12 mile, 2500ft gain out and back along the TRT from the Ward Creek trailhead. This was my 9th peak off the Tahoe OGUL list.

A late 2:30 start at the Ward Creek TRT trailhead near Tahoe City.

The trail followed an old 4wd route for the first couple of miles as it headed east. Passed a lone mountain biker near the start.

The early road passed through a tree farming area, but I didn't see any activity.

Continuing east on the very gently graded road. All of the elevation gain would be on the back half of the outing.

The road paralleled Ward Creek for much of the route. The skeeters were out today, though they didn't bother me on the outbound leg.

A very nice bridge over Ward Creek which was built in 2007. Once over the creek the trail turned right to follow it upstream.

An early glimpse of Twin Peak, less than a mile distant (but over 3 trail miles at this point)

Past the bridge, the elevation gain begain. Gentle at first but getting gradually steeper.