Showers Lake

This hike was another that was sponsored by the Conservancy. The trailhead begins at Schneider 'Cow' Camp, which is 2 miles down a rocky dirt road on the north side of Highway 88 at Caples Lake.

The trail over the steep ridge to Showers is only 2.2 miles, but rather than come back the same way (over the loose scree on the way up), we looped around Little Round Top.

From the parking area, the first section is mostly just up. as you near the top of the ridge, the footing is a bit precarious on loose granite scree. The views, however, become better as you look over the trees to the south where the sentinels watch over Kirkwood.

From the top of the ridge, you look over Meis Meadow and Meis Lake. The Truckee river starts in this area, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs through the valley.

Rounding Little Round Top, there is an outcropping of rock a short way off the main trail that provides some excellent views up the valley to Lake Tahoe.

Above the trail are the remnants of weathered volcanic cores. They seem out of place.

Looking 'down slope', you see meadows full of wild flowers (assuming you hit the trail at the right time of year), and granite outcrops.

Right before the descent to Showers Lake is a great view of Showers and Lake Tahoe.

Taking the long way back, there are no great views until you get most of the way around Little Round Top. There are a couple of places where you can see across to Horsetail Falls on the north side of Highway 50. A little further around and you get views of Caples Lake to the south.