The Nipple, Blue Lakes CA

• 4-star hikes
• 6 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,230 ft | Peak 9,342 ft
• Markleeville, CA | Lake Tahoe
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A rugged, rocky hill or mountain peak with sparse vegetation and white-barked, leafless trees in the foreground. The rock formation is notably shaped like a nipple. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue, suggesting a warm and dry climate. Other hills are visible in the distance.

Well .. what else would you name this peak?

Not the first anatomically named mountain peak we're sure, but The Nipple is definitely a standout and a memorable trek in the Humboldt-Toiyaboe National Forest south of Lake Tahoe.

The quickest way to steal second base on this mountain is to journey up the famed Pacific Crest Trail from its intersection with Blue Lakes Road. Initially weaving through light evergreen forest, you'll gain only 400 feet of elevation for each mile, making this gradual hill climb a modest one. Views open up pretty quickly along the trail with rocky Sierra Nevada peaks as far as the eye can see, alpine wildflowers in summer, and lakes on both sides of the ridgeline.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ The Nipple 6.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,320 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

The spur trail off the PCT that leads to the mountain's summit is located after you've passed the peak. Our map should help you locate it, particularly as on this desolated summit a defined trail can be difficult to find at times. There are some small rock scrambles required to reach the summit, including a final fumble if you want to reach the very top. While you're up there, why not add something to the "nipple thoughts" register?

This trail is popular with campers from the Lower Blue Lake Campground managed by PG&E as the peak is prominently visible from the lakeside camp sites. We hiked this trail while staying at Lower Blue Lake campground and converted it into a 10 mile loop route, however we wouldn't recommend it as this option requires over three miles of pavement pounding through the campgrounds of Upper and Lower Blue Lakes. The out-and-back route is shorter and offers better views both ways.

You can often find packed snow near the summit well into summer but at that time of year it's unlikely to cause any issues for hikers. Blue Lakes road is not accessible in winter months. Check the closure status from Alpine County website to find out whether you can drive to the trailhead.

A scenic landscape featuring a mountain range under a clear blue sky. The foreground has rugged slopes with patches of green vegetation, while the middle ground showcases a vivid blue alpine lake nestled among the mountains. The background consists of various peaks and valleys, adding depth to the scene.

Lost Lake to the North, as viewed this hike's summit.

Left image: A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with a lake at the base of the mountains. A dirt trail leads towards the lake, and there is haze or smoke in the air, possibly indicating recent fires or fog. Right image: An electrical box with graffiti that reads ‘NIPPLE THOUGHTS’ in white paint.

Hardpacked, well-defined trail. | What are your Nipple thoughts?

A serene landscape featuring a calm lake with clear reflections of the surrounding trees and sky. The foreground has a rocky shore with various sizes of stones and a prominent piece of driftwood. The middle ground shows the still water with reflections, and the background includes forested hills leading up to a mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

Camping at Lower Blue Lake with The Nipple above.

Tangents:
• Camping: Lower Blue Lake Campground
• AllTrails Public: Nipple Trail

Trailspotting Nearby
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