Trail Run Project Logo

It's hard to beat the ratio of distance to views on this trail even though the climb is quite tough.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.1

KM

56%

Runnable

9,097' 2,773 m

High

6,536' 1,992 m

Low

2,560' 780 m

Up

2,560' 780 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

Overview

With less than 3 miles to travel to the top of Ralston Peak, it would be hard to find a better bang for your buck than this trail. The climb is steep, and rises 2,600 feet, but the views are outstanding. It's a route definitely worth checking out if you just have time for one great run.

Runner Notes

This is a steep trail, which won't make this the most enjoyable of runs, but the scenery is excellent if you're willing to push through the climb.

Description

There's a small trailhead parking lot on the north side of Rte. 50, right across from the Sacramento campground. Follow the dirt road to the obvious parking, or if that's full, you can park along Rte. 50.

The trail starts climbing right from the trailhead, mellows out a bit at about .75 miles in, and then really kicks up at about 1.5 miles in. You'll start out making your way through a dense forest of fir trees, with plenty of shade. You'll get close to Tamarack Creek for a bit - enjoy the lush vegetation and wildflowers there, but before long, you'll start working to gain the ridge, navigating switchbacks through more open, drier forest.

Around 2.3 miles, look for a junction, with a less-worn trail heading off to the right (northeast) to Ralston Peak. Take this small branch, and finish out the climb through beautiful wildflowers, and then continue over a rocky section. You'll be rewarded with epic views of the Desolation Wilderness and a far away glimpse of Lake Tahoe.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 22 votes

#509

Overall
  4.6 from 22 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#79

in California

#509

Overall
17 Views Last Month
10,827 Since Aug 9, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
14%
14%
71%
0%

Photos

Ralston and Tamarack Lakes taken from the summit of Ralston Peak. Looking east at Lake Tahoe.
Sep 10, 2017 near South L…, CA
Great views of Lovers Leap on the way down. Make sure you stop and look.
Oct 21, 2017 near South L…, CA
Love Mt. Ralston, 90% dirt trail, lots of shade, well marked and maintained route. Lots of back for the buck on this hike a  surprisingly spectacular view. You won't be disappointed.
Aug 18, 2019 near South L…, CA
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.