OverviewPeak 8426 dominates the skyline above the Squaw Valley. However, despite being an obvious landmark, it is not officially named. Located just west of Silver Peak, the summit can be reached within a couple hours.
Despite being located in a mountain wilderness, the peak is located just outside the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary. Getting to this peak requires some routefinding. A use trail can be taken through part of the forest, but requires some moderate bushwhacking to find, and ends before the final ascent. Fortunately, the top of Peak 8426 is visible from most of the forest and there are plenty of open areas to allow the hiker to keep the mountain in their sights.
Once at the summit, you will find great views toward the Granite Chief Wilderness. From the top, there are excellent views of Lake Tahoe, as well as views east towards Mount Rose and north towards the Castle Pass area.
Getting ThereGetting to the Peak 8426 trailhead is similar to the starting point for Silver Peak or Granite Chief. From Truckee or Reno, you take Interstate 80 to CA State Route 89 going south for 8.5 miles to Squaw Valley Road. Follow Squaw Valley Road Westward for a couple miles until you hit the center of the village. There is an enormous parking area on the right. You can park here. To get to the trailhead, go past the fire station on your right. The trailhead is at the edge of the forest, just to the right of the driveway to the Olympic Valley Inn.
Take the trail from the parking lot for only a few minutes. You can then take the Granite Chief Trail for a small part of the way, but keep Peak 8426 in your sights. When it appears that the trail is heading too far West, head up the ridge directly towards Peak 8426. If you are atop the correct ridge, you will see a use trail in the forest on your right after about a mile.
See the map from Google Earth™ below. You head up the wilderness all the way up to the base of the alpine ridge, roughly following the red line.
Google Earth™ map of the route |
A trail goes all the way to the base of the ridge. Now you need to turn right, and head up more than 600' of open forest and scree slope to the main ridge to Peak 8426. From the ridge, head left (north) for the brief Class 2 slope up to the summit. This slope is Class 3 in winter.
The total distance to the summit is arguable, since it requires some bushwhacking, but it is likely between 3-3.5 miles to the summit unless you get really lost. Elevation gain from the trailhead to the summit is approximately 2,200 feet.
The summit is visible for much of the hike, helping provide direction through the forest |
Red TapeNo Red Tape to speak of since this is outside the Granite Chief Wilderness. For camping information, consult the Granite Chief page. External LinksGeneral information on the Granite Chief Wilderness Images
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