The Bryan Meadow Trail, part of the Pacific Crest Trail, is a great hike, moderately steep elevation gain and about 8 miles round trip. It takes you across several small streams and over some minor boulders, and puts you at the end in tranquil Bryan Meadow, full of tall grasses and some wild flowers. Made me think I was looking at a Windows XP background photo. The trail and the road to the trail is not very well marked. Signs are falling down and some are so scuffed they are unreadable. Took off a star for that. However, if you know where you’re going(directions below), it’s easy to find the trailhead, and the trail itself is worn enough that markers aren’t super important. This is definitely a workout, so novice hikers may want to reconsider, or at least plan some extra time for rests. I think it’s about 1700 ft gain over the 4 miles in. I’ve read that you can take the Sayles Canyon Trail for a longer but more gently-sloping hike. One cool thing about this hike is the solitude. We went mid-morning on a beautiful sunny Saturday in August, and were the only ones on the trail. On the flipside, make sure to bring plenty of water, as you may not get any help from other hikers(there aren’t many/any!). Oh, and our hound dog loved the trails and the streams, so she gives this hike 4 stars too! Directions: Take HWY50 to Sierra-at-Tahoe Rd, and about 1.5 mi up the road, there is a gravel/dirt road turnoff on the right. Take the turnoff, and drive about 3 miles until it dead ends into the trailhead.
