Shirley Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This run is full of highlights - a big waterfall in the first half mile, tons of side streams and big boulders to explore, Shirley Lake, and finally the resort complex of High Camp. You can make this a one-way run by taking the tram (free in the down direction!).

You can make this run half as long - and much easier on the knees - by taking the tram down. It's free if you get yourself to the top!

Quite a good run, though there is one steep section where, at this altitude, most people will need to walk about a quarter mile.

Park in the main Palisades Tahoe parking lot and walk to the end of Shirley Canyon Road, passing some nondescript ski-area mechanics to the well-signed trailhead. The trail starts here and is quite beautiful right off the bat. Follow blue paint marks on rocks and enjoy the creek, which you'll come quite close to several times before getting to your first waterfall at .3 miles.

Pass another nice waterfall at .8 miles. Many people turn around here, but the trail remains nice all the way to the top, so pressing on. Pass a very steep section up rock slabs and emerge into more open country. The views open up more, flowers are brilliant in the right season, and soon Shirley Lake will appear up ahead. Enjoy a cool dip in the water, a picnic on its shore, or simply a quick pause to take it all in. Next comes another steep ascent through bouldery mountain meadows to reach High Camp and the top of the Aerial Tram.