Hiking

About

Join Achieve Tahoe to explore the trails around Lake Tahoe and beyond! Our staff will guide small, intimate groups of hikers in educational trail adventures. Learn about the history, ecology, and wildlife of the area while engaging in the challenge of hiking.  All of the hikes that we are offering have been carefully considered to ensure the safety and accessibility of our participants, and there are hikes for all abilities.

Our hiking program can also be paired with our archery program for a multi-sport experience.

Achieve Tahoe has 2 GRIT Freedom Chairs available for use on any hike!

2023 Schedule & Rates

Schedule

Dates

Palisades Tahoe Hikes^

  • July 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29  
  • August 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19  
  • September 15, 16, and 29 
  • October 6 and 13 

North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area Hikes*

  • July 8, 15, 22, and 29  
  • August 5, 12, and 18  
  • September 15, 16, and 29 
  • October 6 and 13 

^All hikes based at Palisades Tahoe can be paired with an Archery session and/or a Climbing session to make a full day of activity

*Visit our Hiking Locations page to learn more and select your location for our North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area Hikes.

Times

Palisades Tahoe Hikes: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area Hikes: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Rates

$15 per person

If cost is a barrier to your ability to participate with Achieve Tahoe, please apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships

Policies

SICKNESS POLICY: For the protection of staff, volunteers and all other participants, we ask that anyone who has or exhibits any of the following please refrain from participating in our programs or activities:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Lice
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Earache
  • Chicken Pox
  • Congestion
  • Cough
  • Runny Nose
  • Any other contagious illnesses/diseases including influenza or COVID-19

    Many of our participants have compromised immune systems, and exposure to viral and/or bacterial infection could have serious consequences. If Achieve Tahoe determines that a participant is too sick to participate, parents or emergency contacts of that person will be notified and are responsible for pick-up within a reasonable time-period.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please give notice of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance to receive an Achieve Tahoe credit, which can be used towards any future Achieve Tahoe Program.  

If you are sick, or feeling sick, please contact Achieve Tahoe to cancel your reservation as far in advance as possible, and before the start of the program. In the case of illness, you can either:

  • Request a credit, which can be used towards any future Achieve Tahoe Program
  • Request a refund, minus at 15% processing fee.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Participation in Hiking

For the health and safety of our community, in order to participate in the Achieve Tahoe Hiking Program, a participant must meet the criteria listed below.

  • If the participant has had a traumatic injury or surgery in the past 12 months, they can only participate with a doctor’s release.
  • If help is needed with bladder or bowel routine, feeding tube, or administering prescription medications attendant or family member will be present to assist.
  • Participant must be able to breathe independently without any medical devices that sustain breathing.
  • For participants with Down Syndrome, the participant must have been examined by a physician for Neurologic Symptoms of Atlantoaxial Instability, found the symptoms to be absent, and has been cleared to participate in high risk sports.

Locations for Hiking

The Achieve Tahoe Hiking Program takes place on various trails throughout the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area. Below are the 2023 trail offerings you can choose for North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area hikes.

China Cove Trail Loop

CHINA COVE TRAIL LOOP: Come experience the beauty of Donner Lake as you hike towards China Cove.

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Donner Memorial Park   (12849 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161)
  • TRIP LENGTH: 3.2 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy
  • TRAIL GRADE: 78ft of elevation gain
  • ACCESSIBILITY: Wide smooth gravel trail; $10 parking fee unless you park along the road and walk in
Carpenter Valley Trail

CARPENTER VALLEY: Observe the thriving meadow habitat of Lower Carpenter Valley in Truckee as you meander along the creek.

Olympic Valley Trail

OLYMPIC VALLEY TRAIL: Enjoy striking views of Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe and the Olympic Valley meadow while walking this gentle paved path.

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Olympic Valley Park (101 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146)
  • TRIP LENGTH:  1 to 4 miles
  • TRIP TIME:  9 am - 10 am
  • DIFFICULTY:  Easy
  • TRAIL GRADE:  Gentle, except for a moderate uphill at the beginning. Paved trail accessible for all mobility types
Dollar Creek Trail

DOLLAR CREEK TRAIL: Experience a lovely walk through the woods with possible glimpse of Lake Tahoe.

  • MEETING LOCATION: Dollar Creek Trailhead, Parking lot across from 7-11  (State Hwy 28, Tahoe City, CA 96145)
  • TRIP LENGTH: 4.2 miles out and back
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy with moderate options
  • TRAIL GRADE: 311ft of elevation gain
  • ACCESSIBILITY:  Paved trail accessible for all mobility types, but could be combined with dirt trail
East Shore Trail

EAST SHORE TRAIL: Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe as you hike along this paved trail.

