Trail Map of Freel Peak from Armstrong Pass

Difficult: 10.2 miles, Full day

Overview: Traversing the path of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Armstrong Pass to the saddle below Freel Peak is the "moderate" portion of this hike, and the final mile to the summit is only moderately-strenuous; however, the vista is breathtaking. Freel Peak, 10,881 feet above sea level and the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe region, is named for James Freel who squatted on land at the base of the mountain formerly known as "Bald Mountain" and serves as the eastern most summit of the Sierra. If peak bagging is your thing, Job’s Sister and Job’s Peak are within easy reach of Freel Peak's summit and would make excellent additions to this hike with minimal effort.

Tips: Directions -- From the junction with US-50 in Meyers, drive south on CA-89, 4.0 miles east of Big Meadow trailhead parking area to Willow Springs Road on the east side of the road. This is the forest service road FR-051 which heads northeast toward Horse Meadow.

If coming from Carson Pass or Carson City, willow springs Road is 1.75 miles north of the Junction of CA-88 with CA-89 in Hope Valley.

It is advised that you use a high-clearance vehicle on this road, however careful driving in a wagon will also get you there. Drive 2 1/2 miles up FR- 051 and cross Willow Creek on the bridge and then drive another mile to cross a second bridge. Park in the open area to the east of the creek branch. A small wooden bridge across the creek is blocked by boulders. And so you've reached your parking spot. You'll hike for 0.5 miles to the trailhead.