0.4 mi. to Ski Hill 0.6 mi. to Quail Lake Trail 0.5 mi. to Quail LakeTake the bike trail south to Tahoe Ski Bowl Way, turn right (West) to the ski hill parking area. Past the equipment on the left take the fire road up the left boundary the ski hill. (See alternate route back #3 if you would like to avoid the ski hill) After a short steep section the dirt road levels for a short distance.
Past a boulder and a large Fir tree another road drops off to the left - Leave the ski hill road here. This road winds thru an area that has been partially logged. When you come to the “T” intersection turn left (right takes you back to the ski hill at a higher elevation). After a short distance and a couple downed trees there are utility poles and a small pump house.
Take the trail at the utility pole West uphill to your right about 1/2 mile to Quail Lake. The last 100 yards or so is steep with some areas loose rock and dirt (A walking stick is a definite help as are trekking poles for the more technically inclined).
ALTERNATE ROUTES BACK (or more relaxing walks that avoid the rather steep climb to Quail Lake)
When you return to the main trail at the utility pole turn right (South in your original direction travel). After only a few yards a foot trail crosses the fire road you are on providing three choices for the return trip:
#1 Continue straight on the fire road , cross the new bridge and turn left (East) at the “T” intersection just past the bridge. Continue East downhill to the junction with Ellis Rd. (this is the route described in the old newspaper article on Quail Lake) From this point there are various options for the walk back thru Chamberland Development.
#2 For those who are not yet tired after the climb to Quail Lake for those who skipped it and want a somewhat less strenuous hike - Turn right (West) uphill thru the trees. This is a pleasant short trail that winds thru the trees, crosses a large downed Fir, fords a small stream and crosses a meadow/marshy area before joining the uphill arm the “T” intersection mentioned in #1 above.
#3 Turn left (East) on the foot path over a small berm at the edge the road. Follow this pleasant short trail thru the trees and a meadow to the end Meadow St. About 100 yards down Meadow St. a trail goes North thru the small meadow on the left and joins Sacramento St. where it dead ends. Continue on Sacramento St. to the junction with Ski Bowl Way and turn right back to the bike trail. (This is and alternate route up to Quail Lake that avoids the ski hill.)