The Barker Pass North to Vista Point is a dog-friendly trail is open to hikers and equestrians and is 3.5 miles round trip. This part of the TRT is also the Pacific Crest Trail, and due to PCT regulations mountain bikes are not allowed.

Location:
To reach the Barker Pass trailhead, take Hwy 89 four miles south from Tahoe City or four miles north from Tahoma, then turn (right if coming from the north and left if coming from the south) onto Blackwood Canyon Road at Kaspian Campground. The trailhead is 7.5 miles from the turnoff.

For the first mile, a moderately steep walk heads west around the south side of Barker Peak, through open fields of mule’s ears and past eastward views down Blackwood Canyon to Lake Tahoe.

After another 0.25 miles, you will cross a beautiful stream bordered with asters, delphiniums, tiger lilies, columbines, paintbrushes, and other wildflowers.

At 0.5 miles gentle trek up through open volcanic terrain and red fir forest leads to two lofty volcanic plugs which provide excellent wind protection for a picnic and sightseeing.

The TRT continues from here, but if you go further make sure to give yourself enough time to get back to your car before the sun sets.