Article from Mary West:
The Mount Judah Loop Trail is why I am a day hiker. This 5-mile moderate hike offers everything I love about hiking: magnificent views, a profusion of wildflowers and even snow in August. The trail begins at 7,050 feet and climbs 1,150 feet. From the top of the ridge, you'll enjoy sweeping views of Donner Lake stretching into Truckee, as well as Mount Lincoln, Anderson Ridge, Anderson Peak, Tinker Knob and beyond. My dog, Stella, stretched her legs and greeted many other happy hikers and their dogs along this portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
It's worth the hour-long drive east on Interstate 80 to the Soda Springs exit. Stay right off the freeway onto Donner Pass Road. Pass Sugar Bowl Road and, a few hundred yards beyond the Sugar Bowl parking area, you'll see a small cluster of buildings that once housed the Sugar Bowl Academy. Turn right into the parking area, then veer right down the narrow road leading to the trailhead and off-road parking. A trail map at the trailhead highlights several local routes and landmarks. In the bottom right corner, you'll find the Mount Judah Loop Trail.
The trail begins on decomposed granite, nearly overwhelmed by lush vegetation in rich shades of green topped with red, orange, pink, purple, yellow and white flowers. The climb starts quickly, ascending granite switchbacks exposed to the sun. The trail then levels out into a forest of pine, aspen and alder overlooking Lake Mary. I expected to see plenty of mule's ear in bloom but was thrilled to discover so much more, including patches of snow, a delightful surprise.
About a mile in, you'll reach a sign marking the intersection of the Donner Pass Trail and the Mount Judah Loop Trail. Follow the Mount Judah Loop Trail. Another sign farther along directs you to the right to continue the loop toward the peak.
You'll know when you reach the summit. The wind rushes from every direction, dropping the temperature by a refreshing 10 degrees, depending on the time of day. After settling onto one of the rocks scattered across the top of Mount Judah, enjoying a snack and snapping several panoramic photos, we began our descent.
This trail has become quite popular. Dogs are welcome and, while we encountered other hikers, we had the peak to ourselves. The direct sun along the ridge may call for another layer of sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are also advisable. The loose granite makes walking sticks helpful.
The trail winds down the mountainside, meandering through forest and lush greenery before returning to the first intersection and the granite steps that lead back to the trailhead.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
To read the complete article and photos in the Mt. Democrat, CLICK HERE:
The Mount Judah Loop Trail is why I am a day hiker. This 5-mile moderate hike offers everything I love about hiking: magnificent views, a profusion of wildflowers and even snow in August. The trail begins at 7,050 feet and climbs 1,150 feet. From the top of the ridge, you'll enjoy sweeping views of Donner Lake stretching into Truckee, as well as Mount Lincoln, Anderson Ridge, Anderson Peak, Tinker Knob and beyond. My dog, Stella, stretched her legs and greeted many other happy hikers and their dogs along this portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
It's worth the hour-long drive east on Interstate 80 to the Soda Springs exit. Stay right off the freeway onto Donner Pass Road. Pass Sugar Bowl Road and, a few hundred yards beyond the Sugar Bowl parking area, you'll see a small cluster of buildings that once housed the Sugar Bowl Academy. Turn right into the parking area, then veer right down the narrow road leading to the trailhead and off-road parking. A trail map at the trailhead highlights several local routes and landmarks. In the bottom right corner, you'll find the Mount Judah Loop Trail.
The trail begins on decomposed granite, nearly overwhelmed by lush vegetation in rich shades of green topped with red, orange, pink, purple, yellow and white flowers. The climb starts quickly, ascending granite switchbacks exposed to the sun. The trail then levels out into a forest of pine, aspen and alder overlooking Lake Mary. I expected to see plenty of mule's ear in bloom but was thrilled to discover so much more, including patches of snow, a delightful surprise.
About a mile in, you'll reach a sign marking the intersection of the Donner Pass Trail and the Mount Judah Loop Trail. Follow the Mount Judah Loop Trail. Another sign farther along directs you to the right to continue the loop toward the peak.
You'll know when you reach the summit. The wind rushes from every direction, dropping the temperature by a refreshing 10 degrees, depending on the time of day. After settling onto one of the rocks scattered across the top of Mount Judah, enjoying a snack and snapping several panoramic photos, we began our descent.
This trail has become quite popular. Dogs are welcome and, while we encountered other hikers, we had the peak to ourselves. The direct sun along the ridge may call for another layer of sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses are also advisable. The loose granite makes walking sticks helpful.
The trail winds down the mountainside, meandering through forest and lush greenery before returning to the first intersection and the granite steps that lead back to the trailhead.
Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (second edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 Craft Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the Day Hiker series by the Outdoor Writers of California. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
To read the complete article and photos in the Mt. Democrat, CLICK HERE:
RSS Feed