Casino Peak Hiking Trail
Sycuan Peak, like nearby McGinty Mountain, is home to the rare plant Dehesa beargrass. It grows in clumps of thin, green, ribbon-like leaves and looks somewhat similar to mojave yucca. To the south we could see the wide crest of Lyon’s Peak. To the west was San Miguel Mountain. To the east was Lawson Valley, and Cuyamaca Peak far in the distance.
Diamond Lake Trail is a moderate 5.6 mile hike near Nederland, Colorado. This is a popular trail for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Grays and Torrey’s Peak are two popular 14ers––a mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet. These are the 9th and 11th tallest peaks in Colorado. The Park Peak Trail provides a fairly strenuous, 5.4-mile loop in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area that climbs to the summit of Park Peak and provides grand views over the Las Vegas Valley. Paved access to the trailhead makes this an easy getaway from town into the volcanic mountains that rim the south edge of Las Vegas.
Following the Connector Trail, the trail descends off the side of the ridge, then turns and drops across the slope into the wash below. The well defined trail winds among boulders, washes, and joshua trees as it runs south to a trail junction (Wpt. 08). Here, the Connector Trail ends at the Park Peak Loop Trail (BLM 403), which comes in from the right and continues straight ahead.
Continuing south, the Park Peak Loop Trail crosses a wash and begins to climb the hillside ahead on the left. As the grade steepens, the trail makes seven long switchbacks, runs out to the southwest, makes two more switchbacks, and climbs towards a saddle on the ridgeline (Wpt. 09).
From the saddle, which functionally is the toe of Fracture Ridge, the Park Peak Loop Trail climbs west following the East Ridge of Park Peak. Running up the ridge, the well built trail suddenly ends (Wpt. 10) at the base of a rock pile. Using the plethora of cairns as a guide, hikers can pick their way up through the rocks (barely more than 2nd Class) for the last 25-or-so vertical feet to the summit (Wpt. 11).
Casino Peak Hiking Trails
Many agree that Heavenly Ski Resort is some of the best skiing in Tahoe, and when the snow melts, there’s still plenty to do on the mountain. Heavenly features three handsome hiking trails, varying in mileage and degrees of difficulty, and each departs from the top of Heavenly Gondola’s Adventure Peak. The trails include beginning, intermediate, and advanced options, and each is sure to bring you exercise and picture perfect scenery. The gondola ride is a little on the expensive side, but at the top of the summit you’re guaranteed to have spectacular views no matter which trail you choose.
Casino Peak Hiking Trail Map
The easiest trail is the Green Trail, which takes you to Upper Bonanza Lookout, a manageable 1 mile round trip hike that would be best if you have young children. At the lookout you’re afforded perfect views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley below. The Blue Trail, or East Peak Lake Trail, is approximately a 2.5 to 3 hour long, 3.8 mile round trip hike that’s a bit more difficult. A great day hike, but if you have night vision binoculars and goggles, then you can treat yourself to one of the best night hikes around. The Blue Trail starts out on a gradual uphill climb, continues along a picturesque ridgeline, and then descends to East Peak Lake, where breathtaking views extend in every direction. The Black Trail is a 2.2 mile round trip trek to splendid Sky Meadows. From the top of the gondola, the way there is an easy downhill about 500 feet down in elevation to Sky Meadows, where you can stop and smell the flowers. The meadows are full of gorgeous natural wildflowers and surrounded by massive sugar pines and granite boulders.
A new chairlift also opened up this summer – Tamarack Express – where you can access an advanced hiking trail leading to the top of Sky Express. This hike is 1.92 miles round trip and has a challenging rise of 500 vertical feet in less than a mile. Other activities on the top of Adventure Peak include an extensive outdoor children’s area including the Spyder Climber and Climbing Wall. There are also dining options that are excellent – The Adventure Peak BBQ and Smokehouse and Cafe Blue on The Deck – and those BBQ ribs will taste even better after your hike. The trails are open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, and there are also guided hikes. For information on guided hikes, gondola fair, and more, contact (775) 586-7000 or visit their website – Heavenly Ski Resort. The Gondola is easily accessible at Heavenly (Stateline Casino area).