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Trailhead at Tunnel Creek (1102 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451)
  • TRIP LENGTH:  1 to 5 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY:  Minimal experience required.
  • TRAIL GRADE: Gentle, except for a very steep hill at the beginning.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: Parking fee.  Paved trail accessible for all mobility types. Accessible bathrooms and parking at trailhead.
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA: This vast network of trails offers numerous options for all abilities around scenic Dollar Creek. 

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area (925 Country Club Dr, Tahoe City, CA 96145)
  • TRIP LENGTH:  2 to 8 miles, depending on the group
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY:  Minimal experience required
  • TRAIL GRADE:  Gentle, with 1 uphill section at the start, and additional moderate options
  • ACCESSIBILITY:  Maintained dirt trail.  Accessible bathrooms and parking at trailhead.
Ridgeline Nature Loop

RIDGELINE NATURE LOOP: Come experience views of Truckee on this accessible trail.

  • MEETING LOCATION: Sawtooth Trailhead ( 11614-, 11632 06 Fire Rd, Truckee, CA 96161)
  • TRIP LENGTH: a little over 1 mile
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: easy
  • TRAIL GRADE: Flat, 36 inches wide, compacted surface with periodic rest zones
  • ACCESSIBILITY: More info coming soon.
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

TAHOE MEADOWS INTERPRETIVE LOOP: Explore the beautiful meadows and wildflowers of Mt. Rose on this gentle loop hike.

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Tahoe Meadows trailhead parking lot (County Rd. 340 off of Mt. Rose Highway)
  • TRIP LENGTH:  1-3 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY:  Minimal experience required.
  • TRAIL GRADE:  Gentle with moderate options
  • ACCESSIBILITY:  Maintained dirt trail with boardwalks as well as optional single track dirt trails nearby. Accessible bathrooms and parking at trailhead.
Truckee River Legacy Trail

TRUCKEE RIVER LEGACY TRAIL: This trail offers a great way to explore the Truckee River on a paved path.

  • MEETING LOCATION:  Riverview Sports Park (12200 Joerger Dr, Truckee, CA 96161)
  • TRIP LENGTH:  2 to 6 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY:  Minimal experience required
  • TRAIL GRADE:  Gentle
  • ACCESSIBILITY:  Paved trail accessible for all mobility types. Accessible bathrooms and parking at trailhead.
Palisades Tahoe Trails

PALISADES TAHOE TRAILS: Travel up the tram to see stunning views of Palisades Tahoe and Lake Tahoe.

  • MEETING LOCATION:   Palisades Tahoe Tram (1960 Olympic Vly Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146)
  • TRIP LENGTH: .92- 2 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: easy with moderate options
  • TRAIL GRADE: More info coming soon.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: More info coming soon.
Blackwood Creek Loop Trail

BLACKWOOD CREEK TRAIL LOOP: Enjoy the nature of the West Shore as you find a hidden gnome village.

Donner Summit Canyon

DONNER SUMMIT CANYON: Wander through the woods for views of Donner Lake

  • MEETING LOCATION:   Donner Summit Canyon Trailhead (16395 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161)
  • TRIP LENGTH: 2.4-3.6 MILES
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am -12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: moderate
  • TRAIL GRADE:  547 ft of elevation gain
  • ACCESSIBILITY: More info coming soon.
Tahoe Donner Trail System

TAHOE DONNER TRAIL SYSTEM: Enjoy a hike through the wooded and wild terrain of the Tahoe Donner Trail System.

  • MEETING LOCATION: Alder Creek Adventure Center (15275 Alder Creek Rd. Truckee, CA 96161)
  • TRIP LENGTH: 2 to 6 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: Easy
  • TRAIL GRADE: Gentle with moderate options.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: Firm, maintained dirt trails. Accessible parking and restrooms at trailhead.
Lyle's Lookout Loop

LYLE’S LOOKOUT LOOP: Join us as we hike near Royal Gorge.

  • MEETING LOCATION:   Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
  • TRIP LENGTH: 3.4 miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: easy
  • TRAIL GRADE: More info coming soon.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: More info coming soon.
Elizabethtown Meadows Trail

ELIZABETHTOWN MEADOWS TRAIL: Come enjoy the solitude of a meadow hike starting at Northstar.

  • MEETING LOCATION:   Northstar Castle Peak Parking lot
  • TRIP LENGTH: 1- 5miles
  • TRIP TIME: 9 am - 12 pm
  • DIFFICULTY: moderate
  • TRAIL GRADE: 475 ft of elevation gain
  • ACCESSIBILITY: More info coming soon.

Sign Up

Please complete and return the following forms to sign up for Hiking.

  1. Participant Information Form
  2. Liability Releases 1, 2, 3, and 4

Once you have completed all your forms, you will be sent a link to sign up for summer programs starting May 9, 2023.

If you have any questions about the reservation process, email [email protected] or call (530)518-4161 x6.

If cost is a barrier to your ability to participate with Achieve Tahoe, please apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships

Supported by: