6 Absolute Best Hikes In Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the United States with stunning alpine vistas, crystal clear waters, and a diversity of flora and fauna. Here are six of the absolute best hikes in Lake Tahoe:

Mount Tallac

Hiking Mount Tallac is an unforgettable experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe. As one of the highest peaks in the region, it offers breathtaking views of the entire basin, as well as the surrounding peaks and valleys. The hike is challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

The hike to the summit of Mount Tallac is 9.6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of over 3,300 feet. The trailhead is located off of Highway 89, just south of Emerald Bay, and begins with a gentle incline through dense pine forest. As the trail ascends, it opens up to stunning vistas of Fallen Leaf Lake and the surrounding peaks.

At around 2.5 miles into the hike, you’ll reach Floating Island Lake, a small alpine lake that’s surrounded by granite boulders and vibrant wildflowers. From there, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, with switchbacks and rocky terrain. As you approach the summit, you’ll encounter a section of talus, or loose rock, which requires careful footing.

Finally, after a challenging climb, you’ll reach the summit of Mount Tallac, which stands at an elevation of 9,735 feet. The panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking, with stunning vistas of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the surrounding peaks and valleys.

While the hike to Mount Tallac is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. The trail offers diverse scenery, from dense pine forest to alpine lakes and rocky peaks. Hikers should be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate gear, as the weather can be unpredictable and the trail can be strenuous. It’s also important to be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles, as the trail can become crowded during peak hiking season.

Overall, hiking Mount Tallac is an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty of Lake Tahoe from a unique perspective. The challenging climb and stunning views make it a must-do for hikers who are up for the challenge.

Eagle Falls Trail

Hiking Eagle Falls Trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Lake Tahoe. This stunning trail is perfect for hikers of all levels, offering breathtaking views of Eagle Falls and the surrounding mountains.

The trailhead for Eagle Falls Trail is located at Emerald Bay, off of Highway 89. The hike is relatively short, just 2.5 miles round trip, making it perfect for families with kids or those who want to enjoy a shorter hike. The elevation gain is just over 500 feet, so it’s also a great option for those who want a more moderate hike.

The trail begins with a gentle climb through dense pine forest, with occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains. As you approach Eagle Falls, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, with rocky terrain and occasional switchbacks.

Once you reach the falls, the views are truly breathtaking. Eagle Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall that drops over 170 feet, with crystal clear water and vibrant greenery. There are several viewing platforms and benches where you can take in the views and enjoy a picnic or snack.

Hikers should be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate gear, as the weather can be unpredictable and the trail can be steep and rocky in places. It’s also important to be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles, as the trail can become crowded during peak hiking season.

Overall, hiking Eagle Falls Trail is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe in a short amount of time. The stunning waterfall and beautiful scenery make it a must-do for hikers who want to enjoy a moderate hike with incredible views.

Rubicon Trail

Hiking the Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe is an incredible experience that showcases the stunning beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail offers a diverse range of scenery, from sandy beaches to rocky outcroppings, and is a great option for hikers of all levels.

The Rubicon Trail is a 15.2-mile out-and-back trail that runs along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, starting at D.L. Bliss State Park and ending at Emerald Bay State Park. The trail has a moderate elevation gain of around 1,000 feet, with the highest point reaching around 7,000 feet.

As you hike along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Lake Tahoe, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning blue hues. You’ll also pass by several sandy beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim or a picnic lunch.

One of the highlights of the Rubicon Trail is the rocky outcroppings that offer incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. These areas require careful footing and can be challenging for some hikers, but the views are well worth the effort.

Hikers should be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate gear, as the weather can be unpredictable and the trail can be rocky and uneven in places. It’s also important to be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles, as the trail can become crowded during peak hiking season.

Overall, hiking the Rubicon Trail is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe from a unique perspective. The diverse scenery and stunning views make it a must-do for hikers who are up for a moderate challenge.

