Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe: Stunning Alpine Lake Views

Soak in views of Lake Tahoe’s sapphire-blue water on the best hiking trails in the region.

Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult

Also in California, United States of America

Description

Lake Tahoe lays claim to the title of “largest alpine lake in North America,” according to Wikipedia. The massive body of vibrant-blue water is nestled below towering mountain ridges and peaks—a setting of pristine beauty. The incredible natural beauty of the area makes the entire Lake Tahoe region a huge tourism draw for the residents of California and beyond. Whether the season is summer or winter, or somewhere in between, you can find tons of outdoor activities to keep you busy in Lake Tahoe.

If your preferred outdoor sport is hiking, you can find exactly the type of hike you tend to enjoy here in the Tahoe region. The hikes in this guidebook offer challenging ascents of the tallest peaks in the region, more moderate hikes to alpine lakes, and even easy, not-at-all-challenging strolls through the woods at the lower elevations.

The most famous trail in the area is the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada and skirts the ridge to the west of the lake. The second most famous trail is the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail which encircles the entire lake. A couple of key segments have been included in this guidebook, but for more information on the Tahoe Rim Trail, be sure to read the dedicated guidebook here on FATMAP.

Routes included

Eagle Falls Trail to Eagle Lake

Easy uphill hike past a waterfall to a lake in the mountains outside Emerald Bay State Park.

Easy Hiking

Distance: 2.9 km
Ascent: 123 m
Descent: 123 m

Mount Tallac

Stroll through the forest past alpine lakes, then tackle a strenuous climb to the top of the proudest peak on Lake Tahoe's shore.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 1 km
Descent: 1 km

Rubicon Trail

A scenic hike along Lake Tahoe's shore that links overlooks, swimming beaches, a waterfall, and a historic mansion in two state parks.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 9.7 km
Ascent: 282 m
Descent: 205 m

Glen Alpine Trail to Gilmore Lake

Easy hike past waterfalls, lakes, and a historic springs resort that leads to more strenuous trails in the Desolation Wilderness, including a way to the top of Mount Tallac.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 554 m
Descent: 554 m

Tahoe Rim Trail: Mt. Rose Summit / Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit

Walk the lofty divide between Lake Tahoe’s basin and the Great Basin, with huge views over the desert ranges of Nevada to the east and the familiar blue water to the west.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 37 km
Ascent: 926 m
Descent: 1.4 km

Tahoe Rim Trail: Echo Lakes to Barker Pass

A section shared with the Pacific Crest Trail that tours many alpine lakes and incredible overlooks in the glacier-carved granite valleys of the Sierra Nevada’s Desolation Wilderness.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 50 km
Ascent: 1.7 km
Descent: 1.7 km

Tunnel Creek Trail

Rewarding uphill hike from Incline Village, Nevada with big views over Lake Tahoe and access to other great trails.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 508 m
Descent: 508 m

Spooner Lake Loop

Easy hike around picturesque Spooner Lake, among summer wildflowers or fall foliage.

Easy Hiking

Distance: 4.4 km
Ascent: 78 m
Descent: 79 m

Angora Lakes Trail

Short hike to a stunning alpine lake with the amenities of day-use or overnight kayak and cabin rentals at Angora Lakes Resort.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 5.6 km
Ascent: 344 m
Descent: 343 m

Tamarack Lake Trail

Ascend steeply through intimidating cliff bands to reach a high saddle on Echo Peak, then drop down into a granite basin of sparkling lakes in the Desolation Wilderness.

Difficult Hiking