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Distance:
8.0 Miles / 12.9 km
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Hard
Time to Hike:
4 hours
Features:
Surface Type:
Paved
Town:
Truckee, California
Directions:
39.26726, -120.074461
Added:
February 17, 2017
Updated:
January 23, 2020
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1,640 '

Total Change
1,711 '

Ascent
1,711 '

Descent

The Martis Peak Fire Outlook Trail is a difficult 8-mile out-and-back trail that follows the Martis Peak FS Road all the way to the top where you get amazing views of Lake Tahoe.

This hike was 8 miles roundtrip, with about 1700-ft of elevation gain. In the winter, Martis Peak Road is covered in snow and you would never notice that it is paved. The forest was peaceful and quiet.

Mile 0 to 1.3: Hike and follow the road for 1.3-miles until you reach a fork in the road. Take a left-hand turn to continue hiking uphill towards Martis Peak.

Mile 1.3 to 2.6: Around mile 2.6 you'll come across yet another fork in the road -- stay right to continue hiking up towards Martis Peak.

Mile 2.6 to 3.3: At mile 3.3, the road curves with another fork in the road that leads to a parking area during warmer months. Continue hiking uphill and stay left along the curve to reach Martis Peak.

Mile 3.3 to 4: At mile 4 you'll finally reach the Martis Peak Fire Outlook with amazing views of Lake Tahoe below.

Lookout: Martis Peak Fire lookout is a small hut with sweeping views in every direction except to the east, which is blocked by Martis Peak itself. From the lookout, you can see Lake Tahoe below - from Desolation to Donner Pass.

Parking: Parking can be found at the entrance to Martis Peak Road at the parking coordinates provided.

Pets: Dogs are allowed on leash and their waste must be carried out.

For more details, check out the Martis Peak Norcalhiker blog post.

Explore 3 trails near Truckee, CA
  1. Parking

    39.26726, -120.074461
  2. Main Trailhead

    39.267332, -120.074447
  3. Vista from the fire lookout

    39.292375, -120.034683
    Vista from the fire lookout
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

Hazards

Ticks - Lyme Disease More Info (CDC)

Season

Spring

Photo Albums

1 Trip Report

No Star-Ratings
Trail Guide By:
Norcalhiker user profile picture
8.0 miles / 12.9 km
Trail added
February 17, 2017
Hiked on
February 17, 2017
Updated on
January 23, 2020

Weather Forecast

In Truckee, CA

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