Hiking in and around Northstar Resort is a solid way to spend your days in the mountains. The scenic dog-friendly chair lifts lead to trailheads where miles of tracks and loops work for hikers of varying abilities. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, and you can ride the gondola and hike down the mountain, or hike through the Martis Valley with views that genuinely impress. Pack a lunch and meander through pristine forests to see Lake Tahoe and the Sierra stretching out below you.

The hike to Watson Lake is the standout route here, offering 360-degree views of the Tahoe Truckee area. Start at the top of the Tahoe Zephyr Chair Lift. From here follow the signs south to Tryumph Road. As you follow Tryumph south toward Watson Lake for about 2 miles, you’ll see the backside of Northstar and the Pacific Crest Trail to the west. Once you reach the paved Fiberboard Freeway, make a right and follow it for 200 feet, then take your first left onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. Follow the Tahoe Rim Trail for approximately one-third mile, veer right to stay on it, and continue another third of a mile until you reach Watson Lake.

For the return, you can retrace your steps in reverse, or take a longer, more strenuous option. Head back to the intersection of Tryumph and Fiberboard Freeway, continue east on Fiberboard for a quarter mile, then turn left on Pluto for a third of a mile. Make your first right on Mountain View and follow it for 1 mile to the top of the Rendezvous Chair lift. From there, follow Altitude Adjustment to Tryumph to return to the Tahoe Zephyr Chair Lift.

The full loop runs either 5.8 or 6.2 miles depending on which return route you take, and it’s rated expert. Bring plenty of water for both you and your dog—it gets warm during summer—and remember to pack out what you pack in.