The Best Hiking Trails Around Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful and popular places in the United States. With its stunning views, crystal clear waters, and endless hiking trails, it’s no wonder why so many people visit every year. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails around Lake Tahoe, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out about twelve of the most spectacular hikes in the area.

1. Marlette Lake Trail

The Marlette Lake Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area. It offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, as well as several lakeside camping spots. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for all skill levels. The entire loop takes about three hours.

The trailhead is located at the Marlette Lake Parking lot, about 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail follows the shoreline of Marlette Lake and then winds its way up to the top of the mountain. From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

2. Rubicon Trail

The Rubicon Trail is a 23-mile long out-and-back trail that runs from Emerald Bay to Lake Tahoe. It’s a challenging hike with plenty of elevation gain, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. The trail passes through several lakes, including Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Lake Tahoe, and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and camping.

The trailhead is located at Emerald Bay and the entire loop takes about ten hours to complete. It’s best to start early in the morning and bring plenty of water and snacks. This trail is not suitable for beginner hikers, and it’s important to be prepared for the elevation gains and unpredictable weather.

The Rubicon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area and it’s easy to see why. It offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, as well as plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and camping.

3. Angora Lakes Trail

The Angora Lakes Trail is a moderate, 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Angora Lakes parking lot to the lake itself. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Angora Lakes parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several lakes before arriving at Angora Lakes. The lake is a stunning sight, surrounded by tall trees and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

4. Eagle Falls Trail

The Eagle Falls Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Eagle Falls parking lot to the Eagle Falls themselves. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Eagle Falls parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way up the mountain and passes several stunning waterfalls before arriving at the Eagle Falls. The falls are a spectacular sight, cascading down the mountain and into the lake below.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

5. Mt. Tallac Trail

The Mt. Tallac Trail is a challenging, 9-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Mt. Tallac parking lot to the summit of the mountain itself. The trail is relatively difficult and can take up to six hours to complete. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and enjoy the stunning views of the area.

The trailhead is located at the Mt. Tallac parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way up the mountain and passes several stunning waterfalls and lakes before arriving at the summit. From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

6. Cascade Falls Trail

The Cascade Falls Trail is a moderate, 3-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Cascade Falls parking lot to the falls themselves. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Cascade Falls parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several waterfalls before arriving at Cascade Falls. The falls are a stunning sight, cascading down the mountain and into the lake below.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

7. Desolation Wilderness

The Desolation Wilderness is a vast expanse of land located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s a popular destination for hikers and backpackers, offering over 200 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the area. The entire area is protected by the National Park Service, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations before heading out.

The trails in the Desolation Wilderness range from easy to difficult and can be as short or as long as you’d like. From the summit of Pyramid Peak, hikers can enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, camping, and swimming.

The Desolation Wilderness is a great destination for hikers and backpackers of all skill levels. With its stunning views and endless trails, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular places in the area.

8. Freel Peak Trail

The Freel Peak Trail is a challenging, 8-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Freel Peak parking lot to the summit of the mountain itself. The trail is relatively difficult and can take up to six hours to complete. It’s a great way to get in touch with nature and enjoy the stunning views of the area.

The trailhead is located at the Freel Peak parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way up the mountain and passes several stunning waterfalls and lakes before arriving at the summit. From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

9. Emerald Bay Trail

The Emerald Bay Trail is a moderate, 5-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Emerald Bay parking lot to the bay itself. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Emerald Bay parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several stunning lakes before arriving at Emerald Bay. The bay is a stunning sight, surrounded by tall trees and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

10. Dardanelles Lake Trail

The Dardanelles Lake Trail is a moderate, 5-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Dardanelles Lake parking lot to the lake itself. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Dardanelles Lake parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several stunning lakes before arriving at Dardanelles Lake. The lake is a stunning sight, surrounded by tall trees and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

11. Glen Alpine Trail

The Glen Alpine Trail is a moderate, 4-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Glen Alpine parking lot to the lake itself. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Glen Alpine parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several stunning lakes before arriving at Glen Alpine Lake. The lake is a stunning sight, surrounded by tall trees and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

12. Velma Lakes Trail

The Velma Lakes Trail is a moderate, 3-mile out-and-back trail that runs from the Velma Lakes parking lot to the lakes themselves. The trail is relatively easy and can be completed in about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to commit to a longer hike.

The trailhead is located at the Velma Lakes parking lot, about a half-hour from South Lake Tahoe. From there, the trail winds its way through the forest and passes several stunning lakes before arriving at Velma Lakes. The lakes are a stunning sight, surrounded by tall trees and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the hike, hikers can take a dip in the lake or even camp out on one of the many beachside campsites. It’s a great way to end a day of hiking.

Conclusion

Lake Tahoe is an incredible place to explore, and it’s no wonder why it’s so popular. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of amazing trails to choose from. From the Marlette Lake Trail to the Velma Lakes Trail, there’s something for everyone.

So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore the stunning trails around Lake Tahoe. You won’t be disappointed!