July 22, 2004

High Meadows and Cold Creek Downhill - Afterwork Ride

Joe

Cold Creek ripples through High Meadows.  Freel Peak rises to the south

The High Meadows uphill is the most grueling, non technical, climb I know of on the south shore.  I was up for some suffering after work, so I parked at the end of the High Meadows residential road and set out.  This area was recently opened to the public after being purchased by the Forest Service in 2003.  The best way, if there is a good way, to High Meadows is to climb the old dirt access road from the end of High Meadows and Marshall Trail residential roads. 

High Meadows Trailhead 

Although you can drive to the Trailhead, it is better to leave your car in the paved parking lot at the end of the residential roads.  This way you don't have to climb back up to your car when you finish your descent on the Powerline trail.  From here, the climbing is moderate, but steady. 

Creek Crossing

After climbing steady for 1/2 mile or so, the road descends down to this pretty little creek crossing.  It is the last break your legs will receive until you reach High Meadows.  On this warm afternoon, I should have laid my full body in that little pool on the left side of the road and rolled over a few times.....it was hot and there's not much shade ahead. 

Not far after this creek is a trail on the left that accesses the lower section of the Cold Creek singletrack......but don't give in, keep climbing the road, it's worth it.  Then the road forks where the hill steepens.  Stay to the right, it's a little longer, but not as steep.  When you cross beneath the powerlines you know you're in Sufferland.    

The BIG climb goes on

Taking a picture of the steep climb was a good excuse to stop....The climbing is steep and consistent from here to High Meadows 

Finally at the top

After approximately 3 1/2 miles of climbing you reach the flat edge of High Meadows.  From here you stay to the left and descend down towards Cold Creek for the singletrack downhill.  Or you can go right and continue all the way up to Star Lake (~9,000') and the Rim Trail.  Either way, you'll probably want to park your butt on that big timber by my bike to catch your breath. 

Once you reach High Meadows, you should take the time to soak up the incredible beauty and scenery.  It is a wide stretching alpine meadow with high grasses and wildflowers divided by a meandering creek.  The ancient Carson range stands tall on all sides, draining it's long lingering snowmelt into the meadow's creator, Cold Creek. The tallest peaks in the Tahoe basin, Freel Peak, Jobs Sister and Jobs, stand tall and weathered to the south and east.  The north side of Monument Peak (Heavenly ski resort) towers above to the northeast.  To the west lies what looks to be a number of fine ski lines off the ridge between Trimmer Peak and Freel.  A multi day ski trip is in the planning stages to explore some of these incredible lines this winter.      

Road down to Cold Creek with Trimmer Peak beyond

Take advantage of the relaxing cruise down the road towards Cold Creek and High Meadows.  Trimmer Peak rises in the background.  Approximately 6 months after this bike ride I would spend a day skiing superb consolidated powder on Trimmer with Bob and Will Larsen and company as reported here.

Due to the arduous access, I have rarely seen another person here. High Meadows is truly one of the most beautiful meadows within the Tahoe basin. 

High Meadows, Freel Peak & Trimmer Peak

The expanse of High Meadows stretches towards Freel Peak on the left and Trimmer Peak on the right.  Come get your serenity here. 

Cold Creek Crossing

Just down the road from High Meadows is the start of the Cold Creek downhill.  Cross this rickety log bridge to the other side of creek.  It's a bit shaky to hike-a-bike across.  I don't know anyone who could ride it.

From here the downhill starts.  It is a super fun, tight and smooth trail.  The scenery is outrageous as it follows the lush vegetation on the banks of Cold Creek.

  Sketchy Downhill

Shortly after the beginning of the downhill you arrive at this tilted, sandy, steep death slab.  If you can stay in control on the steep descent you are rewarded with the equally as difficult task of making a hard right turn just before the scrubby little pine tree in the center of the picture.  It has been a mandatory dismount for me every time I've ridden the trail.  My friend Bob Larsen casually shifted his weight back and rode that front brake slowly down the slab, then executed the sharp right turn without a problem.  I was amazed. 

Although I'm sure it will be bloody, I'll give it a go soon.

Tight and Fast Singletrack

The trail is mostly smooth with few brief technical spots.  Watch out for a couple really fast approaching and deep creek crossings.  The ride takes all of your attention as there is little room for error on the narrow path with trees, bushes, branches and roots lurking close by.  Serious fun.

Aspens on the left

This ride must be incredible in the Fall when the bushes are burning and Aspens are firing.

After passing the trail that leads to the High Meadows road you climbed, the trail becomes straight and speedy.  It eventually meets up with the Powerline Trail at the old Beaver Bridge.  For some unbeknownst reason, the old bridge has been replaced by a feat of engineering. 

Powerline Trail Beaver Bridge

Not sure what was wrong with the old bridge.

Take the Powerline trail back to the High Meadows dirt road then back down to your car.  This ride is one of my favorites in South Lake Tahoe.