After a relaxing stop and a zero day in Tahoe it was time to get back on trail. For miles and multiple days after leaving we still had views of Lake Tahoe in the distance. There was also a good bit of snow travel to contend with especially over Dicks Pass. The last day of this segment marked the end of real snow travel.
Headed back to the trail with a shot over Tahoe in the distance.
Echo Lake store - the last stop for treats before heading back into the wilderness- only opened a week or so before we got here due to snow.
Late afternoon start enhanced the scenery
Sunrise luminance and cloud texture
A beaver scurrying across frozen Lake Aloha
Crystal clear and frozen
Feeling strong heading through the snow around Lake Tahoe
The melt is really happening! Wait, is that a creek or the trail?
The wildflowers are starting to thicken up along the sides of the trail.
Off trail descents down slopes like this one were common throughout the Sierras. I am trying to show the steepness here. In the shade the snow freezes over during the night and is treacherous and icy while the snow in the sun softens as soon as the sun hits it.
Lunch overlooking Lake Tahoe in the distance.
Ridge walking in this beautiful section of trail making my way towards Squaw Valley ski area
Skunk cabbage grows thick along the creek banks
Overlooking Squaw Valley ski area
The trail passes under the top of the lift
Ridge walking with some of the most amazing views yet. Snow still clings to north and east slopes but the trail is starting to be mostly snow free!
The view from the top of Sugarbowl Ski area.
Right under the lifts
Sunrise over wildflowers at Donner Pass
Amazing sun over Donner Lake. This area is surrounded with great rock climbing.
One of the two bridges under the interstate at Donner Pass
July 5th--unknown to me at the time, this would be the last day of substantial snow travel since June 4th! Consistently wet feet and constant wayfinding was finally about to be over!
View of the mountains as I neared Sierra City
River gorge headed into town. I'm glad this one had a sturdy bridge across
The tiny town of Sierra City
The Methodist church in town allows hikers to camp in the lot next door and had public bathrooms and showers. A very hiker friendly town to pass through!
The only local eatery...the Red Moose. Full of character and characters.
Getting back to hiking, the trail climbed several thousand feet out of the valley via miles of switchbacks. Thankfully these were well shaded in the afternoon. Next stop would be the tiny resort town of Belden.