RED LAKE PEAK: 6 Miles, 1500ft.

SITUATED A FEW MILES SOUTH OF LAKE TAHOE, just north of Carson Pass, Red Lake Peak was first climbed in February, 1844 by Lt. John C. Fremont and Charles Preuss. As such, it enjoys the distinction of being the target of what Francis P. Farquhar's History of the Sierra Nevada says was the "first account of an identifiable mountain ascent in the Sierra." It was from this peak that Fremont first spotted Lake Tahoe, writing in his diary that "we had a beautiful view of a mountain lake at our feet, about fifteen miles in length, and so entirely surrounded by mountains that we could not discover an outlet." In addition to Lake Tahoe off in the distance, the peak also affords excellent views over Hope Valley, towards Round Top, the Sisters, and the rest of the Mokelumne Wilderness to the south, as well as Desolation Wilderness peaks to the north. HIKE DETAILS: Start time: 7:30 A.M. Distance: 6 Miles. Elevation: 1500ft. to Red Lake Peak. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Hike Time: 5-7 hrs. Fees: $1 cash. Guests: Yes WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Advanced level hikers with snowshoe and peak climbing experience. Tentative route is an out and back type but this may be changed to a looping hike that would use the P.C.T trail for the return to Carson Pass. ROUTE: Southwest Ridge from Carson Pass. Please make sure to study the following link if you plan to attend this event. Summit Post: Southwest Ridge. WHAT TO BRING: Snowshoes, Ice-Ax, Crampons. For rentals go to REI. Headlamp, Day Pack, 2-3 Liters of Water or Sports Drink, Gaiters, Compass, Sunglasses & Sunscreen, Food & Energy Snacks. First Aid: moleskin, bandages, aspirin, sharp knife, tape. CLOTHING: Boots: Water-proof insulated boots. Winter boots designed for cold, snow & ice conditions recommended. Warm Socks (Thick Wool socks with a silk/or synthetic liner highly recommended). Base layer: Smartwool long sleeve top and long underwear. Outer Layers: Fleece top and bottom followed by waterproof rain pants or snowboarding/ski pants for rain/snow and wind protection. A waterproof & windproof jacket for final top layer. Bring at least two pair of insulated snow/ski gloves with liners. Wool gloves also highly recommended as they will keep you warm when wet. LINKS Red Lake Peak on Summit Post Avalanche Information. DIRECTIONS: Take either the 88 East to Carson Pass or the 50 to the 89 in South Lake Tahoe and connect to the 88 which in just nine miles going west will put you at Carson Pass. The Meiss Meadow Sno-Park is located 0.2 miles west of the Pass on the North/South? side of 88. You will need a parking pass (see below). PARKING PERMIT: A Sno-Park permit is required to park at Carson Pass during winter months (Nov-May); this costs $5 for a day and is available from several locations in the area. The Amador Ranger Station in Pioneer is closed on weekends during the winter months, so a better bet for those driving from the Bay Area is to stop by Amador Station Gas and Groceries (on the left hand side of the road, a few miles east of Pioneer), or at Kirkwood Gas Station. For those coming from Lake Tahoe, the Shell Station in Meyers reportedly sells the permits. Call 209-258-7248 for more information. RESPONSIBILITY: Please be aware that we expect you to take responsibility for your safety while we are out on the trails. This means arriving ON TIME to leave with the group, being prepared with adequate hiking gear, waiver form, hike fee and making sure the difficulty level of the event IS NOT beyond the limits of your health & conditioning. In addition, please show COURTESY to fellow members by changing your **YES* RSVP to a **NO** if your plans change. **IMPORTANT** Members who regularly sign-up for events, but who DO NOT show-up, may be removed from the list, to make room for more reliable members. We understand that your "Yes" RSVP to this event means you accept this.