Jump for Judah!

Mt Judah Hike in Tahoe Donner

Tackle Tahoe's deservedly popular Mt. Judah loop this summer and you'll reach new heights in more ways than one. The 4.6-mile wonderland hike starts at 7,000 feet on the famed Pacific Crest Trail along Donner Pass Drive. And things just keep looking up from step one. First, ascend a granite headwall (via switchbacks) that rewards with a bird’s eye view of Lake Mary.

Then the trail levels out as it passes through pine and fir trees—some with giant, curiously curved trunks resembling something out of a Dr. Seuss book. The currently deserted chairlifts for Sugar Bowl crisscross the mountains to the west, and wildflowers like lupine, purple daisies, yellow mule's ears, and Indian paintbrush color parts of the trail. The last push comes nearly 2 miles in, as the landscape becomes more barren and boulder-strewn.

Mt. Judah’s peak checks in at 8,243 feet. From here superb views of Tahoe Basin abound: Donner Lake, Martis Valley, the Carson Range, Castle Peak, and Tinker Knob. Descend the mountain via the bare north ridge and back through the forest. Judah jubilation!

From I-80, take the Donner Lake or Soda Springs exit and follow Donner Pass Rd (Old Hwy 40) for about 4 miles. Look for "Pacific Crest Trail" (PCT) signs. The dirt parking lot is on the south side of the road by a cluster of buildings, east of Sugar Bowl ski resort. Walk south down a dirt road and find the PCT sign. The first 2 miles of the trail are on the PCT. At the first junction (in about 1 mile) there’s a left turn for Mt. Judah—don’t turn left; stay straight. In another mile, you’ll reach an obvious but unmarked junction (look for a “trail adopted by Bob & Lori Belden” sign). Make a hairpin left here to climb up to Mt. Judah. Descend the peak on the north side. About 1 mile from the peak you’ll reach a three-way junction; veer left. In another half-mile you’ll reach the PCT again, where you turn right and follow it back to the parking area. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  2. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

    View
  3. True Star Power

    Here's a truly enlightening way to spend an evening: head to Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a "star party." At dusk, the observatory opens, giving the public access to celestial viewing via three powerful telescopes.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Mini Guide to Reno Tahoe’s Lodging and Dining

    So, you’re going to Reno Tahoe for some time in nature, and some time in nurture? Excellent choice. The fun and wonder of Reno Tahoe is the easy part.

    View
  3. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View