Mount Tallac, Lake Tahoe

Nearby Destinations

Other guides in Trailspotting Lake Tahoe - Best Hikes

view the Trailspotting Lake Tahoe - Best Hikes guide bundle

Other guides in Trailspotting Lake Tahoe - Peak Baggers

view the Trailspotting Lake Tahoe - Peak Baggers guide bundle

Nearby Guides

Content
provided by

Viewed 42160 times

(10 votes)

Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 9.5 miles / 15.3 km
Duration: Full day

Download to Phone

View Large Map

View Photos

Overview: 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 elevation gain is greater than you might experience on most day hikes, but both the journey and the destination are worth every single thigh-burning step.

Elevation Gain:
• 3,500ft (from 6,400 - 9735ft)

Tips: • Remember to register for a free Desolation Wilderness permit at the trailhead.
• June to October is the best time to hike Tallac. Some snow may prevail at higher elevations until late July, but that is unlikely to cause problems for hikers.
• Summer thunderstorms are common from mid afternoon. We recommend an early start to avoid being exposed at high elevations at these times.
• Glen Alpine Trail is an alternative route to the summit of Tallac, popular with backbackers camping in the Desolation Wilderness. However, an 11 mile day trip via Gilmore Lake is feasible but not covered by this guide.
• Mount Tallac is one of the most popular backcountry skiing and snowboarding destinations in the US. Search the internet for information about the winter Spring Creek Trail ascent for more details.

Points of Interest

map

Mt. Tallac Trailhead

The classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson.

When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking lot.

Be sure to register your day hike in the Desolation Wilderness area. Free permits are available at the trail sign, which must be filled out in full before proceeding on the trail.

The route begins through light forest before heading up to a ridgeline which follows alongside the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake and provides some great views.

map

Destination Wilderness Boundary

Permits are necessary within the boundary of the Desolation Wilderness, a federally protected wilderness area strewn with granite, peaks and lakes which is a great (and popular) destination for backpackers.

Day hikers need only register for a free permit at the trailhead, whereas campers must apply in advance and pay a fee.

map

Floating Island Lake

The first of today's two lakes is Floating Island Lake, and a great place to stretch the legs and cool off.

map

Stream Crossing

Simple stream crossing which usually runs low enough to make for an easy passage.

map

Fallen Leaf Lake Junction

Take a right turn here to continue towards Mt. Tallac. The other route heads to the South shores of Fallen Leaf Lake, 900ft beneath us.

map

Cathedral Lake

Cathedral Lake marks the edge of the forest canopy, and from now on we'll be increasingly exposed to the elements so be sure to top up that sunblock layer.

The next segment of the journey will also involve some of the steepest terrain. Try and keep up a steady pace up Cathedral Basin and soon you'll be a thousand feet higher and into the meadows, where less steep trails await along with dramatic views over the Desolation Wilderness and toward the peaks of the Crystal Mountains.

map

Glen Alpine Trail Junction

You're almost at the summit! Hang right and proceed up the trail to the slopes of talus which indicate that you're nearing your destination.

The other fork of the trail leads along the Glen Alpine Trail into Gilmore Lake and Desolation Wilderderness. Popular with backpackers on multi-day trips this alternate route can also be completed in a single day with a 11 mile hike from the Glen Alpine trailhead south of Fallen Leaf Lake.

map

Mount Tallac Summit (9,735ft)

Mount Tallac offers probably the best view you'll find around Lake Tahoe, where you can survey the entirety of the landscape in all directions around you.