The Shirley Canyon hike in Squaw Valley Ski Resort is one of the most thrilling and rewarding outdoor adventures in Northern California. Not only do you get ascend through a beautiful alpine landscape featuring wildflowers, pine trees, and iconic rock formations, but you have the option of descending back to the valley below on a one of kind tram ride.

This epic ski resort was the site of the 1960s winter Olympics and is a beloved and treasured winter playground for people who visit from all over the world. Come discover this landscape anew before it’s buried in snow and see for yourself why it’s one of the most enchanting spots in Northern California.

1. As you being your hike, you will follow a beautiful stream that cascades over boulders and rocks before finding yourself in an epic granite field.
Jill Sanford
2. Squaw Valley's year round adventure attracts thrill seekers in the summer as well as the winter. You'll absolutely fall in love with these trails.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
3. Remember to stop and look down on the valley below as you take in the sights.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
4. If you ski or snowboard at this iconic resort in the winter, now is your chance to see the terrain underneath some of your favorite runs.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

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5. If you visit in early summer before the snow melts completely, you'll get to see the stunning wild flowers that scatter the hillside in a variety of colors.
Tom O'Neill
6. Just before you reach the final leg of this hike, you'll come to Shirley Lake. This sparkling alpine lake features rocks for lounging or diving as well as an epic view of Squaw Valley's backside and the Shirley Canyon chairlift.
Jill Sanford
7. If you choose to keep climbing from Shirley Lake, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It just keeps getting better from here, though, so keep going!
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
8. The steep but quick uphill from the lake is definitely worth it when you crest the top of your climb and are immediately rewarded with this epic view of Lake Tahoe.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
9. Follow the path to the best part of the Shirley Canyon Hike: The tram ride down! While it costs to ride the tram up to what's known as High Camp, it's free to ride it down. Your hard work will have paid off and you get to enjoy the 360-degree views of Squaw Valley and the surrounding North Lake Tahoe area as you coast back down to the Village.
Frank Schulenburg

This relatively short hike is steep, making the 3.6 miles feel like a much longer trek. The views are epic, however. There’s nowhere else in California as captivating and rewarding as the rigorous uphill hike and thrilling downhill tram ride.

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