Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the United States. It is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.[2] Its depth is 1,645 ft (501 m) making it America's second-deepest, (Crater Lake, in Oregon, being the deepest at 1945 feet (594 m) deep). The lake was formed about 2 million years ago and is a part of the Lake Tahoe Basin with the modern lake being shaped during the Ice Ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides.[3] The area surrounding the lake is also referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction for both California and Nevada. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation.[4][5] Mountain and lake scenery are attractions throughout the year. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City and Sacramento.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Echo Lakes & Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe
What better way to begin a hike than skimming across the crystal clear alpine waters of Echo Lakes ..
What better way to begin a hike than skimming across the crystal clear alpine waters of Echo Lakes ..
Easy
6.0 mi/
9.7 km
9.7 km
Maggies Peaks
Maggies Peaks overlook the rapturous blue waters of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, Granite Lake and Desolation Wilderness.
Maggies Peaks overlook the rapturous blue waters of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, Granite Lake and Desolation Wilderness.
Moderate
3.0 mi/
4.8 km
4.8 km
Lake Winnemucca from Carson Pass via Pacific Crest Trail
Excellent moderate hike at Sierra crest southwest of Lake Tahoe
Excellent moderate hike at Sierra crest southwest of Lake Tahoe
Moderate
5.0 mi/
8.0 km
8.0 km
Mt Judah & Donner Peak, Tahoe National Forest
Scale two great Northern Sierra peaks in just one short day-hike.
Scale two great Northern Sierra peaks in just one short day-hike.
Moderate
5.5 mi/
8.9 km
8.9 km
Castle Peak
One of the easiest peaks (9100') to hike in the Tahoe area and is easily doable as a day hike from the Bay Area.
One of the easiest peaks (9100') to hike in the Tahoe area and is easily doable as a day hike from the Bay Area.
Moderate
5.8 mi/
9.3 km
9.3 km
Castle Peak, Tahoe National Forest
Whether you're approaching on foot, in snowshoes or on cross-country skis this is a great sierra adventure for all.
Whether you're approaching on foot, in snowshoes or on cross-country skis this is a great sierra adventure for all.
Moderate
6.5 mi/
10.5 km
10.5 km
Loch Leven Lakes, Tahoe National Forest
High alpine lakes aplenty in the Tahoe National Forest.
High alpine lakes aplenty in the Tahoe National Forest.
Moderate
8.0 mi/
12.9 km
12.9 km
Lake Aloha Hike
A long hike from Echo Lake past several lakes to a great swimming spot in Lake Tahoe's beautiful Desolation Wilderness
A long hike from Echo Lake past several lakes to a great swimming spot in Lake Tahoe's beautiful Desolation Wilderness
Moderate
11.7 mi/
18.8 km
18.8 km
D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay, Southwest Shore of Lake Tahoe
Two parks in a day: D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks
Two parks in a day: D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks
Moderate
13.2 mi/
21 km
21 km
Paradise Lake
An overnight backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast Trail in Truckee, California.
An overnight backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast Trail in Truckee, California.
Moderate
15.0 mi/
24 km
24 km
Blackwood Canyon, Ellis Peak 4x4 Road, California
Fun SUV trip to beautiful high views of Lake Tahoe
Fun SUV trip to beautiful high views of Lake Tahoe
Moderate
21 mi/
33 km
33 km
Hell Hole Reservoir 4x4 Trail, California
Short, difficult descent to scenic reservoir
Short, difficult descent to scenic reservoir
Difficult
3.9 mi/
6.3 km
6.3 km
Marlette Lake Direct
Awesome views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake, and only 5 miles round trip.
Awesome views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake, and only 5 miles round trip.
Difficult
5.2 mi/
8.4 km
8.4 km
Barrett Lake 4x4 Trail, California
Outstanding hardcore trail to a beautiful mountain lake
Outstanding hardcore trail to a beautiful mountain lake
Difficult
5.8 mi/
9.3 km
9.3 km
Mt. Ralston Peak, Lake Tahoe
The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks.
The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks.
Difficult
7.0 mi/
11.3 km
11.3 km
Freel Peak from Armstrong Pass
Traverses the path of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Armstrong Pass and then up the scree to awesome vistas.
Traverses the path of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Armstrong Pass and then up the scree to awesome vistas.
Difficult
10.2 mi/
16.4 km
16.4 km
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Echo to Carson
Strenuous from either direction, this hike connects hwy 50 to hwy 88. Waterfalls, volcanic rock and wildflowers abound.
Strenuous from either direction, this hike connects hwy 50 to hwy 88. Waterfalls, volcanic rock and wildflowers abound.
Difficult
13.5 mi/
22 km
22 km
Backpacking in Desolation Wilderness
A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, Dicks Lake, and Eagle Lake
A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, Dicks Lake, and Eagle Lake
Difficult
13.8 mi/
22 km
22 km
Donner Pass to Squaw Valley on the Pacific Crest Trail
Classic North Tahoe hike along the crest of the Sierra Nevada
Classic North Tahoe hike along the crest of the Sierra Nevada
Difficult
17.5 mi/
28 km
28 km
Donner Memorial State Park
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
The Nature Trail - Donner Memorial State Park
Take a short walk along this interpretive trail to learn about the wildlife and plants in the area
Take a short walk along this interpretive trail to learn about the wildlife and plants in the area
Easy
0.8 mi/
1.3 km
1.3 km
Donner Lake & Memorial State Park
Enjoy an easy lakeside stroll or snowshoe in the Tahoe National Forest.
Enjoy an easy lakeside stroll or snowshoe in the Tahoe National Forest.
Easy
3.5 mi/
5.6 km
5.6 km
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion Tour
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Easy
1.1 mi/
1.8 km
1.8 km
The Dolder Nature Trail
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
A relaxing hike near the lake shore with a visit to the highest operating navigational lighthouse and a sandy beach
Easy
2.1 mi/
3.4 km
3.4 km
General Creek Trail to Lily Pond at Sugar Pine Point State Park
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
Hike along the historical 1960 Olympics Cross Country Skiing Trail and explore Lily Pond
Easy
5.1 mi/
8.2 km
8.2 km
Mount Rose Wilderness
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop
Subalpine meadow teeming with flowers and wildlife... ideal for a quick, flat hike with the entire family
Subalpine meadow teeming with flowers and wildlife... ideal for a quick, flat hike with the entire family
Easy
1.3 mi/
2.1 km
2.1 km
Diamond Peak from Scenic Overlook, via N. Flume
Looking for a flat yet scenic hike perfect for novice hikers and/or flat-land visitors? You'll love this historic hike.
Looking for a flat yet scenic hike perfect for novice hikers and/or flat-land visitors? You'll love this historic hike.
Easy
5.6 mi/
9.0 km
9.0 km
Mt. Rose, Lake Tahoe
Conquer the summit of Mt Rose and enjoy the waterfalls, alpine lakes and great Lake Tahoe views.
Conquer the summit of Mt Rose and enjoy the waterfalls, alpine lakes and great Lake Tahoe views.
Moderate
10.0 mi/
16.1 km
16.1 km
Diamond Peak from Tahoe Meadows
This hike starts in a flower-filled meadow and just gets better.
This hike starts in a flower-filled meadow and just gets better.
Moderate
11.0 mi/
17.7 km
17.7 km
Mt. Rose
Pleasant trail through pine forest; plus a waterfall; a well-defined trail to the summit; and, views galore.
Pleasant trail through pine forest; plus a waterfall; a well-defined trail to the summit; and, views galore.
Difficult
10.0 mi/
16.1 km
16.1 km
Squaw Valley
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Five Lakes, Granite Chief Wilderness, Lake Tahoe
One of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness in Lake Tahoe.
One of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness in Lake Tahoe.
Easy
4.0 mi/
6.4 km
6.4 km
Desolation Wilderness
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Horsetail Falls, Lake Tahoe
A three mile round-trip hike gets you up close with this spectacular Tahoe waterfall.
A three mile round-trip hike gets you up close with this spectacular Tahoe waterfall.
Moderate
3.0 mi/
4.8 km
4.8 km
Wrights Lake to Grouse Lake and gateway to Twin Lakes
Bring a kayak and travel the labyrinth of waterways behind Wrights Lake or take a picnic to Smith, Grouse or Twin Lakes
Bring a kayak and travel the labyrinth of waterways behind Wrights Lake or take a picnic to Smith, Grouse or Twin Lakes
Moderate
4.7 mi/
7.6 km
7.6 km
Angora Lake
A challenging uphill hike with views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and relaxing Angora lake waiting at the top.
A challenging uphill hike with views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and relaxing Angora lake waiting at the top.
Difficult
3.6 mi/
5.8 km
5.8 km
D.L. Bliss State Park
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Burton Creek State Park
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Mount Tallac
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Mount Tallac, Lake Tahoe
Unparalleled vistas await the Tahoe hiker on a memorable journey to the lake’s tallest peak.
Unparalleled vistas await the Tahoe hiker on a memorable journey to the lake’s tallest peak.
Difficult
9.5 mi/
15.3 km
15.3 km
Guides
Unparalleled vistas await the Tahoe hiker on a memorable journey to the lake’s tallest peak.
A trek through Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness past Velma Lake, Fontanillis Lake, Dicks Lake, and Eagle Lake
An overnight backpacking trip along the Pacific Coast Trail in Truckee, California.
A long hike from Echo Lake past several lakes to a great swimming spot in Lake Tahoe's beautiful Desolation Wilderness
Whether you're approaching on foot, in snowshoes or on cross-country skis this is a great sierra adventure for all.
The thigh-burner of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Ralston rewards intrepid day-hikers with stunning mountain overlooks.
Looking for a flat yet scenic hike perfect for novice hikers and/or flat-land visitors? You'll love this historic hike.
Classic North Tahoe hike along the crest of the Sierra Nevada
Excellent moderate hike at Sierra crest southwest of Lake Tahoe
Scale two great Northern Sierra peaks in just one short day-hike.
Take a short walk along this interpretive trail to learn about the wildlife and plants in the area
Travel back to the late 1800s to learn about one of the wealthiest Californians who built this beautiful estate
Community Trips
Bike ride around Lake Tahoe (72 miles) starting in South Lake Tahoe and going clockwise. Following the ride I took my kayak around Fallen Leaf Lake just south of Tahoe.
Backpacking Desolation Wilderness with the EveryTrail Team
Emerald Bay, California, United States
13.8 miles
13.8 miles
"testing our product" is a great excuse for a weekend trip to Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. The engineers at EveryTrail (Benoit, Matt, Michael, Paul, Werner, and I) drove up early Saturday morning for this weekend trip. We parked around 1 and had a quick breakfast of wraps with hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese, put on our packs and started our trek. The first 2 miles were steep but had some great views overlooking...
I drove up to Tahoe at 4am with Loren, David, and Thomas for this 2-day backpacking trip. We started at Glen Alpine and hiked 2 very steep miles along a very poorly maintained trail. So poorly maintained that we lost the trail and had to scramble up the rocks and through the thick brush. Then it started to pour and we heard thunder, things couldn't be much worse. Eventually, the skies cleared,...
We (me, Emily, Rachel, and Elaine) drove up to Echo lake and hiked to lake Aloha. The hike was fairly easy, with very little up hill, and it had great views of the lakes at all times. The water was pretty cold, but felt great on the feet while eating our PB&Js. The weather was warm, but a nice breeze kept us cool the whole time.Read more about the hike to Lake...
Emerald Bay, Velma Lakes & Tallac - Desolation Wilderness Area
South Lake Tahoe, California, United States
18.0 miles
18.0 miles
Starting at Eagle Falls near South Tahoe, my med school friends Ben (now in EM at Stanford) and Joe (now in EM at UCSF) joined me for a loop backpack trip through Desolation Wilderness. We traveled along the PCT for part, sleeping at the Middle Velma Lake the first night and Gilmore Lake the second night. Easy peaks on this route are Dicks Peak just off of Dicks Pass and Mt Tallac....
from my buddy Andy's blog:I finally managed to ride the Flume Trail today. It has been toolong since I have traveled to the east shore of Tahoe to ride thisclassic trail. Normally, the Aspen Trees are absolutely glowing asyou ride up North Canyon and shoot down to Marlette Lake from theSpooner State Park. Today, October 26, 2008, it was warm enough toride in shorts and a T Shirt. There was not more...
Lake Tahoe: Echo Lake to Aloha Lake and Beyond
South Lake Tahoe, California, United States
15.3 miles
15.3 miles
A journey into Desolation Wilderness that started early in the morning on Saturday. With a lot less mileage than normal, we started off from the parking lot at Echo Lake in the direction of Lake Aloha. Unfortunately, there is no public potable water at the parking lot, so we had to start the trip with minimal water. Also, I had slept less than a couple hours the previous night, and I could immediately...
Short, easy hike from the parking lot to the lake.
I have been targeting this hike since last year. Donner Pass to Squaw Valley on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Because much of the hike is pretty high elevation you have to wait until the summer to allow the snow to melt. This week the planets aligned and we were able to do the hike. We had a toal of 6 of us, Dave, Andy, John, Kendra, Steve and myself. And 2...
This is a short, 1.5mi walk down to the secluded, tranquil beach of Skunk Harbor, where you will see the crumbled remains of the George Newhall summer "party" home, built in 1922. The real attraction at this site is the view from the tiny, jewel-like harbor out to Lake Tahoe - exquisite! The remains of an old pier and huge boulders near the shoreline only add to the picturesque scene. Skunk Harbor...
Reviews
