TREK-OF-THE-MONTH

CROSS-COUNTRY CARSON PASS NORTH

Park at Carson Pass, Hwy 88, north side of road just west of pass. Sno-park fee, pass available at Hope Valley Outdoor Center, 530-694-2266 or Kirkwood Cross Country Skiing, 209-258-7248. For car shuttle, leave second car at Big Meadow Trailhead on Hwy. 89, Luther Pass. USGS Map: Silver Lake and Markleeville. One way distances: Red Lake Peak, 2 mi, 1400 ft; Meiss Meadow, 2.3 mi, 800 ft.; Luther Pass car shuttle, 4.5 mi., 900 ft.

The schuss into Meiss Meadows is fantastic. Good skiing on shoulders of Red Lake Peak. The ski through to Luther Pass is recommended for experienced skiers on days with good visibility, but be prepared to take your skis off and post-hole the last steep one-half mile through trees to the car at Big Meadow parking area. Big open views of Lake Tahoe and Sierran Crest, big sky, solitude.