Meeks Bay Trailhead

Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 6240′ / 8880′
Mileage (one way): 4.5 to 8 miles

Trail: This moderate hike takes you along the northern most part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek and continues upward into a forested valley. A chain of alpine lakes can be seen before the trail ascends 1,000 feet up a series of switchbacks leading to Phipps Pass.

Attractions and Considerations: A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Meeks Bay Trailhead.

Directions to Trailhead: Take Highway 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. Parking is located across the highway from the resort at a small dirt parking lot.

Useful Map Information: USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 14 N.

Other Trialheads: Lake Genevieve: 4.6 miles / Crag Lake: 4.9 miles / Hidden Lake: 5.7 miles / Shadow Lake: 5.9 miles / Stoney Ridge Lake: 6.3 miles / Rubicon Lake: 8.1 miles