for
acclimatization to the high elevations of the Tahoe area.
DIFFICULTY:
Strenuous (due to the high elevation)
ELEVATION: Starting elevation (at
High Camp) is 8200 ft., Emigrant Peak is 8700 ft., & Squaw Peak is 8900 ft.,
elevation gain is 600 ft.
Note: Squaw Valley Village where we will meet and
park is 6200 feet, but the Aerial Tram ride goes to 8200 feet.
HIKE
DISTANCE: Approximately 6 miles (in and out, not a loop hike)
GENERAL
LOCATION: Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe
DESCRIPTION: Squaw Valley was the
site of the 1960 Winter Olympics and presently is a well known snow skiing
destination. During the summertime, the area is popular for outdoor activities
of swimming, sunning, skating, and hiking. We will take a ride in the scenic
Aerial Tram (cable car) for a 2000 vertical feet lift from the Valley floor to
High Camp. From there our hiking will start. We will first go to Emigrant Peak
where we will see a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains as
well as Lake Tahoe. The historic Watson Monument is located on the saddle of
Emigrant Peak. From there, we will hike to Squaw Peak, and again we will be
treated to breathtaking views of nearby mountains, Granite Chief Wilderness,
Lake Tahoe, and Squaw Valley. Lunch will be at Emigrant Peak --- unless it is
too windy!
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approximately 2 hours driving
time and 91 miles one way. Return time to Lincoln ---- approximately 5:30
PM.
A donation of $15 is suggested for riders. The charges for the round
trip aerial tram ride are: adults - 64 years & younger = $29; adults - 65
+ years = $22. Tram hours are from 10:40 am to 4:20 pm. We will attempt to
arrive at Squaw Valley Village, buy tickets, use the bathroom, and be ready for
the 10:40 am ride. Driving directions -- see below and print before coming to
the hike, if driving.
HIKE LEADER: Sue Geisler SWEEP:
TBD
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES: Bathroom facilities in the
Aerial Tram Building.
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, water, hiking boots, and
trekking poles, and layered clothing (could be cool and/or windy at the
peaks).
RISKS: High elevation. If you have not done any high elevation
(at least 6000 feet and above) hiking this summer, it is not recommended that
you go on this hike.
RAIN OR FORECAST OF THUNDERSTORMS CANCELS
HIKE.
QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.
MEETING TIME:
7:30 AM --- LEAVING TIME: 7:45 AM
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Drive to
Auburn and continue east on Hwy. 80 to almost Truckee --- exiting at #185/CA -
89 Lake Tahoe (0.2 mile). Take the 1st exit from the roundabout onto Hwy. 89,
going south toward Lake Tahoe (8.4 miles). Turn right onto Squaw Valley Road
(0.5 mile). Bear right to stay on Squaw Valley Road (1.5 miles). Destination
--- Squaw Valley Village parking lot and Cable Car Building.
For more details about Squaw Valley, go to http://www.squaw.com
Sue's cell
phone -- (916) 408-1010
See prehike photos.
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