Dardanelles Lake

The trail head for this hike is at The Big Meadow Camp Ground on highway 89 a few miles south of Lake Tahoe (on Luther Pass). The trail head is on the north side of the parking area, and immediately crosses highway 89. The initial part of the hike climbs to Big Meadow, then is mostly flat or has a gradual uphill slope. Except for the meadow area, the trail is shaded by the surrounding forest. Shortly before arriving at the lake there is a down hill slope. The trail forks to the right at the bottom of the down hill slope (going straight continues on to Round Lake).