Tahoe Meadows Loop Hike and Bike

It’s a hundred degrees in Reno and the mountains look appealing, actually so does that lake on the other side. Along SR 431 that winds around Mount Rose on it’s way to Incline Village, just past the Mount Rose peak is a small turn off to the left. It’s well marked, just look for the large restroom building and turn down, parking near the bottom. The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail here.

This is one of the most kid friendly and wheelchair accessible places anywhere on this side of the sierra. A great place for kids, dogs (on leashes), grandparents and parents to take their kids for a close up view of what the high Sierras looks like. The entire loop is 1.3 miles, enough for an easy stroll where the kids don’t get bored and you have enough to look at while listening to the chirp of birds and the soft hush of a warm mountain breeze. Stop often at the small signs that describe flora and fauna along the loop. Look around, what’s written might actually be close by. This gives you a great chance to show and tell your kids what certain plants look like while actually naming them correctly, something I still can’t do for 80% of the plants I encounter.

In the heat of the day the meadow you walk through may be a little distressed. This meadow is spectacular when in the spring snowmelt feeds the flowers that stretch across the shallow bowl. Walking the well maintained, easy trail is a pleasure, especially along the south side where the tall pines shadow the trail and invite you to stop and rest. There are a few trails that lead off up a sandy hill for a view of the high sierras and a glimpse of Washoe Lake. This is easy enough for kids, mom and pop but those in wheel chairs will have to settle for the cool of the canopy. The entire loop is easily done in about an hour without breaking a sweat. Remember this is a touch and see trail. Stop, look around, answer questions and above all, have some fun.

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