Guides
Scale two great Northern Sierra peaks in just one short day-hike.
Stunning views await you on this hiking trail and snowshoe route in the Northern Sierras, which takes in two separate peaks in just five and half miles. Elevation gain: • 1,700ft (7,100 - 8,243ft elevation) Tips: • Only tackle the loop version of this trail once the Sugar Bowl ski resort has closed for the season. • Snowshoes can be...
Take a short walk along this interpretive trail to learn about the wildlife and plants in the area
Donner Memorial State Park, around Donner Lake, is the site of where the historic Donner Party stayed and struggled through the horrible winter of 1846-1847. The Party of about 90 people (half adults, half children) had set out for the west in search of land and a better life. They received a tip from a man named Hastings who promised he could cut...
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...
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...
Whether you're approaching on foot, in snowshoes or on cross-country skis this is a great sierra adventure for all.
Castle Peak is a popular destination all year round, a great hike and also possibly the best way to continue your alpine workouts after the ski resorts close for the season. Beginning near Donner Pass on the Interstate 80 it doesn't take long before you're deep in the trees and away from the sounds of the freeway. Completing this hike by making...
Pleasant trail through pine forest; plus a waterfall; a well-defined trail to the summit; and, views galore.
Your trail is very straightforward and pleasant to walk the entire way. You use a ridge on the foot of Mt. Houghton to gain 200 feet in the first half mile; then cross that ridge to traverse for the next 2 miles with a zero elevation gain. Along the way you have great views of Lake Tahoe initially and then your destination begins to dominate the vista....
An overnight backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast Trail in Truckee, California.
Paradise Lake is a classic Sierra Nevada lake with gorgeous sunsets and a pristine lake full of trout. This overnight backpacking trip is easily accessible from Highway 80 and follows parts of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Tahoe National Forest.
Enjoy an easy lakeside stroll or snowshoe in the Tahoe National Forest.
It's easy to relate to frustrated motorists returning from a weekend skiing in Tahoe, stuck in heavy interstate 80 traffic with aching legs and a long journey ahead. But spare a thought for those whose journey to the west coast was a little more arduous, and a little less certain that they'd make it there in one piece. Just over a century and a half...
High alpine lakes aplenty in the Tahoe National Forest.
Located directly of Interstate 80 this trail will have you hiking deep into the Tahoe National Forest in no time, in search of scenic high alpine Sierra Nevada lakes. Because this trail needs to be tackled during the summer and fall months to avoid winter conditions this popular trail can get quite busy, but the hike still remains a worthwhile trip. Elevation...
Subalpine meadow teeming with flowers and wildlife... ideal for a quick, flat hike with the entire family
The paths that meander around Tahoe Meadows are covered with footprints and signs of mammals, the air is filled with songbirds and raptors, and the ground is alive with masses of wildflowers and trees. This hike has no particular destination and it’s not going to get you anywhere other than familiar with nature. A natural history field guide would...
This hike starts in a flower-filled meadow and just gets better.
Tahoe Meadows is a wonderful trailhead – one of the most pleasant around the lake – to embark from on a dayhike. The route to Diamond Peak is mostly level, gaining the ridge in about 300 feet and then generally following it south through forests of western white pine, lodgepole pine, red fir, and Jeffrey pine. The high point of the hike is slightly...
Conquer the summit of Mt Rose and enjoy the waterfalls, alpine lakes and great Lake Tahoe views.
Mt. Rose may be the second tallest peak in Tahoe basin and prominent feature of the northern Lake Tahoe skyline, but despite its 2,100ft elevation gain the journey to the peak is best described as pleasant rather than challenging. Elevation gain: • 2,100ft (from 8,900 - 10,776 ft) Tips: • Early summer thru November is a good time to tackle...
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...
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.
Classic North Tahoe hike along the crest of the Sierra Nevada
Because much of the hike is pretty high elevation you have to wait until the summer to allow the snow to melt. There are a few sidetracks along the way if, such as Anderson Peak, and Ticker's Knob. There is no real trail to the peak or Anderson Peak, just some rock scrambling. The same with Ticker's Knob. After leaving Ticker's Knob you drop...
Negro Canyon Overlook in Tahoe Donner
A casual hike in the Tahoe Donner area. There are several trails to choose from with scenic view of Tahoe Donner Lake and surrounding areas. Great for kids.
One of the easiest peaks (9100') to hike in the Tahoe area and is easily doable as a day hike from the Bay Area.
As you approach Donner Pass from the west on I-80, you can't miss Castle Peak on the left. To get to the trailhead, take the Boreal exit (between Soda Springs and Donner Lake.) From the Boreal parking lot go under the freeway and follow the road up to the right and find a place to park. If you have a 4WD with high clearance, you could follow the...
Burton Creek SP
It's been described as Lake Tahoe’s secret state park. Burton Creek is a spectacular watershed of over 2000 acres tucked away in the hills overlooking Tahoe's North Shore just outside Tahoe City. Set aside so that the lands may heal from over a century of logging and dairy farming it is a place of recovering forest and meadowlands, its located...
Looking for a flat yet scenic hike perfect for novice hikers and/or flat-land visitors? You'll love this historic hike.
A flat hike along the Northern Flume, then a quick descent down the Diamond Peak ski resort. First half of hike is largely shaded with beautiful stream crossings. Second half of the hike has dynamite views down the Incline Creek drainage to Lake Tahoe. Also a brief optional out-and-back sojourn to more recent TV history.
Official route of the Sierra Trek
: A premier hard-core trail. First-time users should consider driving this trail during the annual Sierra Trek event sponsored by the California Association of 4WD Clubs in early August. At that time, CA4WDC arranges with Pacific Gas & Electric to restrict water flow in Fordyce Creek to passable levels. Expert spotters and winches are provided at five...
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...
Short, difficult descent to scenic reservoir
A long drive to a short, fun hardcore trail. Ends at a very secluded spot along the shores of little-used, but very impressive, Hell Hole Reservoir. Not too far from Loon Lake Staging Area of the Rubicon Trail. Makes a great weekend trip if you camp overnight and fish. Take bug repellent in the summer. Established campground on south end of reservoir...
