Shirley Canyon

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 start at Squaw Valley, which is well marked on Route 89 between Tahoe and Truckee. As you are about to enter the resort area, bear right into a large parking area. Look for the fire station and find the trail just behind the building. The trails are a bit confusing but you can't go too wrong. Stay close to Squaw Creek on the left until you cross over the creek. Look for blue markers to stay on the trail over the rocks. Keep heading up till you get to Shirley Lake which is at the bottom of a ski lift.

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