Mount Lola Trail
DESCRIPTION:
This is the highest mountain in our region. It offers rewarding views of the immediate area, but Lola itself is not as striking as other peaks. Flowers and views are abundant across the wide-open slopes.
No matter which direction you climb Mount Lola if you intend to hike the entire 9 mile trail from one side to the other, arrange transportation at other end for a great trip. Most of us do a round-trip from the top of Lola coming back the way we came.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7860’-9148’ | Mount Lola can also be reached from the north and the Truckee River/Cold Stream Trailhead and from the south and White Rock Lake Trailhead. From the Little Truckee River on the north, the trail courses through pleasant forest settings alongside Cold Stream Creek, and you usually have the trail all to yourself. The drive to White Rock Lake on the southwest side of the mountain is much longer, but the hike to the top of Lola is shorter and much easier. The hike from the south and White Rock Lake is the more scenic ascent of Mount Lola as the open slopes offer pleasant views of the lake and the Sierra Crest south.
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Mount Lola Trail
Topographic map: Independence Lake.
To access from Truckee and the Little Truckee River, drive north of Truckee 17 miles via Highway 89. At Little Truckee Summit, turn left (west) onto Jackson Meadows/Forest Service Road #07. Follow for 1.3 miles west, then turn left (south) on Independence Lake Road. Follow this gravel road for 0.5 mile to the junction with Sierra County Road #S301. Turn right on to #S301 and follow approximately 3 miles to the trailhead near Cold Stream Creek. From this direction, the challenging climb on the trail is 6580’ to 9148’ in 5.5 miles. Hiking time is 3 hours.
Most campers and hikers wanting to climb Mount Lola drive in from the north via Meadow Lake Road. To reach the Meadow Lake Road travel west on the Jackson Lake Road for approximately another mile past Webber Lake. Turn left on to the Meadow Lake Road and drive the graveled road to the top of the Sierra Crest. After this good road crosses the divide and Pacific Crest Trail (E), a rough 5-mile road more suitable for OHVs, SUVs or pick-ups branches to left (east) to White Rock Lake. Parking is on the south side of the lake and there are primitive camping sites available. After crossing the dam at the lake, the trail to Mount Lola continues around the Lake and then gradually scales the mountain. From the south and White Rock Lake, the 2.5 mile climb over a good trail to the top of Mount Lola is a moderate hike. Hiking time is 1-1½ hours.
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
