Martis Peak Lookout
This classic and classy lookout operated by California Department of Forestry offers inspiring views north, down Martis Valley to the bright lights of downtown Truckee and the Truckee River watershed.
...inspiring views north, down Martis Valley to the bright lights of downtown Truckee...
...ideal place to visit – especially with the kids...
DESCRIPTION:
Castle Peak rises to the northwest hovering over Donner Pass; on the right (east) modest Verdi Range forms the western rim of the Great Basin of Nevada. This is where the true west meets the Sierra Nevada Range.
Access to the lookout is closed by gate each fall until the following spring and the next fire season. During summers this is an ideal place to visit – especially with the kids or a romantic partner at sunset over the Sierra Crest.
DIRECTIONS:
To Martis Peak Lookout
Exit I-80 south (right) on Highway 267 to Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach shortly east of Truckee before the interstate begins its descent to Reno, Nevada and the Great Basin. Highway 267 climbs gently to modest Brockway Summit before descending to the lake basin.
About a half mile below (north) of Brockway Summit, Martis Peak Lookout Road heads east up to the ridge. The paved road is at best poorly signed, but is the only paved road to the east (left from Truckee) as the Highway 267 climbs to the northern rim of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Paved to the lookout, the moderate climb is narrow but easily driven – however, watch for oncoming traffic.
At an obvious left-hand switchback on a dominant ridge top, a dirt road suitable for SUVs heads right (east) to a small trailhead and parking area for the TRT. Parking at the lightly-signed intersection is available for sedans or recreationists that don’t want to drive the rocky road to the trailhead.
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking (Rating: Best)
The paved access road also provides alternate, drivable access to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) lying between Brockway Summit and Mount Baldy. It can also be the base for an energetic trek east to Mount Rose and Tahoe Meadows astride of the pass along Highway 431. Mount Baldy offers a modestly difficult – rolling, well-designed grades but at elevations approaching 10,000 feet – hike or ride to the flanks of the mountain that offer superlative views for the full length of Lake Tahoe.
Bikes must stay out of the Mount Rose Wilderness and turn around at Mount Baldy.
Options: Be gungho and pedal up to the switchback -- either via the TRT and Brockway Summit or the paved Martis Peak Lookout Road -- or drive to the parking areas below the lookout.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
The paved access road also provides alternate, drivable access to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) lying between Brockway Summit and Mount Baldy. It can also be the base for an energetic trek east to Mount Rose and Tahoe Meadows astride of the pass along Highway 431. Mount Baldy offers a modestly difficult – rolling, well-designed grades but at elevations approaching 10,000 feet – hike or ride to the flanks of the mountain that offer superlative views for the full length of Lake Tahoe.
One of the best and largest aspen groves in the Donner Summit area lies on the right (south) side of the paved road shortly after it intersects with Highway 267. The stand of quaking aspen offer easy strolls through the trees and, if you catch the colors perfectly, several great photo opportunities.
A slightly lower, smaller grove of aspen lies along Highway 267 shortly down-valley (north) of the Martis Peak Lookkout Road. The land is private but the friendly neighbors have so far allowed us to walk into the stands for painting pictures or taking photographs. Scattered aspen line Martis Creek on the left (east) side of the highway.
Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Best)
The moderate climb on the paved road with open stands of trees and logging roads is a popular winter play area. Roadside parking only.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
The moderate climb on the paved road with open stands of trees and logging roads is a popular winter play area. Roadside parking.
