Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 7.2 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6750 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1100, -1100 round trip |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Most of a day |
| Season | Mid-December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Emerald Bay, Echo Lake |
| Start | From the intersection of Highways 50 and 89 in South Lake Tahoe, drive southwest on Lake Tahoe Blvd. for 2.7 miles and turn right onto Tahoe Mountain Road. Drive 1.1 miles and turn right onto Glenmore Way and then immediately left onto Dundee Circle. In 0.1 mile turn left onto Tahoe Mountain Road once again and park. Do not drive down the narrow plowed portion of Tahoe Mountain Road which is just ahead. A sign at the parking area says: “No parking on public road right-of-way when snow removal conditions exist.” |
Description
Angora Lakes are nestled beneath the steep slopes of Angora Peak. Although the lakes are not high, you can often find powder at the lakes that are completely sheltered from the low winter sun.
Echo Peak from Angora Lakes
While the tour to the lakes are an excellent tour, the best part of the tour is the halfway point at Angora Lookout with its amazing views that are dominated by the deep blue of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe below.
Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe from
Angora Lookout
Be aware that it is not okay to park at the starting point when snow plowing conditions exist.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.1
Elevation change: -50 feet
From the trailhead (1) ski or walk if plowed down Tahoe Mountain Road for 0.1 mile until you reach a small meadow (2) located on the south (left) side of the road, which is partially obscured by trees.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.1 - 1.9
Elevation change: +600 feet
Locate the snow-covered road that skirts the west (right) side of the meadow, and ski south and then southwest on it for a total of 1.8 miles until you reach Angora Lookout (3). The first 0.6 mile on the road is level and the remaining 1.2 miles climbs steadily to the lookout.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.9 - 2.7
Elevation change: +50, -100 feet
Ski southwest on the ridge and road for 0.8 mile until you reach a turn (4) to the south (left) where the road begins to drop.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.7 - 3.6
Elevation change: +250, -50 feet
Follow the road as it descends slightly and then climbs for a total of 0.9 mile until you reach Angora Lakes (5). If the road becomes too difficult to follow at its lowest point, head south and follow the power lines to the lakes.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.6 - 7.2
Elevation change: +200, -900 feet
Retrace the route for 3.6 miles back to the trailhead (1).
