There are enough hiking trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin to keep an avid hiker busy for years. We have organized popular Lake Tahoe hiking trails to make it easy for you to plan your hike based on your preference of scenery, location, elevation, distance and difficulty.

Know that weather conditions can change rapidly in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Bring proper clothing, equipment and plenty of water, no matter how short the hike!

Donner Pass-Pacific Crest Trail
Flowers include orange lilies, pink monkeyflowers and pink fireweed.
Variable hiking distance.
Less than two miles off SR 89, west of Truckee.

Mt. Rose
Flowers include red alpine paintbrush, white-purple lupine and pink fireweed.
Six miles hiking distance if you want to reach the peak.
West off SR 431 just before the Mt. Rose Summit.

Squaw Valley
Flowers include blue gentians and white thimble berries.
Two miles hiking distance.
West off SR 89 at the Squaw Valley turnoff.

Listed in order of difficulty.

Moraine Trail
Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take SR 89 north approximately three miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue approximately two-thirds of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead.

Moraine Trail
Easy
Elevation 6360' / 6410'
1 mile

Angora Lakes Trail
An easy half-mile hike leads to two lakes framed by cliffs. Swimming and fishing are popular activities. Summers are crowded, so arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take SR 89 north approximately three miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.

Angora Lakes Trail
Easy
Elevation 7200' / 7470'
0.5 miles to Angora Lakes

Tallac Historic Site
Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and summer homes of turn-of-the century Tahoe landowners. The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.

Tallac Historic Site
Easy
Flat
0.3 miles on Lake of the Sky Trail

Echo Lakes Trail
See a variety of Alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take U.S. HWY 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. A longer hike leads you to one of the many lakes farther down the trail. A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off of your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. A wilderness permit is required.

Echo Lakes Trail
Moderate
Elevation 7420' / 8430'
2.5 miles to NW corner of Upper Echo
4 miles to Tamarack
5 miles to Lucille and Margery
5 miles to Lake of the Woods
6 miles to Aloha

Glen Alpine Trail
Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, try the two mile hike to Grass Lake. Another hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three Alpine lakes. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. If Mt. Tallac is your goal, the Glen Alpine Trail offers a more moderate approach. Take
SR 89 north approximately three miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. A wilderness permit is required.

Glen Alpine Trail
Moderate
Elevation 6560' / 7240'
2 miles to Grass Lake
4 miles to Susie
Moderate
Elevation 6560' / 8120'
5 miles to Heather
6 miles to Aloha
Moderate
Elevation 6560' / 8150'
4.5 miles to Half Moon
5.2 miles to Alta Morris
Strenuous
Elevation 6560' / 9735'
6 miles to Tallac

Clark Trail
For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes. Take SR 89 north from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Parking is located at the Glen Alpine Trailhead described in the previous hike. From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead.

Clark Trail
Strenuous
Elevation 6420' / 7470'
1.6 miles to Upper Angora

Mt. Tallac Trail
Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral Lake is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located approximately three and one-half miles north of South Lake Tahoe on SR 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains so bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required.

Mt. Tallac Trail
Strenuous
Elevation 6480' / 9735'
1.7 miles to Floating Isle
2.5 miles to Cathedral
5 miles to Tallac

 Listed in order of difficulty.

Cascade Creek Fall Trail
Spectacular views of the 200-foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail. For best viewing try springtime, when runoff from snow melt is high. Take SR 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately eight miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. Parking is located at the far end of the campground.

Cascade Creek Fall
Easy
Elevation 6800' / 6910'
1 mile

Sugar Pine Point State Park Nature Trails
Contact state park rangers to obtain maps of the many trails located here. The park charges a parking fee for day use. While you're there, don't miss a tour of the historic Ehrman Mansion.

Sugar Pine Point Nature Trails
Easy
Flat
0.7 mile

Page Meadow
In the spring, myriads of beautiful wildflowers can be seen in this large meadow. From SR 89, two miles south of Tahoe City, turn on Pineland Drive. Turn right on Forest Service Road 15N60 or 16N48 to get to the area. There are no designated trails.

Page Meadow
Easy
Flat
No designated trails

Vikingsholm Castle
View an authentic replica of a Viking castle. Daily tours are given from mid-June through Labor Day. A nominal fee is charged. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fabulous view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island from the shoreline of Emerald Bay State Park. Hike the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls which begins directly across from the castle. Pets are not allowed. Take SR 89 north from South Lake Tahoe for approximately nine miles to the parking lot on the right. The parking lot fills up quickly in the summer season, so arrive early.

