Hope Valley hike

Lake Tahoe / Truckee

Hike of the Month

Hope Valley in Fall Colors

When you drive from South Lake Tahoe and crest Luther Pass, the road to Hope Valley is lined with Aspen trees in their bright orange and yellow fall colors. There is a creek that meanders through Hope Valley, providing delightful hiking for you. Along the creek you can see swirls of warm water, creating algae blooms.

This hike is flat, perhaps about 2 or 3 miles round trip, depending on how far you follow the creek.

To get to Hope Valley take Route 50 west from South Lake Tahoe. Just after the bug station you will see signs for Route 89 south to Luther Pass. Proceed on Route 89 over Luther Pass and down into Hope Valley. As you drive into Hope Valley you will see pullouts for parking, mainly on the right. Make a right turn (west) when Route 89 dead ends into Route 88. Take Route 88 about 0.25 miles and you will see a turnout on the right for a parking area with a pit restroom. From the parking area you can head north-west to the creek, and then follow the creek in either direction. There is also parking on the other side of Route 88 at the junction where Route 89 dead ends. Additional parking can be found along the road on Route 89 near the bridge where the creek goes under Route 89.

For additional views of the Aspen trees, you can follow Route 89 west up to Carson Pass. You can also follow Route 89 to the east, where you follow the creek and there can be lots of groves of Aspen trees in beautiful colors.

If you want to treat yourself, go east on Route 88 from the Route 89 junction and stop at Sorensen’s Resort (14255 Highway 88, Hope Valley, CA 96120, 530-694-2203). There you can indulge in food, drinks, and ice cream.

Another fun treat is to is to bring your bathing suit and towel, and bath in the mineral hot springs and swimming pool at Grover Hot Springs State Park ( http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=508 ). The park has a pool complex with a hot pool filled with hot springs water, a swimming pool, a campground, picnic area and hiking trails. The park is in an alpine meadow and pine forest at 5,900 feet surrounded by peaks that just top 10,000 feet.

To get to Grover Hot Springs State Park continue following the creek east on Highway 88. In a few miles you will come to Alpine Village, where you take Route 89 south to Markleeville. In Markleeville there are restaurants, bars, and shops. In the middle of Markleeville take Hot Springs Road 4 miles to the west (right). This is a winding paved road to Grover Hot Springs State Park .

Enjoy the photos that follow.