1.6 hr
Overview
Powerline Trail runs along the eastern city limits of South Lake Tahoe through the El Dorado National Forest in a north-south direction. From the trailhead at the end of Saddle Rd., head directly south towards the ski area on the left as the trail follows the base of the hill. Heading more west brings you to the Under Power Line Variation to Powerline Trail closer to the houses.<br><br>There's a maze of criss-crossing trails in this area but Powerline is easy to follow as it traces along a fairly level elevation contour at the base of Heavenly Ski Area on the left (east) with the neighborhoods along Pioneer Trail (road) to the right (west). Fir and pine forests provide plenty of shade and the only technical challenges are a couple creek crossings.<br><br>The trail forks just before reaching the Cold Creek Trail with the main trail on the right. Past Cold Creek Trail, Powerline ends in a short distance at High Meadow Road.<br><br>Powerline can be ridden as an out-and-back or combined into loops with Cold Creek Trail or the Corral Trail, Cedar and Sidewinder trails further south.
Trail Stats
5.6 km
98 m
2024 m
1974 m
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Photos
Top of Powerline Trail.
Top of Powerline Trail.
The bridge over Cold Creek.
The bridge over Cold Creek.