The Unofficial Alpine Meadows Ski Report

The Unofficial Alpine Meadows Ski Report
Produced by Andy Wertheim
Tahoe/Truckee Realtor
email: andyinalpine@yahoo.com
Our real estate website: www.tahoeriverfrontrealty.com

Hello friends,

Tahoe Meadows is the big meadow area that the Mt. Rose Highway passes through on its way to Reno. This lush meadow is supported by water from snow melt that collects into Ophir Creek as it drops down into the Carson Valley. There is a trail that follows Ophir Creek from Tahoe Meadows to the Carson Valley. You can park at the Tahoe Rim Trail parking area on the south side of the Mt. Rose Highway and begin walking west on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The first portion of the trail follow the Highway back towards Lake Tahoe. Soon the trail turns south to a junction in the meadow with a sign indicating the beginning of the Ophir Creek Trail. I walked this trail for about 3.5 miles (one way) to Upper Price Lake the other day. The trail drops about 1400 feet in elevation as it passes through some lovely meadow land that is still filled with wildflowers. There is an amazing amount of water still flowing in Ophir Creek. Upper Price Lake is set in a basin that is surrounded by tall peaks with views off into the Carson Valley far below. There is a trail that splits off (signed) from the Ophir Creek Trail leading a short distance to Upper Price Lake. After a quiet rest at the lake, no one else was around, I turned around and headed back up the trail. If you can plan it correctly, continuing down the trail makes a nice day hike. Of course, two cars (or a friend who had something to do in Reno or Carson City) would be required unless you wanted to round trip the hike.
Enjoy your day. Andy