Diamond Peak from Tahoe Meadows

Embark from the informational kiosk for the Tahoe Rim Trail at the northwest corner of the trailhead parking lot. The obvious trail to the southwest parallels Mt. Rose Highway and skirts the meadow’s border for 0.4 miles. As you approach Ophir Creek, causeways assist your way across the fragile plants and wet ground. A boardwalk extends this protection southeast along the creek. The near future will see a bridge across the creek at this point and a boardwalk to the northwest along the creek, eliminating social trails which highly impact streamside erosion.

Currently, the stream is crossed about 100 feet down the boardwalk. Then return the 100 feet to this point on the opposite side of the stream, following the signs for the TRT. Shortly after entering the trees, a couple of rapid left turns at the signed intersections will head you southeast on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The next junction to watch for is 1000 feet ahead where the Ophir Creek Trail veers to the left while you and the TRT, bound for Tunnel Creek Road, skews right.

Follow the sign for TRT.

The sandy trail heads southwest under a lodgepole cover for 0.3 miles when it heads east on the first of two long switchbacks leading to a good vista of the lake. Additional vistas are more frequent as the trees thin out and the boulders replace them. Traverse southward until the trail turns across the spur of the ridge, tracking east for about 0.5 miles, then resumes its southerly course.

After nearly three miles, you can find a reliable water source at the spring just above the trail. Contour to the south for another half mile to a small clearing where an obvious social trail leads 400 feet southwest to an outcrop with a perch affording a spectacular view over Lake Tahoe. Crystal Bay, named not for its gem-like waters but, for George Crystal who staked the first claim on timber here in the 1860’s, stretches in front of you with Agate Bay in the background. This is an excellent spot for a snack or lunch break.

Return to the trail and continue into and out of a ravine as you descend slightly from the high point of 8,830 feet. Contour in and out of the canyon among boulders on a sandy trail. Penstemmon and pine mat manzanita, buckwheat and pussy paws are the only colorful additions on this boulder-ridden slope. Descend into a broad flat saddle ringed by lodgepole pine, western white pine, and red fir trees. Hidden from the Tahoe side, vistas into the Washoe Valley and shallow Washoe Lake appear to the east as you descend the sandy trail.

From the next brief vista on the Tahoe side, you can spot the trip’s destination, highlighted by the chairlift terminus. Descend to another small, almost circular, saddle where you will begin to contour along the eastern side of Diamond Peak. A faint use trail heads southwest up through the trees, just before they completely peter out, to the peak.

Or, you can round the curve a 400 feet further south and then, just before entering the saddle, turn uphill on the sandy slope to your destination.

The return to the trailhead is easier and the missed picture is still there.