hikes in Lake Tahoe
Craving an adventure? Lake Tahoe and the imposing High Sierra is one of California’s most popular outdoor adventure destinations. The collection of dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains, evergreen forestlands, and picture-perfect alpine lakes make for some incredibly scenic hikes! Straddling the border between Nevada and California, this region attracts millions of visitors from all over, eager to explore the picturesque landscape. In addition to the snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, the area is also characterized by the Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, Lake Tahoe National Forest Basin, and the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest that preserve and encompass the pristine environment.
Whether you are seeking a technical ascent up the Sierra Nevada or a relaxing forest walk, Lake Tahoe offers a wide range of adventures! Wander through red firs, quaking aspens, meadowlands teeming with wildflowers, up granite bluffs, or to historic sites—the possibilities are endless! Delivering both high energy and easy-going experiences, there are hiking routes suitable for all skill levels and ages. Have we convinced you yet? A trip to Lake Tahoe is a must-add to your adventure itinerary—trust us.
15 Fantastic Hiking Routes in Lake Tahoe
As self-proclaimed adventure experts, we took it upon ourselves to curate a list of the 15 best hiking trails around Lake Tahoe. From taxing treks to easy-going nature walks and everything in between. We hope you enjoy these epic trails—Happy hiking! Check it out:
- Rubicon Trail - Not to be confused with the popular Rubicon off-roading route, the Rubicon Hike is a demanding trail that hugs the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. Immerse yourself in lush forestlands, wander along shoreline cliffs, and explore historic sites all while enjoying the picture-perfect panoramas of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra.
- Eagle Rock Trail - Indulge yourself with overwhelming vistas of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range from Eagle Rock—a volcanic outcrop. This short, but scenic route can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Cascade Falls Trail - Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike, right? Well, the Cascade Falls Trail offers a stunning snowmelt cascade as well as epic views of Lake Tahoe, Cascade Lake, and the encompassing snow-capped summits. Easy-going and family-friendly, what more could you ask for?
- Echo Lakes Trail - Hike to not one, but two shimmering alpine lakes along the Echo Lakes Trail. Get a taste of what the Pacific Crest Trail has to offer as you wander the famous backpacking route through the High Sierra.
- Eagle Lake Trail - The Eagle Lake Trail is another scenic high-country adventure that boasts incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the imposing snow-capped summits from a charming alpine lake. This family-friendly hike into a glacial basin is a must-add to your adventure to-do list.
- Fallen Leaf Lake Trail - Immerse yourself in the picture-perfect scene of Angora Peak looming above the lake on the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail. This relaxing nature walk meanders through woodlands and along the shoreline of the shimmering lake.
- Vikingsholm Trail - Head back in time as you hike the Vikingsholm Trail. This scenic nature walk delivers explorers to the historic Vikingsholm mansion that sits on the shoreline of Emerald Bay, overlooking the alpine landscape. Head out in the summer and get a tour of the castle!
- Mount Tallac Hike - Put your stamina to the test as you tackle the Mount Tallac Trail. This demanding hike travels up to the 9739ft summit that boasts epic vistas of the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and alpine lakes nestled amongst them.
- Tallac Historic Site Loop - History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Tallac Historic Site Loop. Explore the historic estates and meander through the woodlands and meadowlands that encompass the grounds. In the winter months, this route makes for a great snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trail!
- Incline Flume Trail - The Incline Flume Trail is a popular shared route on the northeastern rim of Lake Tahoe. Lined with red firs, Jeffery pines, and vibrant wildflowers, this scenic trail makes for a great day-hike. Insiders tip: the parking lot at the trailhead fills up fast, so arrive early!
- Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach Hike - The Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach Hike is a wonderful family-friendly nature walk near Stateline. Enjoy a hike through meadowlands and lush forestlands before the route opens to Lake Tahoe, boasting post-card perfect panoramas.
- Barn Trail to Cal Neva Loop - Weave between the state of California and Nevada as you hike the Barn Trail to Cal Neva Loop. This impressively scenic adventure climbs up one of the few hiking routes in the Heavenly Ski Resort—offering a unique perspective of the mountainous landscape.
- Lake Aloha Trail - Though not as tropical as it sounds, the Lake Aloha Hike is a wonderful alpine adventure. Wander past several charming alpine lakes before arriving at the piece de resistance—Aloha Lake’s blue-hued waters adorned with many, many islands.
- Whiskey Creek Camp Trail - The Whiskey Creek Camp Trail offers a diversity of scenery—wander through lush woodlands to the Five Lakes and the ruins of the Whiskey Creek Camp. This unique adventure is a must-do when in the Lake Tahoe area.
