Martis Peak is a fantastic destination for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, leading you along a road to a fire lookout near the summit. While the mountain itself may not be particularly striking, the views from the top are among the most spectacular in the Tahoe Peaks, offering a stunning panorama from distant Lassen Peak to the north, nearby Castle Peak to the northwest, and the peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe. You’ll enjoy superb views of South Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area directly below.
Just below the summit is a fire lookout, originally built in 1914. It is staffed five days a week during fire season for spotting fires but is also available in winter for those wishing to overnight camp during their snowshoeing or skiing adventures.
From Truckee, take Highway 267 south toward Lake Tahoe for about 8 miles. On your left, you’ll find a parking area next to a small drainage. A road with a gate follows the drainage. If you reach Brockway Summit on Highway 267, you’ve gone 0.5 miles too far.
To reach Martis Peak, follow the main road from the parking area. The road may fork occasionally, but generally, take the left fork at major junctions. Look for small blue diamond-shaped signs on trees to mark the route. Views are somewhat obscured by the dense ponderosa pine, white fir, lodgepole pine, and red fir forest until you’re closer to the top.
The lookout isn’t the highest point. To reach the peak, hike uphill (east) from the lookout for about a hundred yards. While the views from the summit are not significantly better than those from the lookout, the total round-trip distance is 7.5 miles with a 1700 ft. elevation gain. This adventure makes for a great addition to your Lake Tahoe summer activities or winter activities. For a perfect getaway, consider staying in vacation rentals or cabins near Lake Tahoe.
