Getaway:
To Hope Valley & Grover Hot Springs
It's not too late, or too early, to take an
excursion to beautiful Hope Valley, and then on to Grover
Hot Springs. In fact, you can visit the springs at any
time of year and some snow on the ground makes soaking in
the hot pool even better, but you'll also enjoy this park
in summer and fall. It's available on a 45 minute drive
from South Lake Tahoe, via Highway 89.
To get there, take Highway 50 west from South Lake
Tahoe, and drive as far as Myers. Then turn left onto
State Route 89, and drive over a low pass into the
striking valley.
As you descend from the pass, the vision of Hope
Valley appears. This is one of the most scenic parts of
the High Sierra, with creeks running through, forested
mountains all around, and a green valley floor (maybe not
at this time of year). The valley was named by Mormon
immigrants while they were crossing through, on their way
to the California gold fields. They were close enough to
have some hope of getting to their destination, after a
horrendous crossing of the eastern Sierra.
You'll come to Pickett's Junction -- an unnamed
intersection where highways 88 and 89 meet. Turn left and
follow the Highway 89 signs, heading toward Markleeville.
Sorenson's Resort is along the way, and you may
want to stop here to eat, or just to see the resort for
future reference. The fishing is excellent in this area,
and the resort is a year-round base for anglers, and
other outdoors lovers. Continue on 89 and you'll reach
the outskirts of Markleeville. Turn right on the sideroad
that leads to the state park and the springs.
Grover Hot Springs State Park offers hiking,
picnicking, camping, and soaking in the large hot pool,
with mountain peaks all around. If you have time after a
relaxing soak, drive into Markleeville to see this small
historic town, which was a mining center in the late
1800s.
Another nearby gem is Kit Carson Pass -- the
highest crossing of the Sierra in these parts. Trails
lead from both sides of the highway over the mountain
ridges, and the information center at the pass offers
maps and other information on hiking possibilities. The
pass is a 15-minute drive from Pickett's Junction. A few
miles to the west are Caples Lake and the
Kirkwood Ski Area -- a
winter and summer resort in a beauriful box canyon
setting.
Cross-country skiing is at its best here. Close to
Sorenson's Resort and Pickett's Junction on Highway 88 is
the Hope Valley Outdoor Center, with a ski rental
shop and maps to groomed and ungroomed trails in the
area. The shop (with small cafe) is a center for summer
and fall hiking.
For more on Grover Hot
Springs,
Go
Here
For more on cross-country skiing in
the Tahoe area, Go
Here.
