Tahoe Rim Trail - Dardanelles Lake - 7/27/2025

 

We left bright and early, heading toward Lake Tahoe and taking Highway 89 to South Upper Truckee road and parking in the Big Meadow Trail Head. We arrived around 8:30am and were lucky to find a parking spot. It was cooler up there, around 64 degrees with a few clouds decorating the blue sky.

After dabbing our exposed skin with sunscreen, we started off along the trail that took us back to, and across, Hwy 89 - and we had to run. We crossed through what looked like a demolition area of rocks, fallen trees and a lone chipmunk that eventually lead to a bridge over a creek and onto a beautiful meadow with views of mountains and trees.

We founds ourselves in a forested area that was sprinkled with wild flowers, mosquitoes, and lovely views. There were a few mountain bikers and many backpackers along the way. Some people were friendly and stopped to talk with us about destinations and sights to see. Others just ignored us altogether.

Dardanelles Lake was breathtakingly beautiful. I snapped dozens of photos hoping to capture the images that were unfolding before my eyes. Larger clouds began to collect overhead, altering the views and we watched it change from one cool perspective to another that was equally cool, but different.

We ate lunch and drank water next to the lake. After looking around for while, we decided to head back with an open possibility to check out Round Lake as well, if we felt up to it. 

The path back was just as amazing as the journey in because the light had changed. We saw an amazing old juniper tree that looked incredible in the light.

One thing, though. Crossing the creek a second time, I took a tumble and fell on my side into the creek and onto some rocks. My clothes were soaked, but I didn’t lose anything and I just bashed my left arm in two places (one spot was a little bloody and another spot about an inch from the first one, swelled up a little. I recovered quickly and we were on our way again. 

 There seemed to be a constant stream of hikers and backpackers coming through the entire way back. We decided to skip Round Lake, save it for the next time.

We saw a baby squirrel, a deer, and more beautiful landscape as we retraced our steps backward.

It seemed like everywhere I turned, there was an interesting photo opportunity just waiting to be taken.

Eventually, we made it back to the meadow and crossed the bridge again.

Then we walked through the same sort of demolition area and crossed Hwy 89 again, but there were no cars at that exact moment (lucky us!).

We made it back to the parking lot, packed up and hit the road.

Another fun and exciting hike!