Highlight • Lake
Star Lake
Hiking
5.0
(5)
Running
5.0
(2)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
June 3, 2016
Mountain biking
To experience the breathtaking sunset from here with a view of Lake Tahoe to the North-West either camp near Star Lake's shore or bring a strong light for the mountain bike ride back down Freel Peak Use Trail and Fountain Place Road.
January 18, 2022
Hiking
•
September 26, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Star Lake
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
14.2km
04:18
670m
160m
This segment of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Kingsbury South to Star Lake offers a truly spectacular high-alpine experience, taking you through dense forests of ancient red firs and white pines before opening up to expansive views. You'll navigate challenging granite steps and technical terrain, with rock benches and tight switchbacks, all leading to the serene Star Lake nestled beneath Freel Peak. The journey provides phenomenal panoramic vistas of the Carson Valley and South Lake Tahoe, making the effort well worth it for the scenery alone.
Planning your visit means heading to the trailhead accessible from Kingsbury Grade South, right by the Stagecoach chairlift. This 8.8-mile (14.2 km) hike, rated moderate, involves a substantial 2188 feet (667 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes. Remember that while dogs are welcome on leash, campfires are prohibited at Star Lake, and you'll need to treat any water you collect from natural sources.
This particular section of the Tahoe Rim Trail is notable for reaching some of the highest elevations along the entire route, offering a unique perspective of the Tahoe Basin. Star Lake itself, a key highlight, is not only a beautiful turnaround point but also a popular camping spot, providing a tranquil escape at over 9,000 feet. The trail's demanding nature makes it ideal for hikers seeking a significant physical challenge paired with immense natural beauty.
2
hikers
11.5km
03:42
800m
20m
Hike the Star Lake Trail via High Meadows Trail, a moderate 7.1-mile route with 2627 feet of elevation gain to an alpine lake.
5.0
(2)
15
riders
41.3km
04:21
1,120m
1,120m
The Star Lake and Tahoe Rim Trail Loop offers an incredibly rewarding mountain biking experience, taking you through some of the most stunning high-alpine scenery in the Lake Tahoe area. You'll climb through towering forests and meadows, encountering diverse terrain from smooth granite to technical rock gardens, all leading to the breathtaking Star Lake, nestled below Job's Sister peak. This route is a true test of endurance and skill, promising expansive views of the Sierra Nevada and even glimpses of Desolation Wilderness.
Planning your ride requires careful consideration, as this difficult 25.6-mile (41.3 km) loop with 3676 feet (1121 metres) of elevation gain is best tackled by experienced riders. The trail is one of the last to clear of snow in the spring, so check conditions before heading out. Expect a duration of around 4 hours and 21 minutes, and be prepared for high altitude and the need for self-reliance on this challenging route.
This loop is renowned as one of the toughest and highest elevation sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, making it a bucket-list ride for advanced mountain bikers near South Lake Tahoe. It's often incorporated into even longer, more strenuous routes like the
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,750 m
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