Shirley Canyon

Comments: Shirley Canyon is a lovely trail that includes a wonderful variety of environments. First you enjoy a fairly easy hike with some interesting wet seeps, then follow a river that is cascading down the canyon, move into the deep woods, emerge to some extensive rock scrambling, and are finally delivered to  Lake Shirley at the base of a Squaw Valley ski run. If you are still full of energy climb the rest of the way to the Squaw Valley tram and ride down.  This trip used to be free, but such luxuries rarely last!  Now it's $10 to ride down.  The variety of different flowers available in all these marvelous environments is unsurpassed. Enjoy!  

Directions: This trail is located at Squaw Valley, which is well marked on Route 89 between Tahoe City and Truckee. Turn off of 89 following the signs to Squaw Valley.  Enter the resort area and Turn right onto Squaw Valley Peak Rd. This is very close to the tram station and you must go right. Follow this road bearing right, through a condo complex, till it meets with Squaw Peak Way which circles back to the Road.  The trailhead is marked at this juncture.  It is a bit confusing, but you really can't get lost if you keep moving forward :).