Vikingsholm Trail
Easy
Elevation 6230' / 6630'
1 mile

Rubicon Trail
Dipping up and down along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, this trail offers some of the most scenic views of the lake. Bring a swimsuit, towel and picnic lunch to enjoy a sunny day at one of the many quiet coves along the way. Take SR 89 north 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe to D.L. Bliss State Park. There is a fee for day use parking. Pets are not allowed.

Rubicon Trail
Moderate
Elevation 6230' / 6580'
3.1 miles to Emerald Point
4.4 miles to Vikingsholm

Meeks Bay Trail
This moderate hike takes you along the northernmost part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek and continues upward into a forested valley. A chain of Alpine lakes can be seen before the trail ascends 1,000 feet up a series of switchbacks leading to Phipps Pass. Take SR 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. Parking is located across the highway from the resort at a small dirt parking lot. A Wilderness permit is required.

Meeks Bay Trail
Moderate
Elevation 6240' / 8880'
4.5 miles to Genevieve
5 miles to Craig
5.7 miles to Hidden
5.9 to Shadow
6.3 miles to Stony Ridge
8 miles to Rubicon

Bayview Trail
Offering magnificent views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, this steep trail leads you up the side of Maggie's Peak into Desolation Wilderness. Stop at Granite Lake for a short rest along the way. In 2.7 miles this trail intersects with the Eagle Falls Trail. Corral and watering facilities for horses are available at the trailhead. See "Cascade Creek Fall Trail" for directions. A Wilderness permit is required.

Bayview Trail
Strenuous
Elevation 6910' / 8440'
1 miles to Granite
4 miles to Azure (x-co)
5 miles to Dicks

Eagle Falls Trail
Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness, this steep trail offers majestic views of the Sierra high country. Just a twenty-minute walk, Eagle Lake is a popular short hike. A longer hike will lead you to the three Velmas, Dicks, and Fontanillis lakes. Take SR 89 north approximately eight miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area on the left. This is a very popular and congested area. A Wilderness permit is required.

Eagle Falls
Moderate
Elevation 6600' / 7000'
4.5 miles to Dicks, Upper & Middle Velmas
Strenuous
Elevation 6600' / 8500'
5 miles to Fontanillis

Listed in order of difficulty.

Stateline Lookout
From SR 28 on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, turn north on Reservoir Drive, just east of the old Tahoe Biltmore Casino. Turn right on Lakeshore Avenue and left on Forest Service Road 1601, by the iron pipe gate. Park in the parking lot just below the lookout. During the summer the lookout is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers. Superb views of the lake can be seen through the free telescopes located here. A short self-guided nature trail, located by the lookout, explains the history of the north shore of Lake Tahoe.

Stateline Lookout
Easy
Elevation 7017'
0.5 miles

Prey Meadows / Skunk Harbor
Take SR 28 from U.S. HWY 50 north for approximately two miles. Look for an iron pipe gate on the west side of the highway. Park in one of the turnouts along the highway and do not block the gate. Snow free in early spring, this is a great walk through a mixed conifer forest with filtered views of Lake Tahoe along the way. Look for the remains of an old railroad grade along the way, built in the 1870s as part of the network to supply timber to Virginia City. When you reach a fork in the road, you have two options. The left fork leads to Prey Meadows which is blanketed with many varieties of wildflowers in the spring. The right fork leads you to Skunk Harbor, a small picturesque cove which offers great swimming and sunbathing in the summer.

Prey Meadows / Skunk Harbor
Easy
Elevation 6200' / 6800'
1.5 miles

Marlette Lake
Park at the Spooner Lake Trailhead, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, just north / west of the U.S. HWY 50 & SR 28 junction. A parking fee is charged. Dogs are allowed on a leash. A moderate five mile uphill hike leads you through picturesque North Canyon, lined with aspens, to Marlette Lake. This road provides access to the Flume Trail, a popular mountain biking trail, which starts at Marlette Lake Dam. No fishing is allowed at Marlette Lake because it is a fish hatchery.

Marlette Lake
Moderate
Elevation 7000' / 8000'
5 miles

Rim Trail - North
Take U.S. HWY 50 east approximately one-half mile from the junction of U.S. HWY 50 and SR 28. Parking is located just beyond the summit along the north side of the highway. This trail provides wonderful views of the Carson Valley as well as glimpses of Lake Tahoe along a forested trail. Just before Snow Peak, the trail forks. The left fork leads you down steep switchbacks to the road to Marlette Lake. The right fork eventually leads you to Tunnel Creek Road.

Rim Trail North
Moderate
Elevation 7000' / 8600'
5 miles to Marlette Lake
13 miles to Tunnel Creek

Rim Trail - South
Park at the Spooner Summit Rest Area located along U.S. HWY 50. The trail begins behind the Nevada Department of Transportation building. Several views of the Carson Valley as well as glimpses of Lake Tahoe can be seen along this forested trail. It is possible to climb Duane Bliss Peak (8,658'), South Camp Peak (8,866'), or Genoa Peak (9,150') by traversing cross country.

