username
X
password
register
for free!
help
ArticlesGuidesRoutes
 
Photosets
 
 Comments
triplogs   photosets   labels comments more
Freel Peak - 1 member in 3 triplogs has rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
login for filter options
Aug 10 2025
avatar

 Guides 7
 Routes 79
 Photos 2,440
 Triplogs 652

34 male
 Joined Jan 10 2010
 Pomona, CA
Freel PeakSierra Nevada, CA
Sierra Nevada, CA
Hiking avatar Aug 10 2025
PatrickLTriplogs 652
Hiking11.01 Miles 2,869 AEG
Hiking11.01 Miles   5 Hrs   19 Mns   2.29 mph
2,869 ft AEG      31 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Day 5

Getting to the trailhead isn't bad as long as you can get up the first few hundred feet of FR51. My Outback needed some more momentum after the first try. It's easy to find a good line though and you'll make it with some clearance - it's just a series of wide potholes on a slope. Too many people spinning their tires when it's still wet, I presume.

Once I parked and got out of the car, I could hear some loud deer calls filling the valley. Then I saw what looked like a black bear pushing its way through a bush across the creek. What a crazy start to the hike --
HOWEVER, as it turns out it was neither a deer or bear, just a herd of cows. :lol:

This is a relatively mellow approach until the last mile to the summit. The three miles between Armstrong Pass and the peak trail provide excellent views of Pyramid Peak and Mount Tallac in the Crystal Range. It gets a lot steeper and sandier during the last mile.

The views up top are unmatched. So many peaks to add to the to-do list. I especially dig the juxtaposition between Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley divided by the Carson Range. Stuck around for about a half hour before heading down. I got off-trail along the peak trail which seems easy to do given the amount of foot prints. A quick fix and I was on my way.
_____________________
  1 archive
Aug 26 2022
avatar

 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Freel PeakSierra Nevada, CA
Sierra Nevada, CA
Hiking avatar Aug 26 2022
toddakTriplogs 577
Hiking12.00 Miles 4,000 AEG
Hiking12.00 Miles   6 Hrs   30 Mns   1.85 mph
4,000 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Excellent peak hike, and easily extended into a nice loop that bags two other 10ers on obvious peak-bagger trails. Loop is definitely best in the clockwise direction. The 3.5 miles of dirt road to the trailhead was not too bad but high clearance advised.
_____________________
  1 archive
Aug 02 2014
avatar

 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Freel PeakSierra Nevada, CA
Sierra Nevada, CA
Hiking avatar Aug 02 2014
BoonemanTriplogs 4,634
Hiking10.25 Miles 2,932 AEG
Hiking10.25 Miles   4 Hrs   56 Mns   2.08 mph
2,932 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
I planned a trip to Tahoe with my sister and her fiance for a weekend of hiking/camping, but mainly to hike Freel Peak. It would be their first big hike, though I knew they would be fine with a gradual ascent and easy route finding.

This is a very enjoyable hike and you can only expect the view to be awesome near Lake Tahoe. It definitely did not disappoint and they had a great time.
_____________________
 
average hiking speed 2.07 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

helpcommentissue

end of page marker