WST-02 (Tevis), Highway 89 to Emigrant Pass/Squaw

The trail that began at Robie Park on the ridge to the east now crosses to the other side of Highway 89 by dropping under the highway river bridge about 1/3 mile south of the Squaw Valley Road intersection. The trail crosses the highway bridge over the Truckee River and then starts westerly scrambling uphill with a vengeance.

The Tevis Cup riders and horses had better be warmed up by the time they race over the river. The next 97 miles or so is as challenging as it gets. For the rest of us, there’s a small, unsigned parking area along Highway 89 on the south side of the bridge with steps down to river level with several shorter hiking or biking options.

This is the easiest access for hikers or bikers to travel this section of the Western States Trail (Tevis) either east or west from Highway 89. Heading west toward Squaw Valley is a groaner, but more scenic than the segment from Robie Park.

From Highway 89 west to the Sierra Crest, the climb is arduous and the few users other than Tevis Cup riders are hearty hikers who take this route for the exercise. Once it tops out over the first major ridge and approaches the ski basin, mountain bikers starting from the ski area itself often join this trail. Scads of other trails maintained by Squaw Valley join the Western States Trail (Tevis) and make up the summer play area for mountain bikes centered on the ski area.

The Western States Trail (Tevis) is an interesting alternative to get to the top of the Sierra Crest -- if you have the time -- or if you want to take an interesting and up close look at a ski area in the summer. The valley is prettier than you might assume -- the mountain backdrop anyway.

But, it’s the second hardest way within Squaw Valley to reach the Crest and drop into Granite Chief Wilderness. Only the Western States Trail runners have found a tougher climb -- smack up and over the shoulder of Squaw Peak from the parking for the ski area and gondola.

The latter is my favorite way to reach the top -- riding the gondola, that is. You’ll find me in the restaurant watching darkness slip into the valley. I’m the one with a glass of wine in my hand.

No bikes. 

To WST-02 (Tevis), Highway 89 to Emigrant Pass/Squaw

Topographic map: Auburn. Directions from west: To access Poverty Bar follow either the Western States Trail (Tevis Cup) or the American Canyon and Dead Truck Trails. Directions when coming from the east and Ruck-a-Chucky Campground: Drive the Foresthill Road 8.1 miles east out of Auburn, turn right onto Drivers Flat Road. Next 0.5 mile is easy with a large parking area provided at that point. If you continue over the next 2.0 miles, take it slow. From the campground follow the signed trail west (downriver). Continuing on this trail toward Auburn requires fording the river. Do this only during low water periods.

Communities

• Tahoe City
• Truckee