Nestled within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is known for its natural beauty, sophisticated laid-back vibe, world-class resorts, and charming small towns, all set around the largest alpine lake in the U.S.
On the California side, dozens of trails take advantage of the beautiful landscape, winding, looping and crisscrossing through mountain, forest, and lakeside terrain — each offering spectacular views and a peaceful connection with nature. That, along with Tahoe’s 300+ days of sunshine each year, has made it a mecca for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
With so much to see and so many gorgeous trails to explore, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favorites and came up with our picks for the top five scenic hikes in and around Lake Tahoe. Enjoy!
1: Mount Tallac Trail
This strenuous 9.5-mile roundtrip trail in the Lake Tahoe Basin is not for the inexperienced hiker. With an elevation gain of about 3,500 feet leading to the top of Mt. Tallac (at 9,735 feet), it’s an all-day hike from start to finish. But those who are up to the challenge are rewarded with unbelievable panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, and the surrounding wilderness from the summit.
For hikers who want the experience without committing to the full hike, even going part of the way along the trail offers the opportunity to wander through peaceful sagebrush and pine forests, take in sweeping, picture-perfect views, and see interesting geologic formations, small mountain lakes and fields of wildflowers.
Directions: The Mount Tallac trailhead is located on Highway 89 between Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay.
2: Eagle Falls Trail
Part of the National Forest Service, this one-mile, there-and-back trail offers up some of the most beautiful scenery the Lake Tahoe Basin has to offer. Considered a beginners-to-moderate hike, the trail starts off fairly flat and easy, but reaches steeper, dirt and stone steps about a quarter-mile in.
Along the way, you pass through evergreens and lush vegetation and have views of Emerald Bay and the surrounding wilderness. At the top of the stone steps, a high wooden bridge awaits, presenting stunning views of granite peaks and the cascading waterfall that gives the trail its name.
Hikers who feel winded from the elevation on the Eagle Falls Trail, can turn around there. But for those who have the energy, continuing on to the Eagle Lake Trail is highly recommended.
Directions: Take Highway 89 towards Emerald Bay. At the overlook for Emerald Bay, look for signs for the Eagle Falls trailhead parking area. (Note: Parking fills up quickly in the summer and fall, so get there early if you can. Cars parked along the side of the road will be ticketed.)
3: Eagle Lake Trail
This moderate forest trail picks up at the top of the falls and continues gradually uphill for another half-mile or so. At the fork in the trail, keep to the right and you’ll come to the serene Eagle Lake where you can dip your toes in the water or just relax and take in the amazing woodland and mountain views around you.
Directions: Just like Eagle Falls Trail, take Highway 89 towards Emerald Bay. At the overlook for Emerald Bay, look for signs for the Eagle Falls trailhead parking area. (Note: Parking fills up quickly in the summer and fall, so get there early if you can. Cars parked along the side of the road will be ticketed.)
4: Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail
This lesser-known trail near Soda Springs in North Lake Tahoe doesn’t have a view of the area’s famous lake, but it does offer a nice six-mile, out-and-back hike through the woods and a chance to visit the very pretty Lower Lola Montez Lake.
Popular with mountain bikers as well as hikers, the trail passes through varied terrain, including small creeks, rocky hills, and deep forests. In parts, a series of dirt roads and fire lanes alternate before leading back to the well-marked trail. At the end, the path opens up to the lovely lake and surrounding woods and stone outcroppings — perfect for a picnic or swim.
Directions: The trailhead is located off of Highway 80 at the Soda Springs exit. On the north side of the freeway, follow the paved road east past the fire station for 0.3 miles to the parking area.
5: Rubicon Trail
Considered by many to be the most beautiful lake trail in Tahoe, this 6.5-mile long (13-mile roundtrip) foot trail is moderately challenging, with rocky points and stretches of rugged terrain that are interesting to navigate. Connecting D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks in southwest Lake Tahoe, it offers unparalleled lake and bay views, as well as an up-close look from sections that run along the water’s edge.
Parts of the trail are built into rocky cliffs hundreds of feet above the lake. Other sections meander past Emerald Bay, under the site of an old lighthouse, and on to the grounds of historic Vikingsholm Castle. Making a day of it, hikers on the Rubicon Trail can experience it all — lake and bay views, swimming coves, towering cliffs, wildflowers, and shaded evergreen forests — though even short hikes from either end of the trail will take you through some of the most picture-perfect landscapes you can image.
Directions: The trailhead can be accessed from the Emerald Bay Boat-In campground on the south end or from Lester Beach at D.L. Bliss on the north end.
Honorable Mention: Donner Lake Rim Trail
The Donner Lake Rim Trail is a planned 23-mile, multi-use trail project from the Truckee Donner Land Trust in partnership with Tahoe National Forest. Currently about 12 miles have been completed and are open to the public for hiking and biking.
Accessible from downtown Truckee, Johnson Canyon, and other locations, sections of the winding, scenic trail climb above Donner Lake, take you alongside Summit Lake (on the western edge), and feature stunning mixed conifer forests, seasonal wildflowers, and gorgeous views of Rainbow Bridge and the surrounding mountains.
Directions: From downtown Truckee, take Lincoln Highway (Donner Pass Road) to Donner Lake. The Donner Memorial State Park is on the east side of the lake.
Before embarking on any hike, be sure to check current trail conditions, obtain necessary permits, and prepare adequately with appropriate gear, water, and snacks. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the trails.
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