Guides
Unparalleled vistas await the Tahoe hiker on a memorable journey to the lake’s tallest peak.
The jewel in the crown of mountains which ring Lake Tahoe, Mt. Tallac promises unparalleled views from its summit 9,735ft above sea level. We guide you to the top via the most direct summer route through lush forest, along scenic ridgelines, past small alpine lakes and across blazingly colorful wildflower strewn high-altitude meadows. Sure the 3,500ft...
A long hike from Echo Lake past several lakes to a great swimming spot in Lake Tahoe's beautiful Desolation Wilderness
The hike to Lake Aloha is the ultimate day hike in Desolation Wilderness. The trail is fairly flat for most of the hike, with only two sections of significant elevation gain, and you will pass by 5 lakes in under 12 miles round trip. After a hot day of hiking there is no better way to relax than with a swim in beautiful Lake Aloha where you can spend...
A challenging uphill hike with views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and relaxing Angora lake waiting at the top.
Although you can drive into the lake itself, this small out-and-back hike from Fallen Leaf Lake will give you more reason to relax in the cool water of Angora Lake once you arrive. This 3.6 mile round-trip hike could best be described as a series of switchbacks with views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe in the distance.
Lake Tahoe Winter Trails
Eagle Creek Canyon is a popular year-round destination for outdoor adventurers and offers access to the Desolation Wilderness. In the winter, it is a popular snowshoe and skiing destination, as well as one of the few good ice climbing crags. The frozen Eagle Creek, spectacular cliffs in the canyon, views of Lake Tahoe, and presence of ice climbers...
Traverses the path of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Armstrong Pass and then up the scree to awesome vistas.
Traversing the path of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Armstrong Pass to the saddle below Freel Peak is the "moderate" portion of this hike, and the final mile to the summit is only moderately-strenuous; however, the vista is breathtaking. Freel Peak, 10,881 feet above sea level and the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe region, is named for James Freel who squatted...
Strenuous from either direction, this hike connects hwy 50 to hwy 88. Waterfalls, volcanic rock and wildflowers abound.
You will be hiking the section of the Pacific Crest Trail between Echo Summit and Carson Pass. It works best with two groups of hikers each starting at the distant parking lots. Your groups will meet somewhere along the trail, have lunch and exchange car keys before continuing on. There are three options and they're listed in order of difficulty: 1....
A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, Dicks Lake, and Eagle Lake
This hike provides a great tour of some of the best features of desolation wilderness. It is great for a 2-day, 1-night backpacking trip on a weekend or for a long day hike. All lakes along this hike are spectacular and are great for swimming. There are a number steep sections, particularly near the beginning and end of the hike, but the views make...
Maggies Peaks overlook the rapturous blue waters of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, Granite Lake and Desolation Wilderness.
Maggies Peaks are gateway pillars to Desolation Wilderness overlooking Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. There are two prominences: the north peak is 8,499' and south peak is 8,699'. The trail starts from Bayview trailhead and offers sweeping panoramic views on the way up to Granite Lake, and from the top of either peak. It is about 1,900 feet of elevation gain...
Two parks in a day: D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks
D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay are effectively operated as the same State Park so why not walk a trail highlighting both! The Rubicon Trail along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe is a gem! It's easily accessible and has some of the best views on Tahoe. It's absolutely a hike one can look forward to repeatedly. If you happen to have two cars, do...
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
This guide will take you on a tour of the Historic Ehrman Mansion built by Isaias Hellman. The audio portions will explain the various buildings on the property as well as the history of this prominent Californian and his life as an immigrant to the United States. After taking the tour, you can purchase tickets for an informative tour of the inside...
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
The Dolder Nature Trail will take you through the Edwin L. Z’Berg Natural Preserve on a nice 2-mile loop near the lake with a stop at the highest (based on elevation) operating navigational lighthouse, and an entrance to a beautiful sandy beach. Edwin L. Z’Berg was an important California State assemblyman who fought hard to protect the environment...
A three mile round-trip hike gets you up close with this spectacular Tahoe waterfall.
Late spring and early summer may be the best times to experience Horsetail Falls, but a hike up the Pyramid Creek trail to this spectacular waterfall is still a worthwhile experience at any time of the year. If you can find a parking spot at the busy US50 trailhead that is. Elevation gain: • 600ft (from 6,100 - 6,700ft) Tips: • Peak volume...
The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks.
There are many sights to wonder over as you snake eastward along US-50 towards Lake Tahoe, but Mt. Ralston isn't one of them despite being situated right next to the road. Not that it's unworthy, but simply because the 9,235ft peak is obscured from view. Our Guide traces a long route up the steep flanks of Mt. Ralston and into the Desolation Wilderness,...
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
General Creek Trail is a wide, level trail that starts off just behind the General Creek Campground at Sugar Pine State Park. The trail initially follows the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail, and eventually becomes more narrow and provides a short final climb towards Lily Pond.
Bring a kayak and travel the labyrinth of waterways behind Wrights Lake or take a picnic to Smith, Grouse or Twin Lakes
Ample lakes and trails surrounding Wrights Lake make for nearly endless outdoor activities. Trail hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and star gazing are some of the most popular. Day hikes can be coupled with kayaking and overnight wilderness camping. Twin Lakes is wide open and it's a perfect spot to watch meteor showers (e.g. the annual "perseids")....
Outstanding hardcore trail to a beautiful mountain lake
Overview: Camp, hike and fish at idyllic Barrett Lake at end of trail. Makes a great weekend trip. ATVs are allowed on trail, but it’s a very tough ride. Forest Service closes trail without notice when it gets too wet. Sometimes it doesn’t open until August. Extra-wide vehicles may have trouble getting through the narrow gate at start of trails....
Pristine alpine lakes, picturesque creeks, abandoned mines and glorious summer wildflower displays.
Certainly one of the best hikes in the Lake Tahoe area, the trails to Round Top and Winnemucca Lake promise pristine alpine meadows and lakes, fast-flowing creeks, abandoned mines - and in summer, one of the finest wildflower displays to be found anywhere in Northern California. There’s something for everybody in this area, which is why our guide...
Excellent moderate hike at Sierra crest southwest of Lake Tahoe
Only the fiercest blizzards close Carson Pass, which crosses the Sierra Nevada crest about 30 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. The trailhead is next to a parking lot on California Highway 88, which means you can drive up, park and start hiking, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing within minutes. Lake Winnmucca offers a beautiful introduction...
Awesome views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake, and only 5 miles round trip.
The name of this hike says it all: "direct". It is a moderately steep uphill climb from the lake level up to Marlette Lake, with views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake visible at once from a point high up the trail. It's mostly shaded at the lower elevations, and passes through sugarpine forest, stands of aspen and even a patch of ferns. About four fifths...
One of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness in Lake Tahoe.
Nestled in the foothills of the Granite Chief Wilderness peaks just north of Lake Tahoe, the Five Lakes promise dramatic yet tranquil surroundings, a place to relax fish or swim. Best visited after the snow has retreated in the summer, the Five Lakes Trail is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness so you're unlikely...