- Glen Alpine Trail - Hiking the Glen Alpine Trail is a scenic experience. Demanding a bit of stamina, this route climb past an alpine lake, a snow-melt cascade, and up to the historic landmark that is the Glen Alpine Springs Resort.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe?
The beauty of Lake Tahoe’s hiking routes is that most trails can be explored year-round with the proper gear! Most consider the summer months to be the best time to explore Lake Tahoe, but it is also the busiest time of the year! In the summer months, the high-altitude trails are mostly cleared of snow, the paths are teeming with wildflowers and the alpine water is refreshing! Summer excursions present awesome hiking, trekking, swimming, fishing, diving, and mountain biking opportunities—but be prepared for the crowds!
Winter expeditions to Lake Tahoe are equally as exciting and scenic. Most trails are transformed into epic snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and even cross-country skiing routes. When exploring the area in the cooler months it is important to be mindful of increasingly dangerous terrain—often snow-cloaked and icy. Additionally, when venturing into the backcountry amongst the Sierra Nevadas, be aware of the threat of avalanches.
Open year-round, there is a sweet spot in the shoulder season when the trails are untouched, and the towns are quiet. Spring and fall adventures present the opportunity to enjoy the hiking routes in solitude, and accommodations in the area are usually cheaper. Note some campgrounds and roads close in the off-season, so your choice of stay may be limited!
Other Outdoor Activities near Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is more than just a hiking destination, though there is no denying that there are some pretty epic treks in the area! With miles of backcountry to explore, Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas offer an abundance of outdoor activities to satisfy all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts!
Consider mountain biking up Incline Flume Trail, cross country skiing the Tallac Historic Site Loop, or snowshoeing the Fallen Lake Leaf Trail. Additionally, other recreational activities include backpacking, fishing, sightseeing, swimming, paddle boarding, off-roading, diving, skiing, and boating. Abundant with life in the summer and winter months alike, the crowds that flock to Lake Tahoe are a testament to the area’s beauty and limitless adventure pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Tahoe
What is Lake Tahoe Known For?
Lake Tahoe is a famous lake that straddles the boundary between California and Nevada. Earning the title as the largest alpine lake in North America, and also one of the deepest lakes, the blue-hued pool imposed by the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is truly picture-perfect.
Where does Lake Tahoe get its water?
Lake Tahoe is an alpine lake mostly fed by snowmelt and rain from the 60 some tributaries that encircle the lake.
How deep is Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe has a maximum depth of 1645ft.
Can you hike around Lake Tahoe?
Yes, the famous backpacking route, the Tahoe Rim Trail, loops around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe.
Does Lake Tahoe freeze?
No, the main body of Lake Tahoe does not freeze. Sometimes, though rare, Emerald Bay will freeze.
Epic Adventure Tours in Lake Tahoe
Unfortunately, we have yet to curate a Lake Tahoe adventure package but keep an eye out as we are always working on adding more exciting tours to the collection! Until then, we urge you to check out the California and Hawaii Multisport Self-Drive Tour, which includes a trip to Lake Tahoe!
Find Other Amazing Hiking Regions in California
Read MoreThe best hikes in Lake Tahoe
01. Rubicon Trail
Difficulty
The Rubicon Trail is one of the most scenic adventures in California that connects two… Read More
02. Eagle Rock Trail
Difficulty
Indulge yourself with overwhelming panoramas of Lake Tahoe from the Eagle Rock Trail. Then, ascend… Read More
03. Cascade Falls Trail
Difficulty
Immerse yourself in California’s high country along the Cascade Falls Trail. This scenic adventure travels… Read More
04. Echo Lakes Trail
Difficulty
Hiking the Echo Lakes Trail is an immersive experience. Explore California’s high country and marvel… Read More
05. Eagle Lake Trail
Difficulty
Explore all that California’s high country has to offer along the Eagle Lake Trail. This… Read More
06. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
Difficulty
The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is a great addition to anyone’s South Tahoe adventure itinerary.… Read More
07. Vikingsholm Trail
Difficulty
History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Vikingsholm Trail. Wander through junipers, red… Read More
08. Whiskey Creek Camp Trail
Difficulty
Explore California’s alpine terrain along the Whiskey Creek Camp Trail. This stunning adventure boasts breathtaking… Read More
09. Mount Tallac Hike
Difficulty
Hiking the Mount Tallac Trail is a technical trek that boasts breathtaking vistas of the… Read More
