Fall is a beautiful time in the mountains, and one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe can be seen from the summit of Freel Peak, at 10,881 feet the highest of the peaks in the Carson Range that surrounds the Lake. Still relatively snow free, the summit and trail leading to it nevertheless are already dotted with patches of ice-hard snow. In a few weeks, gaining the peak will require snow shoes and winter gear.
Despite a late start and shorter days, four of us decided to slog up to the summit for a brisk Sunday hike. The beautiful fall afternoon rewarded us with spectacular views of the rugged mountaintop, the starkly blue sky, and the shimmering blue Lake to the west. Click on the photo for a magnified view of the vista from the top of the mountain. More photos from the hike can be seen at: http://picasaweb.google.com/jstrolin/FreelPeak102509 .