Desolation Wilderness

Hiking in Desolation Wilderness is an amazing experience that offers a pristine, rugged wilderness area that showcases some of the best scenery Lake Tahoe has to offer. This area is popular among hikers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and lakes.

Desolation Wilderness covers over 63,000 acres and offers over 100 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The trails in the area have a wide range of elevations, with some reaching over 9,000 feet, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.

As you hike through the wilderness, you’ll see a range of natural features including granite peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The trails in Desolation Wilderness are well-maintained, but hikers should be prepared for rocky terrain, steep ascents and descents, and unpredictable weather.

Some popular trails in the Desolation Wilderness include the Glen Alpine Trail, which offers stunning views of the Glen Alpine Falls and the surrounding mountains. Another popular trail is the Pyramid Peak Trail, which leads hikers to the summit of Pyramid Peak, offering incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness.

Hikers should be prepared with plenty of water, food, and appropriate gear, as the terrain in Desolation Wilderness can be challenging and the weather can be unpredictable. It’s also important to obtain a permit from the US Forest Service to hike in the area, as it is a protected wilderness area.

Overall, hiking in Desolation Wilderness is a rewarding and unforgettable experience for hikers who want to explore the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. With its pristine lakes, rugged peaks, and stunning views, it’s a must-do for experienced hikers looking for a true wilderness adventure.

Cascade Falls Trail

Hiking the Cascade Falls Trail in Lake Tahoe is a popular and easy-to-moderate hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is approximately 1.4 miles roundtrip and has a modest elevation gain of about 200 feet.

As you hike along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Cascade Falls, which cascades down a series of rocky outcroppings in a beautiful display of nature’s power and beauty. The trail itself is well-maintained and has plenty of shade, making it a great option for hikers of all levels.

In addition to the waterfall, hikers will also pass through a peaceful forest of tall trees, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife such as birds and squirrels. The trailhead is located near the Emerald Bay State Park and has plenty of parking, although it can get crowded during peak hiking season.

It’s important to note that the Cascade Falls Trail is a popular hike and can become crowded, so it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning or during the week if possible. Hikers should also be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate gear, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

Overall, hiking the Cascade Falls Trail is a great option for hikers who want to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe without undertaking a more challenging hike. The stunning waterfall and peaceful forest make it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

Tahoe Rim Trail

The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Lake Tahoe area, offering over 170 miles of stunning scenery and challenging terrain for hikers. The trail circles the entire Lake Tahoe Basin, traversing through several ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and high-alpine terrain.

Hikers on the Tahoe Rim Trail will experience a range of elevations, with the highest point of the trail reaching over 10,000 feet. The trail also offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, making it a must-do for experienced hikers looking for a true wilderness adventure.

The trail is well-maintained and offers several access points along the way, making it possible to plan shorter day hikes or longer multi-day backpacking trips. The trail is marked with trail signs and blazes, and hikers are encouraged to carry a map and compass in case of emergencies.

Along the way, hikers will pass through several highlights, including the Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Mount Rose Wilderness, and the Desolation Wilderness. Hikers will also have the opportunity to see local wildlife such as deer, bears, and mountain lions, so it’s important to follow proper wildlife safety guidelines.

It’s important to note that the Tahoe Rim Trail can be a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather. Hikers should be prepared with plenty of water, food, and appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots and rain gear.

Overall, hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail is a rewarding and unforgettable experience for hikers who want to explore the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. With its stunning views, challenging terrain, and diverse ecosystems, it’s a must-do for experienced hikers looking for a true wilderness adventure.

Our Lake Tahoe Gear

When planning a hike in Lake Tahoe, it’s important to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather conditions. This includes wearing sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, breathable clothing that wicks away moisture, and layers that can be easily removed or added as needed. In addition, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen can protect against the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also recommended to carry a waterproof jacket and extra socks in case of unexpected weather changes. By dressing properly, hikers can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in Lake Tahoe.