Life is a mountain.: Freel Peak, CA

Freel Peak (10,881’), CA

September 2, 2010

Trout Creek Trailhead: 11 miles RT

Elevation gain - 3,680’

People may not have heard of this peak. In fact, I didn’t know until my friend told me about it. Located at the south end of the Carson Range, which runs north to south along the east side of Lake Tahoe, Freel Peak (10,881’) is the highest point of Tahoe basin. It may have less hiking traffic compared to other popular hikes such as Mount Tallac and Mount Rose. The hike is rather strenuous; gaining 3,680’ in 5 miles into the elevation 10,881’ is more than just a workout. It will physically challenge you to conquer Freel Peak, no doubt. There are two other peaks right next to Freel Peak - Jobs Sister and Jobs Peak, and a triple summit of Tahoe basin’s high points in one day is possible: Freel Peak (10,881’ - highest of the Tahoe basin); Jobs Sister (second highest - 10,823’); and Jobs Peak (fourth highest - 10,673’). I started my hike a little late, getting to the trailhead around 3pm because of an unexpected road work on the way. Trailhead is easy to find and the trail is well maintained, though you have to share with mountain bikers. Gradual ascent through the forest gives a great opportunity to enjoy the tree lines of Lodgepole pine, Red fir and Whitebark pine. The last 1 mile to the summit is quite challenging…..steep and sandy trail above 10,000’. If you plan to summit Freel Peak in summer, bring enough water to stay hydrated, or you will regret….it gets pretty hot and dry. The 360 degree view from the top of Freel Peak is well worth for the effort. Vistas from the summit at 10,881’ are breathtaking. I didn’t have enough time to explore Jobs Sister and Jobs Peak this time. I’ll save it for the next time….triple summit.

How to get there:

Take I-50 to S. Lake Tahoe. After I-50 and HWY 89 merge, take right onto Pioneer Trail; then, right onto Oneidas Street. The trailhead is about 4 miles up the road. There is a gate at the end of Oneidas Street. Near the gate there is a sign which says “Freel Peak”. Trail is easy to follow up to Armstrong Pass where you come to a 4 way intersection….south to Big Meadow, west to Fountain Place and Pioneer Trail (where you come from), and north towards Star Lake and Kingsbury. Follow the sign to Star Lake and trek up to reach the saddle at the junction of Tahoe Rim Trail and Freel Peak Trail, which takes you to the Freel summit.

*Click to view large.

First hike through tree lines until Armstrong Pass. Trees that dominate tree lines are Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and Whitebark pineand they are typical in Tahoe Sierra. Trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and it’s also a bike trail. Castle-like steep crags stand out along the saddle - Trimmer Peak.

Armstrong Pass where the 4 way intersection is……south to Big Meadow, west to Fountain Place and Pioneer Trail/Trout Creek trail (where I hiked from), or north towards Star Lake and Kingsbury. This is a halfway point to the summit if you hike from west (Trout Creek trail).

Fountain Face…dramatic rock formations on the west slope of Freel Peak. Fountain Place…green meadow below the trail. Both were named after Garret Fountain, who built a way station at Fountain Place in 1860. He thought that Armstrong Pass would be the chosen gateway through the mountains for the miners from CA to Comstock Lode (Virginia City), NV., hoping that he could make some good business from the traveling traffic. However, Armstrong Pass never became a popular pass because Comstock Lode mine operators financed to build Daggett Pass (the present Kingsbury Grade Rd = SR 207), about 8 miles north of Freel Peak instead. Fountain’s ambition was never fulfilled. No buildings remain at Fountain Place today.

Creek crossing, waterfall and wildflower.

This is where the two trails meet…the trail from Armstrong Pass and the other from Tahoe Rim Trail approaching from north. The pic (above) shows the view north of Monument Pass and Monument Peak (10,067’), and Lake Tahoe is visible. Monument Peak is home of Heavenly Ski Resort. The sign says 1 mile to the summit.