Touring * Fitness * Historic * Slalom *

At the south end of Lake Tahoe, follow State Highway 89 west from the U.S. 50 intersection for approximately 1.5 miles. Look for the National Forest Lands/Lake Tahoe Basin sign on the right side of the road. About .2 mile after this sign, park on the gravel shoulder of Highway 89, where you'll see the trail's beginning at the edge of the trees.

Map: Recreation Map of Lake Tahoe, Tom Harrison Cartography,
2 Falmouth Cove, San Rafael, CA 94901-4465; (415) 456-7940.

In the middle of a long, hot summer, come to the high country near Lake Tahoe to enjoy spring all over again. The green season is still in full bloom up at 6,000 feet in July. Wildflowers in wide variety display their colors beneath the pines and in small meadows next to the Camp Richardson Trail.

Enter the trail where it veers into the trees next to Highway 89. The eight-foot-wide asphalt path is smooth, but in a few places near the highway it's scattered with piles of gravel, a remnant of winter attempts at ice control. Cracks up to two inches wide look more threatening then they feel--just roll straight across.

Half a mile from the start, the trail passes the Pope Beach entrance, where the pavement takes a temporary turn for the worse. Pass the Camp Richardson Resort entrance and its general store. Note the ice cream parlor across the highway.

Following the trail's westward route, make sure to enjoy the great view of Mount Tallac through the trees ahead. Though the trail generally parallels Highway 89, in places it does get far enough away to escape the traffic noise. As the trail curves northwest, it dips into meadows and passes tall grasses in the shade of the loosely spaced pines flanking the road. The path crosses only one bridge, but it's a bridge to beat all others, with smooth concrete spanning the outlet of Fallen Leaf Lake.

On the return trip, turn left at the Baldwin Park entrance road to pass through historic old estates that have been converted for public use. A wide asphalt path can be found at the east edge of the parking lot. Skate through the shady grounds of the Baldwin House, past several old structures and a blacksmith shop, and enjoy glimpses of Lake Tahoe between the buildings and trees. At Valhalla House on the far side of the Baldwin estate, the path veers back up to rejoin the Camp Richardson Trail.

Have you ever tried dancing on in-lines? On weekend afternoons, it's party time at Richardson Resort. Skate past the entrance kiosk (and over some rough pavement) to the bar at the end of the street. Opportunities for fun include a live band and beer on the deck overlooking the lake. This is the place to be, on skates or not.

• Camp Richardson Trail - Alternate trail description including local attractions
• Camp Richardson - Lodging, camping, restrooms, food, store

• El Dorado Trail