Rim Trail South
Moderate
Elevation 7000' / 8650'
2 miles to Duane Bliss Peak
Moderate 7000' / 8860'
Elevation
3 miles to South Camp Peak
Moderate
Elevation 7000' / 9150'
4 miles to Genoa Peak
Moderate
Elevation 7000' / 8800'
2 miles to SR 207, Kingsbury Grade

Mt. Rose
Take SR 431 (Mt. Rose HWY) north of Incline Village. Park at the trailhead located one mile south of the summit. Mt. Rose (10,778') is one of the highest peaks near Lake Tahoe and offers excellent views of the lake, the city of Reno and the surrounding area. Follow a dirt road for three miles through a lodgepole cloaked forest interspersed with mule ears and sagebrush. In the spring, a lush meadow at the halfway point is filled with lupine, paintbrush and larkspur. The last two miles follow slippery switchbacks to the ridge line. Write your name in the log book located at the summit to show the world you made it!

Mt. Rose
Strenuous
Elevation 8700' / 10778'
6 miles

Travel the Tahoe Rim Trail to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the adjacent valleys. Traverse wilderness and retrace Indian paths and pioneer trails. Be captivated by the unforgettable vistas. The sky is intensely blue and the air is clear and fresh. Be one with nature. Solitude and beauty are the essence of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to the planning, construction and maintenance of a 150-mile hiking and equestrian trail that follows the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Passing through six counties in two states, this loop trail incorporates a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Generally moderate in difficulty with a 10% average grade, elevations range from 6,300 to 9,400 feet.

Construction on the trail began in 1984. Substantial segments are now complete. The remainder of the trail should be complete within a few years. Volunteers are the backbone of the project.

Brochures with trail information are available at trailhead bulletin boards, the Tahoe Rim Trail office, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce offices around the Lake. Or just print the information on this page.

The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park restricts camping to designated campsites. The USDA Forest Service requires permits in the Desolation Wilderness area.

Protect the beauty of Tahoe and follow low-impact wilderness usage. Stay on the trail, carry out all trash, camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams and do not use soap near water sources. Water should be boiled or filtered to insure your safety.

This section of the trail offers panoramic views of the High Sierra, the Truckee River Canyon and Lake Tahoe. Watson Lake is located 12 miles from Tahoe City and is a small picturesque lake often used for picnics, camping and fishing. Beyond Watson Lake, beautiful meadows are filled with wildflowers during the spring and early summer.

Tahoe City To Brockway Summit
Begins at 6,300 feet. All of the 18.5 miles of this section of the trail are complete. The Tahoe City Trailhead is located across from the Fairway Community Center, 1/8 mile from SR 89 on Fairway Drive. Parking is available.

Watson Lake
Access begins 6.5 miles west of Brockway Summit via a one-fourth mile long, unmarked turnoff (eastward) from dirt road 16N73.

 
For additional information about the Tahoe Rim Trail Project, call or write:

Tahoe Rim Trail Office
P.O. Box 4647
297 Kingsbury Grade
Stateline, NV 89449
775-588-0686

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Mount Rose Wilderness
This wilderness area is one of the nation's newest designated wilderness areas and is located in the extreme northeastern portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Access to this scenic area can be obtained from the Mt. Rose Highway (SR 431). Wilderness permits are not required.

To receive information about natural and man-made wonders, attractions, activities and special events at parks and forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin, contact the following resources.

Call, write or visit:

Tahoe Rim Trail Office
P.O. Box 4647
298 Kingsbury Grade
Stateline, NV 89449
702-588-0686
U.S. HWY 50 north to SR 207 east

California State Parks
Sierra Area Headquarters
P.O. Box 266
7360 West Lake Blvd.
Tahoma, CA 96142
530-525-7232
SR 89 on the West Shore

Nevada State Parks
Sand Harbor State Park
P.O. Box 8867
Incline, NV 89452
775-831-0494
SR 28 on the East Shore

USDA - Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
870 Emerald Bay Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
530-573-2694
One quarter mile north of the "Y" on SR 89

USDA - Forest Service
El Dorado National Forest
Information Center
3070 Camino Heights Drive
Camino, CA 97509
530-644-6048
West on U.S. HWY 50, 10 minutes east of Placerville

Tahoe Adventure Company - Guided Hiking Tours

From guided mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and kayak tours - Tahoe Adventure Company has something for everyone. Imagine kayaking around the shoreline under a full moon - this creative company can make it happen! Whether planning for a large group or just a family excursion, let Tahoe Adventure Company assist you with your plans.

