This trail begins south of Lake Tahoe, near Carson Pass. Showers Lake is the highest in the Upper Truckee River Basin. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail through expansive meadows with views of Round Top (10,381'), Elephant's Back (9,585') and Red Lake Peak (10,063'). The trail begins by winding upward through a series of switchbacks for over a mile. After reaching a summit, the trail drops down a steep grade into the flatlands of Meiss Meadows, riddled by many streams in the springtime. At this point, the trail parallels an old jeep trail for about a mile. When you reach a junction, take the left fork which will eventually lead you up a moderate hill, covered with wildflowers in the spring. Reaching the crest, the trail descends to Showers Lake, one of the cooler lakes in the Tahoe area.

Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, Take Highway 50 south to Highway 89 and turn left. Continue to the intersection of Highway 89 and 88 and turn right. Continue past the Carson Pass Sno-Park one mile, turn left on the dirt road and park in the dirt parking area. The trailhead is located on the other side of the highway, just across from the parking area.

Elevation: 8,560 feet

Ending Elevation: 8,790 feet

Elevation Gain: 230 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

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