Christmas Valley Trail

Dogs Leashed

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Either run this from the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), which you can pick up on 89 at the Big Meadow Campground, or run this as an out-and-back from South Upper Truckee Road. The start from the TRT is tough, but it is probably a more pleasant route overall, hence the trail being mapped this way.

Near the junction with the TRT, you can add on a quick trip to Dardanelles Lake or Round Lake before trekking down to South Upper Truckee Road.

Whether you choose to do that or not, the trail really milks the terrain nicely, passing through both forested and rocky sections. While the rocks may cause you to lower your eyes to the ground to watch your step, be sure to bring them up from time to time to enjoy the wonder and majesty that is the view from this trail. The Lake Tahoe Basin is a truly fantastic place, and no visitor ought to miss its beauty.