Hiking in Lake Tahoe

Because much of the land in and around Lake Tahoe is public, the possibilities for great walks and invigorating hikes are endless. Walking along the shores of the lake is always pleasant, but if you seek something a bit more strenuous or perhaps a trail where you can do a little more exploring, there are plenty from which to choose, both in the South Shore and North Shore areas. Some of the best hikes are located within state parks or near historic sites, so it’s possible to combine some education and/or wildlife watching with your trek.

There are plenty of trails that are classified as “easy”, so just about anyone can enjoy those. Others are classified as “moderate” or “strenuous”, so potential walkers or hikers should get the low-down on each trail before setting up for their adventure. Most of the strenuous hikes involve a substantial increase in elevation and demand a healthy heart and strong legs. In many cases, you can contact the U.S. Forest Service (http://www.fs.fed.us/) or the California or Nevada Department of Parks (www.parks.ca.gov; www.parks.nv.gov) for information and trail maps. Listed below are some notable hikes.

Easy

• Cascade Creek Falls Trail – This is a short trail – just one mile each way – but it provides spectacular views of Cascade Lake and the 200-foot-high Cascade Creek Falls. Basically flat, this trail is accessible from the Bayview Campground along Highway 89, north of South Lake Tahoe.
• Tallac Historic Site – Travel just .3 miles each way on a flat trail to get a look at some great historic homes and other structures. A true step into the past, you can pick up this trail via the Lake of the Sky Trail at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center or from the Kiva picnic area. This trail is handicapped-accessible.
• Glacier Meadow Loop – A total of one-mile-long, round trip, this loop is a self-guided nature trail that lets walkers explore a small portion of the Tahoe National Forest and learn via interpretive signs how the area was carved by glaciers. Look for the National Forest Trailhead at Castle Peak Road.

Moderate

• Meeks Bay Trail – Accessible from the Meeks Bay Resort, the distance for this trail varies depending on how far you want to go. You’ll be sure, however, to enjoy the view of a chain of crystal clear alpine lakes on the way up, before you hit the steepest part of the trail, a 1,000-foot climb that heads to Phipps Pass.
• Marlette Lake Trail – At a total of 10 miles round trip, this trek generally takes several hours to complete. Located at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, you can access this trail via the Spooner Lake Trailhead. And your dog can accompany you on this trail, as long as he’s on a leash.
• Rubicon Trail – This moderate trail is at D.L. Bliss State Park. It provides amazing views of the lake and takes hikers past numerous secluded coves where they can swim or enjoy a private picnic. Travel 9 miles round trip to Emerald Point or 13 miles to the end of the trail. If you go all the way, you’ll pass the spectacular Vikingsholm Castle.

Strenuous

• Eagle Falls Trail – This spectacular trail takes you into the heart of Desolation Wilderness. The short hike (2 miles round trip) to Eagle Lake is moderate but if you go further, you’ll encounter a very steep trail that provides extreme views of the high country of the Sierras. A wilderness permit is required for this trail.
• Mt. Tallac Trail – One of the most spectacular hikes in the area, this trail is only two-miles round trip but it’s quite rugged. Nonetheless, it givers hikers a look not only at Lake Tahoe but also Fallen Leaf Lake and the Desolation Wilderness. Look for the trailhead across from Baldwin Beach.
• Mt. Rose – This 6-mile trail brings you to the highest peak in Lake Tahoe – Mt. Rose. The trail to the top is accessible from Incline Village. The first 3 miles is a fairly accessible dirt road but the last 3 include a series of scary switchbacks that head to the ridge line. At the top, you can sign the guest book!

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