Tahoe Adventure Company
P.O. Box 8536
Tahoe City, CA 96145

(530) 913-9212

(866) 830-6125

Visit the Parks & Forest page in this OUTDOORS section for more information about things to do in the parks and forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin. And visit the LAKE TAHOE section on the MAIN MENU for information about the geology, lake, flora, fauna, history and heritage of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

 
Adventure Park Orienteering Course for Hikers at
Northstar-at-Tahoe
This land navigation course combines learning map and compass skills with the enjoyment of hiking. After a lesson and practice course, you will be off to discover hidden control markers along Northstar's mountain trails and meadows. Course fee includes lesson, map and rental compass.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
SR 267 at Northstar Drive
Truckee

Adventure Park
530-562-2285

Main Number
530-562-1010

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Northstar-at-Tahoe activities: Climbing Wall and Ropes, Day Care, Golf, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling Tours, Tubing.
 

Hiking at Kirkwood
Kirkwood's unique location high in the Sierra puts you in proximity to many popular trails, including the Mormon Emigrant Trail and other well-known routes. Find your own way, or follow the paths of early California pioneers and famous explorers including Kit Carson, John C. Fremont and John "Snowshoe" Thompson.

Many peak and lake hikes of varying difficulty are immediately accessible from the Kirkwood area. Maps and guide books are available at the Adventure Center and the Kirkwood General Store. Guided hikes are scheduled throughout the summer, focusing on wildflowers, the Emigrant Trail and Sierra Nevada Natural History. Call the Adventure Center for details, dates and reservations.

Kirkwood Ski & Summer Resort
SR 88 between Silver Lake and Caples Lake
Kirkwood

Kirkwood Adventure Center
209-258-7283

Main Number
209-258-6000

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Kirkwood activities: Bike Riding, Day Care, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sleigh Rides, Tennis.

Hiking at Northstar-at-Tahoe
Discover the Sierra flora and fauna of Northstar's mountain on foot. Enjoy a lift up the mountain before your hike down. Free two-hour guided mountain hiking tours are offered on Sundays. Lift ticket purchase required.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
SR 267 at Northstar Drive
Truckee

Main Number
530-562-1010

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Northstar-at-Tahoe activities: Climbing Wall and Ropes, Day Care, Golf, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling Tours, Tubing.
 

Hiking at Squaw Valley
During the summer, Squaw's High Camp becomes a gateway to an extensive network of hand-groomed trails that rim each of Squaw Valley's six peaks. Starting at an elevation of 8,200 feet, hikers will enjoy ancient rock formations, meandering streams and waterfalls that tumble to the valley floor below. Hikers have access to all trails including Shirley Canyon, the Western States Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Village

Central Reservations & Information
800-545-4350
888-766-9331

Squaw Valley Switchboard
530-583-6985

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Squaw Valley activities: Aerial Cable Car, Bungee Jumping, Challenge Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Day Care, Hiking/Winter, Ice Skating, Mountain Biking, Olympic Museum, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Tennis, Tubing.

Full Moon Hikes at Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley offers guided tours year-round to the top of the mountain for snowshoers, hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities. These popular hikes take place every full moon during the winter and summer, conditions and weather permitting. The cost is $5.00 per person.

During the WINTER, hikers are fitted with snowshoes, ride the Cable Car to High Camp and are guided to the top of Squaw Valley's peaks. You will experience awesome views of the Granite Chief and Desolation Wilderness areas and beautiful Lake Tahoe. Dress warmly!

During the SUMMER, hikers rider the Cable Car to High Camp and are guided to the top of Squaw Valley's peaks. Cast your moonshadow on meandering trails with celestial views of Sierra Nevada wilderness and shimmering Lake Tahoe. Dress in layers to maintain comfort, bring sturdy shoes, carry water and have dogs on a leash.

Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Village

Central Reservations & Information
800-545-4350
888-766-9331

Squaw Valley Switchboard
530-583-6985

Visit the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Squaw Valley activities: Aerial Cable Car, Bungee Jumping, Challenge Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Day Care, Hiking/Winter, Ice Skating, Mountain Biking, Olympic Museum, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Swimming, Tennis, Tubing.

Hikng Trails at Heavenly Ski Resort
This summer, pack your camera and get ready to hit Heavenly's spectacular hiking trails. Three hiking trails begin from the top of the new Stateline gondola. The hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderate and all feature breathtaking views of mountain scenery. Everywhere you turn you'll see massive sugar pines, giant granite boulders, colorful wildflowers and fascinating plant and animal life.

Heavenly Ski Resort
South Lake Tahoe

775-586-7000

Vist the WHERE TO PLAY main menu for information about other Heavenly activities: Gondola Rides, Day Care, Mountain Picnic, Skiing, Snowboarding.

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