Big Meadow East is 8.8 miles round trip, and it’s one of those hikes where your dog can actually trot alongside you most of the way without scrambling over boulder fields. The trailhead sits on the north side of Highway 89, about five miles south of US 50, and the parking area is straightforward to find.

From the lot, you’ll walk a paved road for about 100 yards before turning right onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. The next two miles climb gradually with switchbacks through thick forest—mostly Jeffrey pine and red fir—which means decent shade even on hot days and a soft dirt path underfoot that’s easy on paws. Watch for TRT signs where the Grass Lake Trail branches off; it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

After that junction, the forest opens up. You’ll pass through several small meadows bursting with wildflowers (depending on season), and there are two rock outcroppings worth stopping at for views of Lake Tahoe spreading out below you, with mountains rising to the east and south. These spots work well for a breather and water break.

At 4.4 miles total, you’ll hit the Saxon Creek Trail junction—locals call it “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” because it’s pretty steep and technical. If your dog handles rocky terrain well and you want more, you can push another mile round trip to Freel Meadows for wider-open views and more wildflower patches. Otherwise, this junction or one of those earlier meadows makes a good turnaround spot for lunch.

The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horses, so you might see riders or cyclists, but it’s not usually packed. Bring water for your dog—while there’s Saxon Creek nearby, filtering from it takes extra time.