A lot of people know about Lake Tahoe, the fun lake activities and mountain trails, but few venture beyond the perimeter of the lake.
On the Nevada side, about 20 minutes from the Lake, is a small town nestled in Carson River valley - Genoa.
It's actually the first settlement in Nevada, established by Mormons for travelers on the California Trail and to this day, maintains that old western American feel. I could definitely imagine cowboys roaming these streets!
As you drive through the town you come across Eagle Ridge and situated at the top of the neighborhood is the Eagle Ridge trailhead, which offers a variety of trails both for hiking and mountain biking.
Living in San Francisco I'm used to micro climates and it's the same thing here. Carson River valley can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than Lake Tahoe - even in the winter so prepare accordingly, especially in the summer. We came here during Labor Day weekend when the Bay Area had a record breaking heat wave (averaging 100 degrees). While Lake Tahoe was definitely cooler it still got up to the low 90's. Being a husky and so furry mom has to be particularly careful about how much time we spend outside so this time we did a short 4 mile in/out hike along Discovery Trail. But we're definitely planning on coming back to do a full loop.
There's very little shade on this trail.
Which is funny considering the Tahoe area is known for its tall pine trees.
On the plus side, while you hike you can hear the cows constantly moo-ing from the ranches below.
The trail is a mix of hard packed dirt and rocks. In fact, some parts of the trail looked like they had some land slides.
The elevation is also not that bad. It's a very gradual uphill hike, except for when I go off trail chasing all the chipmunks and squirrels. There are some nice spots that overlook the valley too. I always like going to the very edge - this way I can see any small critters that are running around.
The trails are narrow here, though, and we did come across 1 lady mountain biking with 2 dogs so passing can become a bit tricky because there's no space!
Did you know I'm quieter off leash than I am on leash? When I greet other dogs on leash I like to bark and growl a lot. Sometimes it makes other doggies mad even though I'm just saying hello!
Anyway, come early in the morning if you want to beat the heat. Sometimes when it's very hot and dry mom will put wax on my paws before heading out. I don't mind so much. Some doggies wear booties but I think I would rip them off before we even start. The only downside is that wax has to be reapplied if you're out long enough.
Hope to see some of you out on the trail sometime!
Your fur parents want to know:
- Yes, there is parking (a small lot)
- Yes, this is an off leash trail
- No, this is not a fenced enclosure
- No, there are no doggy water fountains
- No, there are no poop bags
- No, there are no trash bins
- No, there are no benches
- No, there are no toilets
🐾 Caesar