Freel Peak is the tallest summit in the Carson Range near Lake Tahoe, reaching 10,886 feet and standing as the highest point in both El Dorado County and the Tahoe Basin. It lies on the boundary of El Dorado and Alpine counties and also divides Eldorado National Forest from Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Its great elevation gives it an alpine climate, with much of its precipitation falling as snow. In 1893, the U.S. Geological Survey renamed the mountain from Jobs Peak to Freel Peak in honor of early settler James Freel. Pacific weather systems forced upward by the Sierra help bring rain and snowfall to the range.