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MapSnaps TM TrailPhoto Guide - W. Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake Trail
SETTING: Eagle Lake Trail is
located right on the edge of the
famous Emerald Bay on the
southwest side of Lake Tahoe. Its
quick proximity makes it a very
popular and easy to access trail.
It is short, scenic, and ends at
Eagle Lake, which makes it an
excellent starter trail for those
who want a quick sample of the
Lake Tahoe area wilderness.
FEATURES:
DIRECTIONS: (Trailhead is located near black star symbol on map)
* Difficulty Rating - Easy
From Sacramento on US 50 east: Follow US Highway 50 east from
* Scenic Value - 9 out of 10 Sacramento, approximately 108 miles, coming into South Lake Tahoe
(pass by the first turnoff for Hwy. 89 on your right near Meyers,
* Best Seasons - Summer/Fall
continuing on Hwy. 50). Reach the main junction of Hwy. 50, which
continues into S. Lake Tahoe, and Hwy. 89 which goes north from the
(Winter/Spring: snow covered).
stoplights, and bear left on Hwy. 89, the Emerald Bay Road. Continue on
Hwy. 89 north past a commercial strip and Camp Richardson, then climb
above Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay. Pass Inspiration Point, then shortly
after at approximately 8.5 miles from S. Lake Tahoe, reach the paid
parking area for Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail on your left.
From Truckee on I-80 east: Exit onto Hwy. 89 south near Truckee,
following along the Truckee River to Tahoe City in about 14 miles. Turn
right on Hwy. 89, and go approx. 18 miles south to Emerald Bay.
From Reno, NV on I-80 west: Take I-80 to Truckee (34 mi.), and exit
onto Hwy. 89 south. Follow the instructions from Truckee, above.
A
P
B
C
D
E
F G
I H
J
K
F G J
H I K
D E
C
B
A
MapSnapsTM TrailPhoto Guide - W. Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake
. Approx.
Trail
Mileage
* The Eagle Lake Trail starts
from parking areas along the
road next to Emerald Bay. -
From the west side of the
road, the trail begins from a
picnic area pull off. In a Photo
short while, views of craggy A
peaks catch early rays of the
morning sun, as seen in
Photo A. Proceed along, .12 mi.
heading gradually upward.
* Photo F shows a - -
perspective on this
rockbound ridge, again -
showing typical terrain in the
vicinity of the Tahoe
shoreline.
Photo
G
.85 mi.
* Leaving the previous perch, a flat stretch is followed by a climb along some bush lined trail, then up
through a small tree-lined canyon trail with a stream to its side. In Photo G, looking back down the
trail, the morning sun provides full illumination of the towering mountain beyond, contrasting sharply
with the shaded forest that frames the trail.
MapSnapsTM TrailPhoto Guide - W. Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake
Approx.
Trail
Mileage
* From the same location as
the previous page, turn now
-
looking forward along the
trail. A different, more basic
rock face now becomes Photo
visible, with less of the sharp H
sawtooth erosions and a
smoother appearing surface.
Mostly rock in sight, but still .85 mi.
some shadowed evergreens
around the edges.
-
Photo I - Looking south across Eagle Lake
MapSnapsTM TrailPhoto Guide - W. Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake
Approx.
Trail
Mileage
* Coming back from your
short detour to the right side
-
of the lake, the trail
continues until it reaches a
small fork. The main trail Photo
continues along on the left J
fork, while a spur trail goes
down to the Eagle Lake
shoreline. Take this trail to 1.05
the lake. mi.