Freel Peak in Lake Tahoe 2025
A popular climbing spot in Sierra Nevada Mountains
Best time: July–October
Freel Peak is the highest mountain in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Range, offering panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe, Carson and Hope Valleys, lots of wildlife and wildflowers. The mountain is located on the border between the Eldorado National Forest and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at the elevation of 10,881 ft (3,317 m). It was named in 1893 after an early settler James Freel. The peak is located next to Job’s Sister and Job’s Peak—the three peaks are often hiked together.
Freel Peak summit is rather sandy and rocky. There are many ways to hike Freel Peak, most of them are Class 1 walk-ups. One route starts at Armstrong Pass Road or Forest Service Road 051 off HWY 89 near Hope Valley and Meyers, California. The trail is best used from July to October.
From the parking lot take the trail leading to Armstrong Pass and Star Lake. After the lake, you will reach a saddle between Trimmer Peak and Freel Peak and will see signs towards the Freel Peak Trail. The summit opens up a view of Mokelumne Wilderness and the Sawtooth Ridge in Northern Yosemite, as well as Mount Agassiz, Mount Tallac in Desolation Wilderness. From the summit, you can head back or continue to Jobs Sister. The trail is 7.3 mi (11.7 km).
