Hikes are where you find them, sometimes at the top of a ski lift
Most experienced Carson City hikers would probably never consider starting a trip from the beginning of the Heavenly Mountain Resort's Gondola lift in South Lake Tahoe. It's not the most challenging trek around Carson City — you can always do Prison Hill from the river side or the city side and have a good view of Carson City and Slide Mountain. Or dead Man's Creek at Washoe Lake.
I've hiked around Heavenly for years, both as an employee and guest. I've hiked from he top of the Tram to the burn area and one of my favorites has been the trail from the top of the Gondola to the East Peak lodge. It's a bit under 4 miles, mostly along work roads, some uphill but not too demanding.
Lots of fine views, but I get ahead of myself. I caught the Gondola and got off at the three-quarters point observation deck. The views there are as good as any of Lake Tahoe and such as Pyramid Peak, where there is still plenty of snow. Guides are available to explain some of the views.
Jumped back on he Gondola for the rest of the ride.
Unloading at the top earlier this week I was surprised by the crowds. Every kind of guest, from queues of Japanese women dressed for the sun to grandfathers escorting kids to college kids. The numbers surprised me as I think of Heavenly as a ski and board resort and here were all these people striding off for trails in August.
And there are many paths, all carefully marked, from the more demanding blacks to the more moderate blues and the easy greens. Just like ski runs.
But before hitting the trail heads there was plenty to do for visitors. There's the new Tamarack lodge, splendid with floor to ceiling widows looking out on the rocky, barren ski runs. There are plenty of chairs there both inside and out for those who just want high-altitude sun or shade.
The winter snow runs are bare of course, but there is a climbing tower, outdoor bar and a slide attraction as well. On hand are more guides, ready to explain the natural Tahoe and Heavenly.
Despite my years of teaching skiing at Boulder Base, it wasn't until I did the East Peak hike now that i truly appreciated the size and scope of Heavenly. I go back to when the resort was owned by the Kamori people. Not much was done to upgrade things until the American Skiing Co. took over. New lifts and new trails followed. But it wasn't until the present owners, Vail Resorts, bought in that the resort enjoyed major cash infusions.
No need to detail all of the improvements, but Heavenly is clearly a major operation, witness the resort's growth (along with also Vail operated Norhstar-at-Tahoe) when the two resorts did better than any other mountain vacation spots along the Pacific Basin.
Oh, yeah, the hike to East Peak lodge. It's not too demanding ever for these old legs. Trail is in fine shape, lodge itself is kind of forlorn without crowds of skiers and riders waiting for the Comet and Dipper lifts. But that'll change soon.
Meanwhile, if you've got guests in town and they've enjoyed all that Carson City has to offer, send them to the Gondola. Beautiful ride, great views and trails for every level.
— Sam Bauman