OLYMPIC VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

The Hike

Creekside climbing and Sierra granite.

AI-generated landscape illustration

The Hike

  1. Start at the trail map

    From the main Palisades Tahoe parking area, walk to the end of Shirley Canyon Road.

  2. Climb the canyon

    Follow marked trail through rocky terrain toward Shirley Lake. The route can be hard to follow; use a current map.

  3. Return from the lake

    Retracing the roughly three-mile ascent makes a roughly six-mile outing. Allow ample time for the descent.

  4. 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.

Trail Information Sources

Independent trail guide. Check the land manager’s current notices before visiting.