OverviewHello all, I took over this page on January 1, 2008. I will update it as soon as possible. I will leave the page as it is until I am done with the retrofit.
Freel Peak is the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe region and El Dorado County and is a very popular climb. The trailhead is located near a major tourist destination--South Lake Tahoe—and is only a few hours drive from Sacramento and the Bay Area. Freel Peak also provides a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and several peaks near the Lake, including Pyramid Peak, Mt. Agassiz, Mt.Tallac, Mt. Rose, and neighboring Jobs Peak and Jobs Sister. The view to the south is just as sweeping and includes peaks around Carson Pass, including Round Top, the Sweetwater Range, and the distant Sawtooth Range of northern Yosemite. It is located in an unprotected area of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Freel Peak’s rounded summit can be seen from the Carson Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Hope Valley.
Freel Peak is a wonderful dayhike. There are several possible class 1 routes and trails to the summit, although climbers should respect closures designed to protect the Tahoe draba, a rare plant inhabiting alpine areas in the Tahoe region. Most of the mountain is within lodgepole pine, red fir, and whitebark pine forests. Climbers can also traverse 1 mile to the northeast along a use trail and climb neighboring Jobs Sister. Freel Peak makes a nice day-trip for Sacramento area residents, requiring about a two-hour drive to reach the trailhead.
Getting ThereFrom Sacramento or the Bay Area, take Highway 50 to Meyers. Shortly after entering Meyers, turn right (east) onto Pioneer Trail and proceed for 1.0 mile until reaching Oneidas Street. Turn right (east) onto Oneidas Street, which is one-lane and paved, and follow it for 4.5 miles until reaching the trailhead at a closed gate.
Red TapeNo special permits are required. Climbers should respect closures protecting the Tahoe draba, which is a rare endemic plant species in the mustard family. Much of the North and East slopes and ridges of Freel Peak are closed for its protection.
When To ClimbAnytime. Snowshoes or cross-country skis are recommended during the winter. Summer climbing is best from June through Ocotober. Oneidas Street is closed during winter about 1/2 mi from Pioneer Trail. It makes for an extra 4.5 mi approach to the mountain for a total of 6.71 mi one way (according to National Geographic Topo software) and an elevation gain of +4450 ft. Likely a long day for some or a nice 2 day trip for most.
CampingThere are numerous campgrounds, motels, cabins, and hotels in nearby South Lake Tahoe and the Toiyabe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has an online list of campsites in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Or, contact the phone numbers listed under “Mountain Conditions” for more information.
Mountain ConditionsCaltrans maintains a website with current highway conditions.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: online information is available, or phone (775) 331-6444.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: online information is available, or phone (530)-573-2600.
Updated weather information is also available.
External Links Images
|
Lake Tahoe Basin
