Pyramid Peak Trailhead via Rocky Canyon — Attraction in South Lake Tahoe

Beautiful place to explore. Went up Pyramid Peak expecting spring/winter conditions. Started very early in the morning (3am), which made navigation tricky since the trail was hard to find and it was dark. There was a blanket of stars and the milky way was clearly visible. The first mile and a half was steep but manageable. The creek crossing was easy to find and easy to execute. The last mile and a half to the summit required crampons and ice axe to traverse across the frozen landscape. The scramble to the summit from the ridge wasn't bad. It's easier to scramble without crampons for this section.

Navigation tips...just follow the creek. Coming off the mountain in the late afternoon led to some slogging through the soft snow. Snowshoes would be nice but...

Parking is far from ideal, and during the popular times you'll want to arrive early to get a spot. If you can, backing in definitely makes getting out easier when parking under the sign. Be courteous, and park as close to other cars as is reasonable.

Crossing 50 isn't too bad, there's frequent enough breaks in traffic. The trail is a bit hard to pick out in Street View, but in person it's very clear where you go up. The hike itself is quite nice once you get away from the road, provided you like going straight up...

Pyramid Peak is just about the best, closest hike to Sacramento. Be warned that going from this trailhead up is SERIOUSLY steep. I would suggest having trekking poles if you intend to come back down this route.

Some folks have been having some issues following the trail up since the Caldor fire burned through the area. If you largely stick near the creek on the way up, you'll likely be okay.

Personally, my preferred the route up to pyramid peak is through...