Sure it's fun being part of the buzz that goes with Fourth of July at Lake Tahoe. But, if you're looking for your own private firework show this Independence Day, a little hike might be all it takes to leave the crowds and find your very own nook of explosive nirvana. *Be safe out there: Always let someone know where you'll be going, carry extra clothes, food, water and a head lamp for all night hikes

For watching South Shore's display
• Kingsbury Grade North, .5 miles
Two hundred yards of easy walking is all it takes to spot a spectacular view over of South Lake Tahoe's Lights on the Lake. From the Kingsbury Grade North trailhead, follow the Tahoe Rim Trail to a vista about 200 yards in. More vistas lie further ahead on the trail. Best advice: Scout your perfect vista well in advance of dusk and definitely bring a headlight and some warm clothes for the return hike. Get directions to the trail head and more info here.

• Spooner Summit, 12 miles round-trip
Six miles in from the Spooner Summit South trail head is an unbelievable view at South Peak Camp. Get there well in advance to snag the homemade bench for a comfortable seat during the show, and, unless you're interested in hiking out 6 miles in the dark, you might want to make this one an overnighter. Get directions to the trail head and more info here.

Watch the West Shore display (canceled 2008)
• Eagle Rock, easy 2 miles
From the Tahoe City “Y,” drive 4.3 miles south on Highway 89 to the entrance of Blackwood Canyon. Turn right and continue about a quarter mile until you see power lines crossing the road. There are pullouts on either side of the road and you can park here. Follow the trail south underneath the power lines. The trail climbs gradually and you’ll see the volcanic intrusion of Eagle Rock to the left. Keep an eye out for several trails that head up to the left – they all lead to Eagle Rock – where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic Lake Tahoe view.

North Shore Fireworks
• Tahoe Meadows, 4 miles roundtrip There's a great vista overlooking Lake Tahoe traveling east (towards Mt. Rose) on the Tahoe Rim Trail two miles from the Tahoe Meadows trail head off Highway 431. Get directions to the trail head and more info here.

• Relay Peak, 8 miles roundtrip Hike from the Mt. Rose trail head of the Tahoe Rim Trail to Relay Peak - about 4 miles one way - Get directions to the trail head and more info here.

• Brockway Summit, appx. 4 miles roundtrip
Park at the pullout just before the Brockway Summit on Highway 267, heading north it will be on the left. Start hiking on the Tahoe Rim Trail gradually climbing east (to the right if traveling north). The trail meanders through thick forest with filtered lake views before coming to a fork about 1.2 miles in. Go left at the fork and follow a well-traveled spur trail off the Rim up to a nice Lake Tahoe lookout from a bed of boulders about half-mile up. Although the trail is pretty well-defined and easy-to-follow, you won't want to forget the headlight on this one. Get directions to the trail head and more info here.

Truckee - Fireworks over Donner Lake
Park at the Sugar Bowl Academy at the top of Donner Summit. The Pacific Crest Trail heads north directly across the street (it’s even marked with an emblem). Within less than 100 yards of walking you’ll spot a bunch of easy-access views pretty much lining the trail. The further you walk, the fewer the crowds. At approximately half-mile from the start (and after the downed tree across the trail) there’s a small spur trail leading to a rocky outcrop that breaks off to the right of the PCT. You’ll find nice spots for watching the show from here. But if you’re interested in finding the “money spot” continue up the trail one mile from the start where a faint spur trail leads up the back of the tallest rock face in the area. You’ll climb off trail for part of the jaunt, so good hiking shoes are a must. It’s about 200 yards to the peak – 7,387 feet on my GPS. If you’re traveling with a GPS, the turnoff for this peak scramble is N39.19.07.7, W120.19.55.5. Be sure to pack a headlight, because the way down might get a bit tricky after dark.