Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
215.00 ft (65.53 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.75 mi (7.64 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Sagehen Creek trail is an out-and-back dirt path that generally parallels the course of the lower creek as it meanders its way into Stampede Reservoir.

Lying just outside the town of Truckee, Sagehen Creek is quiet enough that the short walk will make you feel far distant from any sign of civilization. The trail's appeal lies in its meandering path that passes a variety of terrain, from creekside riparian to pine needle forest to wild flower meadows before reaching the edge of Stampede Reservoir. Throughout the walk, golds mix with greens which mix with blues, as the natural mountain bounty is on full display. With relatively little elevation change, the path is great for hikers and walkers of almost all ability levels, and the early portion of the hike offers quite a few short offshoots that lead down to the creek's edge and quiet areas to dip your feet.

The steady terrain also make it a popular trail for mountain bikers and trail runners, so visitors are likely to see others engaged in a spectrum of activities along the path during snow free months.

The Sagehen Creek area will look different throughout the season, from likely being blanketed in snow throughout the winter months to wild flowers during the first warm months, to colorful bursts in the autumn and small communities of kokanee salmon spawning in the creek at the right time of year.

The parking area and trail are unsigned, but a noticeable dirt parking area to the northeast side of where the creek passes beneath Highway 89 will be easy to see. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or along the hike. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy trail. Variety of terrain.

Cons

Unsigned.

Trailhead Elevation

6,140.00 ft (1,871.47 m)

Highest point

6,140.00 ft (1,871.47 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Family friendly
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California
Lake Tahoe + Northern Sierra, California

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.