Second time doing the hike. The lake was hard to see with the haze. But I liked the hike..
Nice hike with expansive views. Do be aware that most of the hiking is fully exposed so you might want to avoid the mid day hike.
Compared to Emerald Bay area hikes, this was a disappointment. The view includes the lake but you have to look over the ugly casino hotels and many of the trees on the mountain are dead.
Saw a black bear!
Average elev gain per mile is about 400' which is perfect for me. Trail was well maintained, not overgrown, and safe. Overall elev gain is more like 1300' and rt distance is more like 7 miles, not 6.6.
Great hike! Left at 7am and back at trailhead at 10am. Shade, rolling switchbacks, nice waterfalls, and good views of the lake. The only thing that could've been better is the final destination… There was a summit but not much of a view. Kind of unclimactic. But all in all a great hike!