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ENLARGE
Geologist David Lawler and Robin Brown admire the view atop Nevada County's highest peak, Mount Lola.
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ENLARGE
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Remains of a rock structure can be found on top of Mount Lola. The structure could be the remnants of one used by Benjamin Colonna, of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, who helped observe the longest triangulation line in 1878.
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ENLARGE
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A climb to the top of Mount Lola, the highest point in Nevada County, is a worthwhile way to burn a few calories.
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From a perch of 9,143 feet above sea level, Mount Lola offers 360 degree views of the Sierra Nevada from the highest point in Nevada County.
Those views, coupled with fall color, a quiet lake and fun history makes the difficulty getting to Mount Lola worth the trouble.
"It's an absolutely gorgeous hike up there. There's a wonderful stand of mountain hemlock and wonderful views from the top," said Ann Westling, information officer for the Tahoe National Forest. Her dog's name is Lola.
Up until the early 1990's, access to Mount Lola was private property before becoming part of the Tahoe National Forest's network of trails.
Those views, coupled with fall color, a quiet lake and fun history makes the difficulty getting to Mount Lola worth the trouble.
"It's an absolutely gorgeous hike up there. There's a wonderful stand of mountain hemlock and wonderful views from the top," said Ann Westling, information officer for the Tahoe National Forest. Her dog's name is Lola.
Up until the early 1990's, access to Mount Lola was private property before becoming part of the Tahoe National Forest's network of trails.
Named after local Gold Rush celebrity, Lola Montez, the peak formed by ancient volcanic mud flows 4 to 12 million years ago was used as a platform to survey the west by triangulation in 1878.
Using telescopes aligned from the top of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lola and Mt. Helena the Coast and Geodetic Survey observed the longest triangulation line ever used on Aug. 1, 1978.
Rock structures and brick pillars remain on the wind swept ridge from that summer long ago when George Davidson stationed atop it sending a flash of light to Mt. Shasta.
Lola Montez, was known most for her colorful relationships with men rather than her mediocre dancing. Among her many lovers were Franz Liszt and King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
Using telescopes aligned from the top of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lola and Mt. Helena the Coast and Geodetic Survey observed the longest triangulation line ever used on Aug. 1, 1978.
Rock structures and brick pillars remain on the wind swept ridge from that summer long ago when George Davidson stationed atop it sending a flash of light to Mt. Shasta.
Lola Montez, was known most for her colorful relationships with men rather than her mediocre dancing. Among her many lovers were Franz Liszt and King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
Montez moved to San Francisco in 1853 where she performed her suggestive spider dance.
After marrying newspaperman Patrick Hull, the couple then moved to Grass Valley where the marriage soon fell apart. The Nevada County Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce office is located in the restored Lola Montez house. It is rumored Lola smoked cigars and kept a pet Grizzly bear.
Mount Lola is predominately volcanic rock known as Andesite, said geologist David Lawler.
"This is one of the eruptive centers," of the Sierra Nevada, Lawler said. Evidence of mud flows can be found along the trail.
After marrying newspaperman Patrick Hull, the couple then moved to Grass Valley where the marriage soon fell apart. The Nevada County Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce office is located in the restored Lola Montez house. It is rumored Lola smoked cigars and kept a pet Grizzly bear.
Mount Lola is predominately volcanic rock known as Andesite, said geologist David Lawler.
"This is one of the eruptive centers," of the Sierra Nevada, Lawler said. Evidence of mud flows can be found along the trail.
The Mount Lola Trail is located near White Rock Lake considered the highest body of water in the South Yuba system, according to Hank Meals' book, The River.
After crossing the dam, a trail will appear on the left. The trail weaves about for awhile before making a steep 1,150 steep ascent up the side of the mountain.
Views from above the tree line stretch as far as Mt. Lassen to the northwest on a clear day. The Sierra Buttes, Mt. Rose, Little Truckee River, Grouse Ridge, the Black Buttes, Old Man Mountain and Castle Peaks jut out in a panoramic display.
"You have this feeling that you've conquered the best of the top," said John Skinner, former forest supervisor of the Tahoe National Forest and author of Sierra Outdoors.
After crossing the dam, a trail will appear on the left. The trail weaves about for awhile before making a steep 1,150 steep ascent up the side of the mountain.
Views from above the tree line stretch as far as Mt. Lassen to the northwest on a clear day. The Sierra Buttes, Mt. Rose, Little Truckee River, Grouse Ridge, the Black Buttes, Old Man Mountain and Castle Peaks jut out in a panoramic display.
"You have this feeling that you've conquered the best of the top," said John Skinner, former forest supervisor of the Tahoe National Forest and author of Sierra Outdoors.
Winds can be fierce and icy from the top, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing. Don't forget your camera!
How to get there: Pick up a copy of Hank Meals book, The River at local book stores for detailed directions.
On the Web: http://www.sierraoutdoorrecreation.com/
Forest Service maps are advised and are available at Mountain Recreation and the Tahoe National Forest headquarters at 631 Coyote Street in Nevada City.
To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
How to get there: Pick up a copy of Hank Meals book, The River at local book stores for detailed directions.
On the Web: http://www.sierraoutdoorrecreation.com/
Forest Service maps are advised and are available at Mountain Recreation and the Tahoe National Forest headquarters at 631 Coyote Street in Nevada City.
To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
