Star Lake Loop

Star Lake Loop is a -mile route located in South Lake Tahoe, approximately one hour from Reno and approximately two hours from Sacramento. It features lush meadows, scenic views, peak bagging opportunities, and Star Lake, a peaceful alpine lake. The route begins at the High Meadows Trailhead which is easily accessible for locals and residents of nearby cities. This moderately rated trek can be done as a day trip or as an overnight camping trip.

The northern tip of Star Lake is located about 6.50 miles from the start. This peaceful alpine lake is a great location for a snack, picnic, or backcountry campspot. 

Freel Peak(10,881') is the highest point in the Carson Range (a subrange of the Sierra Nevada), and can be accessed along this loop via the Tahoe Rim Trail. Panoramic views from the summit include Hope Valley and Mokelumne Wilderness to the south, Job's Sister and Job's Peak to the east, Monument Peak and Lake Tahoe to the north, and Pyramid Peak, Lake Tahoe, and the Desolation Wilderness to the west. 

Climbing to the top of Freel Peak would add a total of 2-miles to the overall distance.

DIRECTIONS AND WAYPOINTS

00.00 - High Meadows Trailhead.
02.40 - Turn right on High Meadows Road.
02.85 - Continue onto Star Lake Trail 18E01.
06.50 - Star Lake (northern tip) and junction with Tahoe Rim Trail. Turn right on Tahoe Rim Trail.
08.17 - Junction for Freel Peak.
11.20 - Armstrong Pass / head west on the Armstrong Pass Trail.
15.00 - Cross Fountain Place Road and continue on 18E09A.
16.50 - Take 18E14
18.00 - Twisted Cedar Trail
19.00 - Power Line Road (12N08)
20.00 - High Meadows OHV Trail (18E33A)
21.00 - High Meadows Road / High Meadows Trailhead

WATER
Water may be available via streams and lakes. Water collected in the backcountry must be treated before consumption. 

CAMPING AND PERMITS
There are opportunities for backcountry and campground camping along and near this route. For more information please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ltbmu/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=11753&actid=34. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tahoe Rim Trail - https://tahoerimtrail.org/.
Forest Service: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/ltbmu/recreation.