Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 3.6 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
7350 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+950, -950 feet |
| Navigation | Road and map |
| Time | Few hours |
| Season | Mid-December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Echo Lake |
| Start | Echo Lake Sno-Park. From 1.2 miles west of the Echo Summit Maintenance Station on Highway 50, drive 0.6 mile east on Johnson Pass Road toward Berkeley Camp to the Sno-Park. The actual trailhead is the snow-covered road opposite the entrance to the Sno-Park. |
Description
The Becker Peak tour is a very rewarding short tour in the Echo Summit area. The route along a ridge offers excellent ski touring and magnificent views of Lake Tahoe, Echo Lakes, Talking Mountain, and the mountains to the south. Because this route is so enjoyable, don't feel compelled to reach the summit, the ascent of which can be tricky and dangerous.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.6
Elevation change: +100 feet
Locate the snow-covered road and trailhead (1) opposite the entrance to the Sno-Park and follow the road northwest for 0.6 mile until you reach the location where you must leave the road (2) to climb onto the ridge of which Becker Peak is a part. There is no landmark where you must leave the road, but the exact location is not critical. Stay left on the obvious main road if you see any road junctions.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.6 - 0.8
Elevation change: +250 feet
Leave the road and climb northwest for 0.2 mile until you reach the east end of the ridge (3).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 0.8 - 1.5
Elevation change: +250 feet
Ski west along the ridge for 0.7 mile until you reach a small high point (4), which juts up from the ridge. Up to this point you will find the ridge broad and gently sloped except for one short, narrow section, which is passable without much difficulty. Enjoy the fine views, but stay away from the steep northern edges.
Ahead is the crux of the tour. You should be aware of possible avalanche conditions and ice if you choose to proceed beyond this point.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 1.5 - 1.8
Elevation change: +350 feet
Climb west toward the high point, at an appropriate point (there is no landmark) traverse around Becker Peak's south side until you reach its southwest side, and then climb the last steep but straight-forward section for a total of 0.3 mile until you reach the summit of Becker Peak (5). The last 50 vertical feet over rocks may be dangerous due to icy conditions.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 1.8 - 3.6
Elevation change: -950 feet
Retrace the route for 1.8 miles back to the trailhead (1).
