Description

From the base of the ski runs near Kingsbury, the trail climbs steadily among impressively-large old-growth firs and pines, traversing the east aspect of Monument Peak.

It crosses a few more ski runs, but they are barely noticeable when covered by shrubs and wildflowers instead of snow.

As the trail ascends, the forest thins.

Clearings open where trees are replaced by bushes and talus, and the views are simply jaw-dropping over Carson City below and Nevada’s mountains beyond. At Monument Pass, the trail crosses the spine of the range.

Views remain equally as expansive as before, but now looking west toward the Sierras and Lake Tahoe.

Dominating the horizon ahead is a huge craggy mountain with snow that remains throughout the summer.

This is Freel Peak, the highest summit in the Tahoe Basin (10,886 feet). With this mountain and its neighbor, Jobs Sister, in your sights, continue southward through sunny forest to Star Lake.

This picturesque pool sits beneath the imposing cliffs of Jobs Sister, collecting crisp meltwater from its perennial snowfields.

Pause to enjoy an icy dip in the midday heat, or spend the night camping nearby.

Beyond Star Lake comes a climb to the often-windy west shoulder of Freel Peak, with a commanding view of the mountains you have yet to cross.

The following miles through boulder-strewn forest continue a gradual but noticeable progression into the rockier, granitic landscape of the Sierra Nevada, where more shimmering lakes and snowy peaks await.