Spooner Summit is the perfect place for a summer getaway! There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as several golf courses. For those who love to fish, Spooner Lake is a great spot to try your luck.
In this article, we’ll explore more about the Spooner Summit and why it is special.
Where is Spooner Summit?
The Spooner Summit Snow Play Area is located on the East Shore of North Lake Tahoe in Nevada, at the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28.
Spooner Summit is a mountain pass that connects the North Lake Tahoe area to Carson City via US 50. When traveling eastbound, the pass’s highest point is located just east of Spooner Lake, just before the first set of curves.
This unofficial sled hill is only 9 miles south of Incline Village and offers a steep gradient near the top as well as more mellow terrain if those who are less daring do not climb to the top. Sledding is free and participants must bring their own equipment. The sledding hill does not have any restrooms. Remember to bring your sled with you – no sled left behind!
Spooner Summit is a beautiful location that offers stunning views of North Lake Tahoe. It’s the perfect place to take a break from your hectic life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The summit is also a great place for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The Summit is a great place to take in the great views of the Sierra Nevada. Views to the east include the Carson Valley and peaks in the Desolation Wilderness. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Although Spooner Summit offers free parking, you must hike an additional mile (roundtrip) to get to Spooner Lake and pay an additional $2 per person to enter the Spooner Lake region.
Bikes are PROHIBITED on the adjacent segment from Hobart Road to Spooner Summit. Camping is available between Tunnel Creek Road and Spooner. Summit is only permitted in specific campgrounds.
Spooner Summit – Scenery
The Spooner Summit area is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The Lake Tahoe area is world-renowned for its stunning blue waters and snow-capped mountains, and the Spooner Summit area is no exception. With its towering peaks and pristine lakes, the Spooner Summit area is a nature lover’s paradise.
Spooner Lake is a man-made reservoir located just north of the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28 near Spooner Summit, a pass in the Sierra Nevada’s Carson Range that connects Lake Tahoe to Carson City, Nevada. It’s in Lake Tahoe – Nevada State Park.
Spooner Summit – Located
The lake is located within the Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park. It was built in 1927 to hold irrigation water, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife designated it as a trout fishery in 1973. In 1982, restrictions were changed from allowing harvest to zero-harvest, and in 2006, they were restored to allowing a five-fish harvest.
On South Camp Peak, the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) passes a wooden bench that is situated roughly halfway between Spooner Summit and Kingsbury Grade. You can hike there for about six miles (roughly a 2-hour journey), either from the Spooner Summit South Trailhead or the Kingsbury North Trailhead, respectively.
Things You Can Do at Spooner Summit
Spooner Lake is an excellent summer and winter recreation destination. The lake is open for fishing, hiking, and birdwatching all year. Summer activities include swimming, non-motorized boating, and mountain biking, while winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Biking is also a popular activity, and there are many trails to explore. Camping is also a popular option, and there are many campsites in the area.
There are adjacent trailheads that provide access to the backcountry, as well as short paths suitable for hiking for the entire family. A 1.6-mile loop route around the lake features educational displays, seating, and stunning views.
Spooner Lake fishing is enjoyable for people of all ages because rainbow, brown, and Lahontan cutthroat trout can be caught. Winter ice fishing is also popular among visitors during the colder months. Whatever your preference, Spooner Summit is a great place to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why Spooner Summit is the Perfect Hiking Destination
Spooner Summit is the perfect hiking destination for a variety of reasons.
First, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Spooner Summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Second, the trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone.
Finally, the staff at the visitor center are incredibly knowledgeable and can help you plan the perfect hike for your skill level and interests. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, Spooner Summit is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.
For those traveling closer to the lake’s eastern shore, Marlette Lake and Spooner Lake offer excellent peeping opportunities.
The Best Time to Hike at Spooner Summit
The best time to hike at Spooner Summit is in the spring or fall. The weather is cool and the scenery is beautiful. The trail is well-maintained and there are plenty of places to stop and rest. The summit offers a great view of the surrounding area.
Since June 27, construction has been going on near Spooner Summit and Voltaire Canyon. Approximately 56 acres of private, state, and federal lands will be used for this project’s construction-related activities and 9.23 miles of the existing power line corridor.
Traffic snarl-ups could occur, mainly in the Highway 50 Spooner Summit region. The Spooner Summit Trailhead, Clear Creek Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Spooner Summit South Day Use Area will all continue to be accessible to the general public.
The decision memo authorizing the rebuilding of the power lines was signed in August 2021 by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest.
The Different Types of Trails at Spooner Summit
There are numerous trails to explore at Spooner Summit, each offering a unique and memorable experience.
For the more adventurous hiker, the summit’s elevation provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. The Marlette Flume Trail is a rigorous hike that follows the old Marlette water flume for 10 miles.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a more moderate hike that circles the entire lake, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. This is a multi-day hike that circles the Tahoe Rim Trail. For a shorter hike, the 1.5-mile North Ridge Trail provides a moderate challenge with views of the Carson Range.
The Tahoe Rim Trail/Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail connects Echo Lake to the north, traversing a rugged wilderness of glacial moraines and smooth granite ridges.
Mt Rose Summit, Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit is a one-way trail that passes by a lake near Reno, Nevada.
The Marlette lake, hobart reservoir, Red House, Flume, and Tahoe Rim Trails are among the most popular. There are also camping and cabins available. Spooner Lake Cabin sleeps four comfortably, while Wildcat Cabin sleeps two. Composting toilets, beds, cook stoves, and wood burning stoves are standard features in both cabins.
Snow Valley Peak is a well-known hiking destination in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Views are just one of the benefits of hiking this peak, which is easily accessible from Carson City and can be seen from a variety of vantage points.
Vikingsholm, a castle known for its Scandinavian architecture, is nestled in the crook of Emerald Bay. This Tahoe icon is accessible via a one-mile moderate hike from a trailhead off Highway 89. Hikers are rewarded with fall colors from aspens and a cottonwood or two that frame the trail.
Whatever your hiking preferences, Spooner Summit has a trail to suit your needs.
The Must-See Sights at Spooner Summit
Spooner Summit is a must-see for anyone visiting the Lake Tahoe area. The summit offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There are also several hiking trails that lead to the summit, which is a great way to explore the area.
Some Popular Locations at Spooner Summit
Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Thunderbird Lodge is a beautiful lakefront lodge located in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The lodge features a variety of accommodations including lakefront cabins, suites, and rooms.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The lodge also has a restaurant and bar and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Spooner Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The lake is popular for fishing, swimming, and boating. The scenery around the lake is absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby for visitors to enjoy.
Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a beautiful place to visit. The lake is so blue and the scenery is breathtaking. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy while you are here including hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.
Chimney Beach, Carson City: Chimney Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located in Carson City. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible views of the ocean. The beach is also a great place to find shells and other treasures.
Whale Beach, Carson City: Whale Beach is a beach on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, near Carson City. It is famous for being a naked beach. The large rocks near the water’s edge inspired the current name. The sunset over the ocean, giving the sky a beautiful orange hue.
The sand beneath your feet may well be cold and firm. The view from the beach is breathtaking. The sound of distant seagulls calling is soothing. All you need to do is take a deep breath and enjoy the peace of the moment.
Secret Beach, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Secret Beach at Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder that this place is such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenery or get active and explore the area, Secret Beach is the perfect place to do it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spooner Summit offers up some of the best trails in all of Colorado. With 7,000-foot peaks, gorgeous alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows, it’s easy to see why so many athletes visit there. From mountain biking to backpacking to snowshoeing and skiing, there’s no shortage of fun.
