Botanical Discovery Hike at Shirley Canyon

This challenging hike follows Shirley Canyon Trail through a diverse montane landscape rich in wildflowers and native flora. Participants are welcome to turn around before the rocky section near Shirley Lake, or continue to High Camp for a total of approximately 4–5 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, with the fun option to take the tram down. Park in the main Palisades Tahoe parking lot and follow signs for the Shirley Canyon Trail. Meet outside the TRAM restrooms at 9AM, then walk approximately 7 minutes to the trailhead.

The route is steep, rocky, and dusty, providing opportunities to observe and discuss plant id and ecological adaptation across an elevational gradient.

Target species include:

·       Narrowleaf onion (Allium amplectens)

·       Sierra laurel (Leucothoe davisiae)

·       California skullcap (Scutellaria californica)

·       Rock goldenbush (Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata)

·       Gray’s broomrape (Aphyllon californicum var. grayanum)

·       Spokane false goldenaster (Heterotheca villosa var.minor)

·       Bear Valley wild buckwheat (Eriogonum ursinum var.ursinum)

·       Western maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuticum)

The hike is designed for those interested in botany, native plants, and citizen science. Participants should be prepared for an arduous hike and variable mountain weather.

About the Leader

Molly Ferry is a botanist and ecological consultant who has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 25 years. She is currently leading the second edition revision of Plants of the Tahoe Basin, a comprehensive field guide documenting the region’s flora through plant stewardship, floristic research, ethnobotany, and large-scale citizen science.

Registration Required