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High Meadow Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from High Meadow Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular park with a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, plus scenic views.
What runners say about High Meadow Trailhead
“Although the presence of bikers can be a little annoying, the stunning scenery is worth it.”
“Looks like a blast to ride mountain bikes on and a leasurly peaceful gait on a horse.”
A nice hiking loop that you can tailor to your hiking experience level or adjustment to elevation. A short loop, a medium loop or a power incline hike that stops after 8 hours or when you do. Looks like a blast to ride mountain bikes on and a leasurly peaceful gait on a horse.
The kids and I loved this trail through the forest for some views of mountain tops and a little peek of the lake. The kids were running up and down the well packed trail. We didn't make it to the actual meadow though.
We were fortunate to have rented a house near the High Meadow Trailhead, which turned out to be an excellent choice for our Labor Day weekend. The trail offers a combination of access roads and actual trails that are suitable for most visitors.
its HARD, 20% grade for over a mile. you can not do that part and cut back about 2 miles and do a smaller loop. there was no overlook view in the route I took but then again didnt go to the top. the trail marking was okay.
Trail conditions & character
“The kids and I loved this trail through the forest for some views of mountain tops and a little peek of the lake.”
“A nice hiking loop that you can tailor to your hiking experience level or adjustment to elevation.”
“We were fortunate to have rented a house near the High Meadow Trailhead, which turned out to be an excellent choice for our Labor Day weekend.”
“It is popular for hiking and mountain biking and has gradual elevation changes for most of the trail.”
“Looks like a blast to ride mountain bikes on and a leasurly peaceful gait on a horse.”
“You can see great views of the back of Heavenly Mountain on the east side and large rocky mountains such as Trimmer Peak, Freel Peak, and Jobs Sister North and West.”
“It's advisable to bring water since there are no water fountains on the trail.”
Plan your run at High Meadow Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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