Heavenly Resort Hiking – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

Many agree that Heavenly Ski Resort is some of the best skiing in Tahoe, and when the snow melts, there’s still plenty to do on the mountain. Heavenly features three handsome hiking trails, varying in mileage and degrees of difficulty, and each departs from the top of Heavenly Gondola’s Adventure Peak. The trails include beginning, intermediate, and advanced options, and each is sure to bring you exercise and picture perfect scenery. The gondola ride is a little on the expensive side, but at the top of the summit you’re guaranteed to have spectacular views no matter which trail you choose.

The easiest trail is the Green Trail, which takes you to Upper Bonanza Lookout, a manageable 1 mile round trip hike that would be best if you have young children. At the lookout you’re afforded perfect views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley below. The Blue Trail, or East Peak Lake Trail, is approximately a 2.5 to 3 hour long, 3.8 mile round trip hike that’s a bit more difficult. A great day hike, but if you have night vision binoculars and goggles, then you can treat yourself to one of the best night hikes around. The Blue Trail starts out on a gradual uphill climb, continues along a picturesque ridgeline, and then descends to East Peak Lake, where breathtaking views extend in every direction. The Black Trail is a 2.2 mile round trip trek to splendid Sky Meadows. From the top of the gondola, the way there is an easy downhill about 500 feet down in elevation to Sky Meadows, where you can stop and smell the flowers. The meadows are full of gorgeous natural wildflowers and surrounded by massive sugar pines and granite boulders.

A new chairlift also opened up this summer – Tamarack Express – where you can access an advanced hiking trail leading to the top of Sky Express. This hike is 1.92 miles round trip and has a challenging rise of 500 vertical feet in less than a mile. Other activities on the top of Adventure Peak include an extensive outdoor children’s area including the Spyder Climber and Climbing Wall. There are also dining options that are excellent – The Adventure Peak BBQ and Smokehouse and Cafe Blue on The Deck – and those BBQ ribs will taste even better after your hike. The trails are open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and there are also guided hikes. For information on guided hikes, gondola fair, and more, contact (775) 586-7000 or visit their website – Heavenly Ski Resort. The Gondola is easily accessible at Heavenly (Stateline Casino area).