Shirley Lake Canyon Trail
Olympic Valley, California
| Address: | Shirley Lake Trail, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, USA |
| GPS: |
39°11'54.9"N 120°14'28.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trails/Routes: | 4.1 mi |
Lakes Streams Trails Rocks
Hike and Swim
Shirley Lake is a pretty and pure lake located in Squaw Valley. The Shirley Lake Canyon Trail goes up into the rugged and lovely Sierra Mountains. You begin the trail in Squaw Valley Village and you keep hiking along streams and waterfalls. As you near Shirley Lake, the trail has some steep and rocky sections and gains a moderate incline. The trail can be fairly difficult to follow since it is poorly marked, so make sure to always keep the creek to your right and follow it for 2.5 miles until you come to large granite boulders. You will have to climb over some rock slabs to get to Shirley Lake. Once you get to the lake, you can choose to jump in for a dip or continue hiking to High Camp. The trail will get steep from there and is a gravel path. If you can make it to the top of High Camp, there is a gondola that you can ride back down for free. There is also an observation deck at the top so you can rest and take in the incredible views.
Unfortunately, if it is a really dry season, the waterfalls and streams may be dried up.
It's 4.1 miles to High Camp.
NOTE: Make sure to bring enough water for this hike.
More Information
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https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32822-d7134552-Reviews-Shirley_Lake_Trail-Olympic_Valley_Lake_Tahoe_California_California.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Olympic Valley, California
- Head west on Shirley Cyn Rd (0.4 mi)
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