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A challenging start to reach a beautiful ridgeline on the way to the views from Ellis Peak.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

79%

Runnable

8,683' 2,647 m

High

7,782' 2,372 m

Low

1,229' 375 m

Up

328' 100 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

The Ellis Peak Trail is open to motorcycles and also intersects a 4x4 road. Open seasonally June through October.

Runner Notes

A half mile of steep switchbacks may take the wind out of a runners' sails or dissuade them completely. But once on the ridge, the more reasonable grades and views should be enjoyable. Don't get to distracted though, as the footing can be rocky in spots.

Description

The Ellis Peak Trail sets a challenging tone from the start as it takes runners up steep, forested, switchbacks to the ridge above. Along the ridgeline, the trail pleasantly ambles through sparse trees and alpine ground cover. The views up close and far away make a great sight.

At three-quarters of a mile, the climb steepens noticeably before shifting away from the ridgeline and beginning a gentle descent. The tree cover quickly deepens and remains around the trail most of the way to the top. After another half-mile, the descent comes to an end as the trail eases into a gradual climb.

A welcome detour presents itself at the intersection with a dirt road. For a great lunch spot or place to take a break, follow the Ellis Lake Connector to the north for .2 miles to reach a small lake.

Back on the Ellis Peak Trail, the climbing steepens as the route continues along a dirt road. About a 100 yards farther, follow another road as it leads to the east. After .3 miles, a turn to the left soon brings runners to the top of Ellis Peak for impressive views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#13

in Lake Tahoe

#8119

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
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Trail Rankings

#13

in Lake Tahoe

#698

in California

#8,119

Overall
4 Views Last Month
2,677 Since Aug 18, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
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Photos

Ellis Peak Trail
Aug 1, 2019 near Tahoma, CA
View from Ellis Ridge.
Aug 19, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
The Ellis Peak Trail winding along an alpine ridge-line.
Aug 18, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
View of the Tahoe Basin below.
Aug 31, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
Ellis Peak Trail.
Aug 31, 2016 near Tahoma, CA
Rocky foot-work on the Ellis Peak Trail.
Aug 19, 2016 near Tahoma, CA

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