Hike 3 · 50-Miler Prep Series · May 8–10, 2026
Tahoe Valley base camp + alpine start to summit Mt. Tallac — altitude acclimatization training for the High Sierra 50-Miler.
⚠ Attendance Requirement — Read This
To remain on the 50-Miler crew, you must have attended at least two of the three prep outings. If you have only attended one so far (Point Reyes or Ohlone), this trip is mandatory. If this presents a conflict, email [email protected] immediately.
Meet at the Troop 222 Shed immediately after school. We will depart absolutely no later than 4:30 PM — be there early, not on time.
We drive to Tahoe Valley Campground to establish base camp and begin acclimating to the elevation. The campground sits at approximately 6,200 ft — your body starts adjusting the moment you arrive, so a full night at altitude before the summit push matters.
🍴 Dinner: Grab a bagged dinner before departure or bring money for a stop along the way. No group dinner provided Friday night.
🏔 Base Camp
Tahoe Valley Campground
Established campground in South Lake Tahoe. Serves as our base for acclimation and logistics staging on Saturday morning.
Early wake-up before sunrise. We drive to the Mt. Tallac Trailhead to beat the crowds and practice an efficient "alpine start" — a skill you will use every day on the 50-Miler.
Mt. Tallac is a strenuous, continuous, steep ascent with no flat sections to recover on. Expect the full 5 miles out to feel relentless. Pace yourself deliberately, especially in the first 2 miles. At 9,000+ ft, your cardiovascular system is working significantly harder than at sea level — this is the point of the exercise.
The summit rewards with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the Desolation Wilderness — a preview of the High Sierra terrain you will cross in July.
⚠ Snow note: If we encounter significant snow on the upper mountain, we will turn back. Safety over the summit — we are not yet trained for microspikes or ice axes. Leaders make the call.
Breakfast at camp, then break down and pack out. We aim to be on the road by mid-morning to ensure everyone is home and rested for the school week.
Take stock of how your body responded to the altitude over the weekend. Recovery is part of the training — note any headaches, fatigue, or appetite changes and discuss with a leader. This data matters for planning your 50-Miler crew readiness.
🏁 Pack Out
Tahoe Valley Campground → Home
Target departure: mid-morning. ETA back to the shed: afternoon. Confirm pickup arrangements with parents before Saturday night.
The Hike
Spring Valley Trailhead · Desolation Wilderness · El Dorado County
Safety & Conditions
Altitude sickness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath beyond normal exertion = descend immediately. Do not push through AMS symptoms. Tell a leader.
Snow & turn-back policy
If significant snow on upper mountain, we turn back. We are not trained for microspikes or ice axes. Leaders make the call — no pressure to summit.
Sun & UV exposure
UV intensity increases with elevation. Sunscreen, sun hat, and sun shirt are mandatory. Reapply every 2 hours — you will burn faster than at sea level.
Hydration
Altitude and exertion both accelerate dehydration. Carry 2–3 L from the trailhead. Drink before you feel thirsty. Electrolytes recommended.
Afternoon thunderstorms
Common in Tahoe in late spring. Early alpine start avoids exposure. If lightning develops above treeline, descend immediately — do not wait.
Cell coverage
Unreliable above treeline. Move to lower elevation or ridgeline to improve signal. Note GPS coordinates at key waypoints before losing coverage.
Wilderness permit
Desolation Wilderness day permit required — self-issue at trailhead register. Each person signs in. Keep your copy.
Ticks & wildlife
Ticks present in lower forested sections. Full-body check at camp each evening. Black bears present in Tahoe — use bear boxes at campground.