Talking Mountain

This is a high point on the ridge above the south side of Echo Lakes in the Lake Tahoe Basin up by Echo Summit. Ralston Peak is the culmination 2 miles further west. Talking Mountain is a class 2-3 scramble to a nice summit with fine views of the South Lake Tahoe area, Desolation Wilderness, Carson Range and south to the peaks beyond Luther Pass with guys like Round Top popping up in the distance.

Getting There

 From Placerville Go east 48 miles on Hwy. 50 to Echo Summit. Go left on Forest Route 11N05 .6 miles to parking above Echo Lake.
From Meyers near South Lake Tahoe go 5 miles on Hwy. 50 to Echo Summit and follow the directions above.

Route

 You can use the Pacific Crest Trail going up out of the parking lot for a few tenths mile as a starting point. Head south and west up the forested ridge negotiating downed trees. At about .7 miles the ridge is split by a class 3-4 wall. Go around it down to the right then back up to the ridge line and scramble some class 3 sections to the easy class 2 summit.

Red Tape

 No need for a permit for this day hike

When to Climb

 Generally June into October depending on the snowfall.

Camping

 Here's the Forest Service page for camping in Lake Tahoe Basin