Hope Valley is a gorgeous expanse of mountain meadow through which the Carson River flows eastward, a popular fishing location. The Valley is surrounded by high Sierra peaks and expansive clones of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The slopes are covered with trees of the upper montane forest, including some very large Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi). In late spring and into summer, the meadow hosts many wildflowers and native grasses, sedges, and rushes. Wildflowers include many in the sunflower family, such as a variety of fleabanes and asters (Erigeron, Dieteria, Eurybia, Symphyotrichum, etc.), and Woolly or mountain mule’s ears (Wyethia mollis), and those of many other families such as wallflower (Erysimum capitatum) of the mustard family, lupines (Lupinus) of pea family, checker mallows (Sidalcea) of the mallow family, and many more!
Level of difficulty: Easy-moderate (Elevation about 7500 feet)
