Meeks Bay Trail – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

The Meeks Bay Trail is considered a moderate hike, and is 16 miles long round trip to Rubicon Lake, although you could definitely cut it shorter at any one of the alpine lakes along the way or before to make it more manageable. A much quieter, less trafficked hike, this marks the start of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail and builds to its summit slowly and leisurely. About the first 1 and a half miles of the trail parallels Meeks creek, which flows through Meeks Meadow. The meadow is spectacular and brimming with many different kinds of beautiful wildflowers. Mallow, iris, meadow aster, buckwheat, wandering daisy, yarrow, yampah, phlox, scarlet gilia, monkshood, flax, and lupine fill the meadow and are just some of the variety you can see in full bloom (peak bloom is in late June to July).

After the meadow, the trail gradually climbs through Desolation Wilderness past a small spring and into forested valley about 4 miles up to Lake Genevieve, an aesthetically pleasing lake featuring crystalline waters and a generous background of rocky peaks. About a half mile beyond Lake Genevieve is Crag Lake, a nice secluded spot for refueling, and there are many campgrounds around it if you’re backpacking. The trail continues up a semi rocky uphill where it forks to Hidden Lake and Shadow Lake. After some more uphill, the trail rewards you with a lovely oasis – Stony Ridge Lake. Stony Ridge is absolutely tremendous, and begs a stop for a few pictures, so make sure to bring your camera. The lake views continue as you ascend switchbacks through boulders and rocks to your final destination; Rubicon Lake, blue and beyond beautiful, hidden behind granite peaks. The last lake is about 1,000 feet total uphill from your start.

If you’re planning on making it all the way to Rubicon Lake and back, you should be an experienced hiker and begin your trip early in the morning in order to make it back before it gets too dark. This is an especially great trail for backpacking. A day use permit is required and available at the self-service station at the trailhead. The trailhead is located on Highway 89 directly across from the Meeks Bay Resort.