Trail Overview
A demanding climb through Olympic Valley’s granite and mountain forest, with seasonal cascades along the way. This guide treats Shirley Lake as the out-and-back destination; High Camp is a longer extension.
Choose a turnaround before setting out. These illustrations evoke the landscape; use an official trail map for navigation.
- Shirley Lake
- About 3 miles one way
- Lake out and back
- About 6 miles total
- High Camp extension
- About 2 more miles uphill
- Difficulty
- Steep, rocky and strenuous
The Hike
Start at the trail map
From the main Palisades Tahoe parking area, walk to the end of Shirley Canyon Road.
Climb the canyon
Follow marked trail through rocky terrain toward Shirley Lake. The route can be hard to follow; use a current map.
Return from the lake
Retracing the roughly three-mile ascent makes a roughly six-mile outing. Allow ample time for the descent.
High Camp is optional
Continuing adds about two miles uphill, making roughly five miles from the start. Walking the same way back means roughly ten miles total. Do not assume a tram descent is available.
Getting Here & Parking
Use the main Palisades Tahoe lot, following posted parking rules. The Maps trailhead pin is not a parking guarantee.
Google Maps Reviews
4.9 / 5 · 151 reviews, checked 2026-10-14.
A Few Common Questions
Is this a beginner hike?
No. Steep granite and route-finding make it a demanding hike.
Can I rely on the tram down?
No. Confirm same-day operation and the last descent directly with Palisades Tahoe. Have a return plan if it is unavailable.
How long should I allow?
Plan for your chosen distance and the full return. A short published time estimate is not a reliable schedule for the extended outing.
Trail Information Sources
Independent trail guide. Check the land manager’s current notices before visiting.