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Mountain Area Preservation announces summer guided hikes |  |
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(Sierra Sun)
TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST -
TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — Join the Mountain Area Preservation's (MAP) fourth year of free guided hikes to members. Hikes are between 2-3 hours long and explore some of the unique environments they have helped preserve. To sign up for a guided hike contact 530-582-6751 or CLICK HERE to email Alexis. Spaces are limited so reserve your space. South Eastern Martis Valley June 9, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderate level hike. On the way in will follow gently to moderately climbing dirt roads on the south side of a large cirque, until reaching the location where Placer County plans to put 1,300 residences under the new Martis Valley Plan. Stop for a few minutes to talk about alternatives to this proposal. Time permitting, the trek will go up to a knob on the east end of the cirque for spectacular views of eastern Martis Valley and the Carson Range. Descend on steeper trails — it would be good to bring a walking stick. The descending trail goes through forest, meadows, aspen groves and along a stream. See a site where intrepid cyclists hurtle their bikes across the stream. Take a look at a lush wet meadow that was saved from development by MAPF, Sierra Watch, and other conservation organizations just before rejoining the trailhead. Directions: Turn right into Northstar, and take the first right into the parking lot. Car pool and caravan to the trailhead. Mt. Judah Loop Donner Summit July 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Moderate level hike. The southbound PCT trailhead is at the right angle turn and heads east, then south. Pass through the headwaters of Summit Creek, with innumerable riparian flowers most of the year. Climb steeply for about 1/2 mile on granite talus, then more gradually along rocky protrusions. Expect panoramic views looking down on Lake Mary, out toward Van Norden meadow and the Pacific Crest. The Judah Loop Trail branches to the left, climbs, and goes along a large wet meadow on the north shoulder of Mt. Judah. It continues upward and eventually reaches the spine of Mt. Judah, the lunch site. Here, there are spectacular panoramic views in all directions. Competing with the views is the incredibly diverse collection of wild flowers so typical of volcanic soil. Descend on the south shoulder overlooking Roller Pass, then head back along the PCT through a forest of large red firs until the trail branches. The climbs, except for the first one, are mild to moderate. Directions to the Pacific Crest Trailhead (PCT): Get off Interstate 80 at the Donner Pass Road exit, and follow Donner Pass Road past Donner State Park and along the north shore of Donner Lake. Continue upward to Donner Pass. Just after Donner Pass there is a potholed road on the left between the Sugar Bowl Academy and a decrepit building. Follow it about 100 yards to where it makes a sharp right and leads to some parking spots. Do not park at the Sugar Bowl Academy but just to the south of their paved parking lots are some unpaved areas that can be used for overflow parking. Coldstream Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mild to moderate level hike. Participants will head into Coldstream on roads after entering the canyon, take the first right fork, cross the UP tracks and pick up the Emigrant Trail which heads west and climbs moderately along a ridge, providing panoramic views of Coldstream Canyon and the Pacific Crest. The trail then descends to the horseshoe bend of the railroad track, crossing there and following dirt roads through meadows, woods, and along, Coldstream creek and ponds. The last part of the road follows Coldstream Creek and is probably one of the Emigrant routes. Meet at Donner Park between the Chevron and Union gas stations. CLICK HERE to obtain more information about this organization or to join. |
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