Shirley Lake Trailhead

We did this yesterday and got a great workout. We did the out and back to Shirley Lake. During summer you can hike to the lake and then hike to the tram at Squaw Valley and take that back down for no cost. It is closed now.
Be aware on this hike that it is not clearly marked in areas where the trail is primarily granite. Look for boulders that have a blue painted stripe. In areas where the trail is more forest look for blue painted rocks. You really have to be aware of where you are. We met up with other hikers who also looked for markers. The granite sections are physically demanding. Take your time and enjoy the views. Your reward at the lake is worth it.

Love this hike — an alternative is to park in the employee/​maintenance lot across the creek from the trail head. Now the creek is on your left. There are several trailhead starting points opposite the small lodge here. As you walk up, the creek remains on your left — you may see Shirley Lake trail hikers on the other side of the creek. We’ve gone an hour and a half uphill on this, and basically you have the place to yourself. Not sure if there is a river crossing point to eventually go ‘left’ to Shirley Lake.

Beautiful! My mom and I tried to find our way to the lake starting out from Olympic Village Inn. We made it as far as the first area of run off water, hiked up to a point then the trail ended and we didn’t know how to get up and around to the actual lake. On our way back down we had a moment of panic trying to find the trail again, we didn’t recognize the way back. Beautiful hike and a little blair witch for us city folk who aren’t used to hiking. Next time I’ll bring a small compass with me, although the guy who gave us a hiking map said it was an easy trail, and the directions said to look for blue spray paint along the path to keep us on track (we never once saw blue spray paint).

This is one of two epic hikes in the Squaw Valley resort area. (The other being taking Five Lakes from Alpine up over the ridge at the Saddle and descending back into Squaw). The trail is easy enough to find (at the end of Squaw Peak Rd, past the Squaw Valley Lodge), though it’s hard to stay on since there are plenty of different tiny trails. The main thing is keep heading upwards hugging fairly close to the mountain on your left hand side and near or at the creek. There are a lot of opportunities to stop and rest and go swimming in the creek. It’s strenuous but Shirley Lake is a nice reward, though at times mosquitos can be a nuisance up there. After getting to Shirley Lake, cut cross country uphill to High Camp and either take a free tram ride down (since they don’t check tickets at the top) or walk down the mountain run for a very nice loop.

Gorgeous hike that follows a rushing creek up to the mouth at Shirley lake.
The trail is a little scattered but as long as you stick by the creek, you’ll make it up to the lake just fine.
There are lots of boulders and some are a little slippery, so when you do this hike make sure that your shoes have GOOD tread and that you bring a small first aid kit just in case.
This hike is well shaded and is okay to start in mid to late afternoon. However, no later than 4 o’clock as the jutting mountains on the west make for an early sunset. You do NOT want to be maneuvering this trail in the dark.
Takes about 3 hours round trip but depends on your skill level. Make sure you bring plenty of water and, though the trail is dog friendly, it’s always courteous to pick up after your pet.
*** If you do this trail in mid to late summer, when the stream has slowed to a more casual flow, then you can actually do some SUPER fun bouldering across the stream. Great photo ops as well.
If you’re in the area… definitely DEFINITELY do this hike.
Directions: Follow Squaw Creek rd all the way to the gondola, just before the gondola make a right. follow this round until it hairpins, you’ll see cars parked on the dirt across from the apartment complex and a small opening in the trees is the start of this trail.