Time in the High Sierra: Sonora Pass and Tahoe

Last summer I spent a week exploring the mountains around Sonora Pass and Lake Tahoe, an area that holds some of the most beautiful sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The high alpine terrain, clear lakes, and wide open views make this region a special place to spend time during the peak of summer.

While I was there, I spent time hiking near the trail corridor and connecting with PCT hikers moving through the area. For many northbound hikers, reaching Sonora Pass means they are getting closer to Lake Tahoe, which feels like a major milestone on the journey north. By this point, hikers have already covered hundreds of miles, and Tahoe often represents both a psychological and geographic marker of progress.

I always enjoy spending time talking with hikers along the way. Each person carries a different story—why they started, what challenges they have faced, and what keeps them moving forward day after day. Conversations often turn to gear, trail conditions, and what lies ahead in the next stretch of the Sierra.

In between hiking and spending time along the trail, I also took the opportunity to enjoy the water around Tahoe with some paddleboarding. It’s hard to beat a calm morning on the lake, surrounded by mountains and clear alpine air.

Trips like this are a reminder of why we spend time outdoors in the first place. The beauty of the landscape, the rhythm of moving through the mountains, and the connections formed with others who share a love of wild places.

—Beyond the Trail LLC