-Horsetail Falls & Ropi Lake Hike, Tahoe-
DISTANCE: 5.6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 1597 feet
ROUTE TYPE: Out and back
TRAILHEAD: Pyramid Creek Trailhead (17471-17479 Lincoln Hwy, Twin Bridges, CA)
Trail: Horsetail Falls to Ropi Lake is a 5.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Twin Bridges, California. The hike features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. This hike begins at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead on Highway 50. We will be hiking the Pyramid Creek Trail alongside Pyramid Creek. The unmaintained trail goes past Horsetail Falls up to several beautiful lakes in Desolation Wilderness. We will be up close with the spectacular Tahoe waterfall after hiking just a short distance. At this point, expect to scramble up and down boulders, with some tricky log/stream traverses. After scrambling our way to the top, we will pass Avalanche Lake, Pitt Lake, and then settle in at Ropi Lake. You will be able to take as much time as you would like to chill, play, swim, eat, nap, etc. at Ropi Lake.
Parking: When driving up to Tahoe on Highway 50, the Pyramid Creek Trailhead is on the left, about 2 miles past the town of Strawberry. The trailhead has a parking lot, with a required fee of $5. There is also free parking alongside Highway 50 if the lot is full.
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms at the parking lot.
Permits: Permits are required. We will fill out day use permits at the trailhead.
Dogs: Allowed on this trail. Bring a leash.
What to Bring:
• $20 for your driver
• Comfortable shoes
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Weather can be unpredictable, so have layers that you can shed. Light weight pants are recommended.
• Sandwiches, granola bars, etc.
• Mosquito repellant