Blog updated by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for Tahoe Getaways, sharing local travel insights, seasonal activities, and vacation planning tips to help guests experience the very best of Lake Tahoe.
Take full advantage of the fine late-summer weather by hiking to Lower Lola Montez Lake, a classic location in the High Sierra that lies in a shallow granite basin, surrounded by trees and scattered boulders.
The hike to Lower Lola Montez Lake is a moderate out-and-back journey, the trail taking you through wooded sections and along gravel roads until you reach the lake. Your hike will be about 6.5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 958 feet.
From start to finish, the entire trip should take about three and a half hours. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a camera to capture the scenic views along the way. To learn more about the trail and the area's highlights, continue reading.
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In this blog:
- Getting to the Lower Lola Montez Trail
- Hiking to Lower Lola Montez Lake
- What to Expect at Lower Lola Montez Lake
- Before You Hike
- Book Your Lake Tahoe Getaway
Getting to the Lower Lola Montez Trail
Leave Soda Springs off the I-80 and go north. Turn right onto Sherrit Lane; the trail begins approximately a quarter of a mile up the road to your left.
Since parking space is limited, you should look out for any posted restrictions when you get there.
Hiking to Lower Lola Montez Lake
The trail begins in some woods and then reaches a gravel road. When you've gone about 1.75 miles, take the marked right turn, as this will take you off the gravel road and into one of the more difficult sections of the hike.
Mountain bikers also use this trail and connect to the Hole in the Ground Trail.
After a short climb, the trail reaches another gravel road. Continue along this road until you see a sign that directs you back onto a wooded trail, and then the path goes down towards Lower Lola Montez Lake.
The combination of wooded singletrack paths, gravel roads, and mountain scenery makes the hike exciting. Although the climb requires some effort, the tranquil alpine atmosphere at the end is worth the trouble.
What to Expect at Lower Lola Montez Lake
The lower part of Lola Montez Lake is surrounded by trees and boulders, offering several spots to stop and enjoy the view.
Have lunch or a snack by the lake, then relax for a while before returning. The combination of views of the forest, the granite, and the mountains makes this location an excellent reward for your hike.
The trail and the lake are named in honor of Lola Montez, a famous 19th-century performer who eventually reached California. She was born María Dolores Eliza Rosanna Gilbert in Ireland, and after traveling widely, she settled in Grass Valley during the Gold Rush. There she built the one house that she ever owned and thus became part of the region's vivid history. Today, her former house is acknowledged as California Historical Landmark No. 292.
Montez’s connection to the Sierra adds an extra dimension of local history to the hike to Lower Lola Montez Lake. If you enjoy learning about the stories associated with the places you visit, you should take some time to read more about her life and her connection to the area.
Before You Hike
The trail has sections that go through private land, so make sure to stick to the designated path and show respect for the property. As parking near the trailhead is very limited, it's advisable to plan.
Mountain weather and trail conditions vary from season to season. It's important that you check the most up-to-date conditions before going on your hike and that you prepare for the day's weather.
Book Your Lake Tahoe Getaway
Featured Property: The Hideout at Donner Lake
Once you've hiked to Lower Lola Montez Lake, there are a lot of other outdoor activities to be found in the area around Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Make the most of your time in the mountains and then treat yourself to some relaxation in a comfortable place after a day of hiking.
Look through the available vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe, locate a place to stay on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, or check out vacation rentals in Truckee to find the best home base for your trip.
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