Near Chickadee Ridge
Chickadee Ridge, Lake Tahoe, NV. Jan2019
Near Chickadee Ridge
Start of trail.
Near Chickadee Ridge
Tahoe from Chickadee Ridge.
Near Chickadee Ridge
Wintertime is truly splendid spent along the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Near Chickadee Ridge
First snow of the season along the Tahoe Rim Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Chickadee Ridge

4.4 (12 Ratings)
A very popular area, due to its stunning views and relatively low effort required.
4.5
mi
Distance
524
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.45mi
Distance
524ft
Elevation Gain
524ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
8,787ft
High Point
8,519ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Start along the boardwalk through the meadow from the trailhead, and continue along, following signs to the Tahoe Rim Trail. You'll enter the forest and continue gently uphill for about 1.5 miles. You'll pass the Ophir Creek Trail branching off to your left as you continue along Chickadee Ridge. If you were to turn onto that trail, you'd be in for a steep descent down towards Price Lake - it's a nice way to add more scenery and distance, but it's a steep trail.Along the ridge, enjoy remarkable views across Lake Tahoe, and the mountains beyond to the west. From here, you can continue as far as you'd like, and simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Or, from just about any point on the ridge, just before it trends downward, scramble up to the relatively easy summit over large boulders.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Michael Ahnemann