Overview
Echo Lake and the Carson RangeI was chatting it up with the peak when it reminded me that the weather overhead was anything but stable. When I turned to head down it thanked me for giving it a page on SP.
This is a high point on the ridge above the south side of Echo Lakes in the Lake Tahoe Basin up by Echo Summit.
Ralston Peak is the culmination 2 miles further west. Talking Mountain is a class 2-3 scramble to a nice summit with fine views of the South Lake Tahoe area, Desolation Wilderness, Carson Range and south to the peaks beyond Luther Pass with guys like
Round Top popping up in the distance.
Getting There
Talking Mtn. summit view west From Placerville Go east 48 miles on Hwy. 50 to Echo Summit. Go left on Forest Route 11N05 .6 miles to parking above Echo Lake.
From Meyers near South Lake Tahoe go 5 miles on Hwy. 50 to Echo Summit and follow the directions above.
Route
South from Talking MountainYou can use the Pacific Crest Trail going up out of the parking lot for a few tenths mile as a starting point. Head south and west up the forested ridge negotiating downed trees. At about .7 miles the ridge is split by a class 3-4 wall. Go around it down to the right then back up to the ridge line and scramble some class 3 sections to the easy class 2 summit.
Red Tape
Echo Lake and Flagpole Peak (left)No need for a permit for this day hike
When to Climb
South from Talking Mtn.Generally June into October depending on the snowfall.
Camping
Southeast from Talking Mtn.Here's the Forest Service page for
camping in Lake Tahoe Basin
Weather and 10 day forecast
South from Talking Mtn. Click here for the forecast for South Lake Tahoe.