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
Add ResourceBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Olympic Valley, California
- Head west on Shirley Cyn Rd (0.4 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
4.1 milesElevation Gain ?
2,627 feetReal Ascent ?
3,252 feetReal Descent ?
625 feetAvg Grade (7°)
12%Grade (-18° to 27°)
-32% to 51%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Shirley Canyon
Olympic Valley, California
0.6 miles NWHike near Olympic Valley, California
Hike
Tahoe Area
Olympic Valley, California
1.6 miles WSwim near Olympic Valley, California
Swim
Heath Falls Overlook Trail
Truckee, California
12.6 miles NWHike and Swim near Truckee, California
Hike, Swim
Palisades Creek Trail
Truckee, California
12.6 miles NWThe Palisades Creek Trail is a difficult hike that can be done in a day, but is better enjoyed as an overnight trip. This trail has showcases some beautiful waterfalls along the way as well as...
Hike, Swim 1.5 mi
Skunk Harbor
Carson City, Nevada
17.3 miles EThis hike starts from the 28 freeway and follows a forest service road. There are a couple of points where you can get some nice views from the trail. There are some mountain biking trails that can...
Hike
Zephyr Cove Park
Glenbrook, Nevada
20.6 miles SEZephyr Cove Park is located 4.6 miles off highway 50 in Nevada. This park is a great place to have your summer activities; it includes Picnic tables for groups and couples, Barbecue...
Camp, Canoe, Disc Golf, Hike, Horseback, Kayak, Swim 0.4 mi
Glen Alpine Falls
South Lake Tahoe, California
23.8 miles SAs you drive up to the falls, take a look around. The views are spectacular. The drive can feel long, but the waterfall is peaceful and worth the drive. This waterfall is considered one of the...
Hike
North Fork Falls
Colfax, California
23.9 miles WA very popular hike in the summer time, North Fork Falls offers a pleasant break from the city while enjoying the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike into the forest and visitors will find a...
Camp, Hike, Swim
Reno Area
McGill, Nevada
31.9 miles NESwim near McGill, Nevada
Swim
Wingfield Park
Reno, Nevada
31.9 miles NEWingfield Park is a oasis of outdoor activity in the middle of bustling Reno. The park provides a variety of activities including swimming, white water kayaking,and river rafting, river tubing,...
Kayak, Swim 0.1 mi
Edwards Crossing
Nevada City, California
40.7 miles WEdwards Crossing is a popular and easily accessible swimming hole on the Yuba River. The swimming hole is named for Edwards Crossing Bridge which can be viewed from there. The river here is...
Hike, Swim 5.6 mi
Quarry Trail
Cool, California
46.4 miles SWThis is a hike along the river and an old, historic railway. The trail leads you to a a beautiful amphitheater carved from limestone.You are surrounded by beautiful nature and peaceful...
Hike 1.2-2.7 mi
Lake Clementine Trail Loop
Auburn, California
47.0 miles SWLocated in Auburn, California, Lake Clementine Trail Loop is a hike along the North Fork American River is an easy to moderate trail with an elevation gain of 785 ft. It's wheelchair...
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, SwimNearby Campsites
Zephyr Cove Park
Glenbrook, Nevada
20.6 miles SEZephyr Cove Park is located 4.6 miles off highway 50 in Nevada. This park is a great place to have your summer activities; it includes Picnic tables for groups and couples, Barbecue...
Camp, Canoe, Disc Golf, Hike, Horseback, Kayak, Swim
North Fork Falls
Colfax, California
23.9 miles WA very popular hike in the summer time, North Fork Falls offers a pleasant break from the city while enjoying the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike into the forest and visitors will find a...
Camp, Hike, Swim 1.2-2.7 mi
Lake Clementine Trail Loop
Auburn, California
47.0 miles SWLocated in Auburn, California, Lake Clementine Trail Loop is a hike along the North Fork American River is an easy to moderate trail with an elevation gain of 785 ft. It's wheelchair...
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim
