Loch Leven Lakes, Tahoe National Forest

The trailhead is located between Interstate 80 exits 166 and 168 on Hampshire Rocks Road. Spaces for several cars are available next to a small restroom building.

Pick up the trail across the road from the parking lot and begin the steady upward climb, passing through patches of pine forest, negotiating large erratic boulders and scrabbling across exposed granite. Leading to a small footbridge your route continues its climb through dense evergreens and away from the remaining noise of the I-80.

The transcontinental railroad line between Omaha and Sacramento was considered to be a modern engineering marvel of its time and revolutionized trade and migration to the West Coast.

Built between 1863 and 1869 the railroad is still in regular use today by both freight and passenger trains, so be sure to watch out for traffic before crossing the tracks.

Two-and-a-half miles from the trailhead and 1,250ft later your legs will be thankful that you've reached the Lower Loch Leven Lake. No doubt they'll also be equally thankful that it's downhill and level hiking all the way to the remaining lakes.

Each of the lakes is individually worth the trip on its own, so if you choose the closest Lower Lake as your destination you'll find it a very rewarding 6 mile out-and-back hike. Of course, we'd always want to encourage you to check out other lakes which only adds an extra mile each way.

Middle Loch Leven Lake is by far the largest of these bodies of water. The trail continues all the way around the Eastern side of the lake giving you plenty of opportunities to admire it on your way to the last of the three lakes.

If you choose to venture on to High Loch Leven Lake you will be rewarded with even more serene and beautiful views. When you're done gazing at the glass reflected lakes, head back the way you came to the trailhead.