|
Mountain Hike of the Month Hawks Peak in Tahoe Donner
|
|
The hike to Hawks Peaks is a beautiful hike that starts in a lush vegetation zone with ferns and May Apple plants (late spring and early summer). Along the way there are excellent views and photo opportunities. At Hawks Peak is a 360 degree view bounded by Mount Lassen, the Carson range, Heavenly and South Lake Tahoe, and Castle Peak. In the winter you can snowshoe and cross country ski to Hawks Peak.
The hike to Hawks Peak has several starting points. To understand the hike, go to www.tahoedonner.com, select “Maps and Forms” on the lower left side of the page, then select “Tahoe Donner Trail Map” to view and print the trail map for Tahoe Donner. The hike is about 3 to 4 miles and takes about 2 hours round trip. The trail markers have been removed for the winter. Please take the Tahoe Donner trail map and a compass so that you do not get confused.
The most direct route to Hawks Peak starts at the locked gate at trail marker 39. During winter this is near the Cross Country Ski Center’s cross over for Skislope Way. Follow the service road to the left, taking a gentle uphill hike to trail marker 19. Head north to trail marker 18A, then west to trail marker 18. At trail marker 18 you head northwest (to your left) to trail marker 36. At first the grade is moderate, then has a steep uphill along the service road to marker 36. At marker 36 head north (uphill and slightly to the right) towards marker 36A, then right along a relatively flat part of the service road about 100 yards to marker 36A. Then proceed uphill (North) along a narrow windy path to Hawks Peak, marker 65.
Below are additional photos taken when hiking with a friend, her hiking buddies Memphis and Bellamy, and my hiking buddies, Aspen, Sasha (shown in photo below). |
|
View from Hawks Peak overlooking Martis Valley and Tahoe |
|
Castle Peak, west from Hawks Peak |
|
Towards Mount Lassen, north from Hawks Peak |
|
Rock outcropping at top of Hawks Peak |
|
Martis Valley in fog, east from Hawks Peak |
|
Tinkers Knob, south from Hawks Peak |