10. Tallac Historic Site Loop
Difficulty
Discover the history of South Lake Tahoe along the Tallac Historic Site Loop. The easy-going… Read More
Yes, there are more than 10
Lake Tahoe is so beautiful that we can not give you only 10 hikes. So here is a list of bonus hikes in Lake Tahoe that you should take a look at as well
11. Incline Flume Trail
Difficulty
The Incline Flume Trail is a wonderful hike along an old tramway and flume route… Read More
12. Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach Hike
Difficulty
The Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach Hike is an easy-going adventure through diverse… Read More
13. Barn Trail to Cal Neva Loop
Difficulty
The Barn Trail to Cal Neva Loop is an incredible adventure that weaves between the… Read More
14. Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector
Difficulty
Explore the Van Sickle Bi-State Park as you venture the Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector.… Read More
15. Lake Aloha Trail
Difficulty
The Lake Aloha Trail is an epic adventure through the high country that boasts breathtaking… Read More
16. Tahoe Rim Trail to Twin Crags
Difficulty
The Tahoe Rim Trail to Twin Crags is a wonderful hike that would make a… Read More
17. South Yuba River Hike
Difficulty
The South Yuba River Hike is an enchanting nature walk through lush woodlands that are… Read More
18. Angora Lakes Trail
Difficulty
Indulge yourself in postcard-perfect panoramas along the Angora Lakes Trail. This short, but scenic adventure… Read More
19. Glen Alpine Trail
Difficulty
The Glen Alpine Trail is a wonderful adventure that exhibits the beauty and history of… Read More
20. Tamarack Lake Hike
Difficulty
The Tamarack Lake Hike is a picture-perfect adventure that travels past two other alpine pools… Read More
21. Rainbow Trail
Difficulty
The Rainbow Trail is an enchanting nature walk that boasts wonderful panoramas of the surrounding… Read More
22. Big Meadow to Dardanelles Lake Hike
Difficulty
The Big Meadow to Dardanelles Lake Hike lives up to its name, as it wanders… Read More
23. Dardanelles Lake via Christmas Valley Trail
Difficulty
The Dardanelles Lake via Christmas Valley Trail is a challenging, but scenic adventure that boasts… Read More
24. Taylor Creek Loop
Difficulty
The Taylor Creek Loop is a great family-friendly adventure in South Lake Tahoe that exhibits… Read More
25. Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes Hike
Difficulty
The Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes Hike is an amazing adventure above South Lake Tahoe… Read More
26. Martis Peak Fire Lookout Hike
Difficulty
The Martis Peak Fire Lookout Hike is an epic excursion that travels up to the… Read More
27. Crag Lake via Meeks Bay Hike
Difficulty
The Crag Lake via Meeks Bay Hike will transport you to another world, as you… Read More
28. Showers Lake via the PCT
Difficulty
The Showers Lake via the PCT is an epic excursion in the El Dorado National… Read More
29. Showers Lake Hike
Difficulty
Explore California’s untouched backcountry along the Showers Lake Hike. This epic excursion offers beautiful scenes… Read More
30. Ellis Peak Trail
Difficulty
The Ellis Peak Trail is a must-add to your Lake Tahoe adventure itinerary. This wonderful… Read More
31. Barker Pass to Twin Peaks Hike
Difficulty
Hiking the Barker Pass to Twin Peaks Trail makes for an incredible high-country experience. Venture… Read More
32. Barker Pass to Tahoe City Hike
Difficulty
The Barker Pass to Tahoe City Hike is a wonderful one-way adventure that boasts refreshing… Read More
33. Star Lake via High Meadows Trail
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The Star Lake via High Meadows Trail is an incredible way to explore South Lake… Read More
34. Glen Alpine Loop
Difficulty
The Glen Alpine Loop is a great way to explore Desolation Wilderness. Wander through meadowlands,… Read More
35. Little Norway to Lower Echo Lake Hike
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The Little Norway to Lower Echo Lake Hike is an easy-going adventure in South Lake… Read More
36. Scott Peak Trail
Difficulty
Immerse yourself in Lake Tahoe’s backcountry along the Scott Peak Trail. This wonderful adventure along… Read More
37. Moraine Trail
Difficulty
The Moraine Trail is a scenic nature walk along the shoreline of Fallen Leaf Lake.… Read More
38. Big Meadow to Round Lake Hike
Difficulty
The Big Meadow to Round Lake Hike is a great adventure in South Lake Tahoe… Read More
39. Corral Trail
Difficulty
The Corral Trail is an amazing adventure in South Lake Tahoe that leads adventurers through… Read More
40. Glen Alpine Springs Resort Trail
Difficulty
The Glen Alpine Springs Resort Trail is an awesome adventure in South Lake Tahoe that… Read More
41. Jake’s Peak Hike
Difficulty
The Jake’s Peak Hike is a short, sweet, and impressively scenic adventure in South Lake… Read More
42. Cold Creek Trail to High Meadows
Difficulty
The Cold Creek Trail to High Meadows is an epic hike that lives up to… Read More
43. Big Meadow to Scott’s Lake Hike
Difficulty
Immerse yourself in the alpine terrain along the Big Meadow to Scott’s Lake Hike. This… Read More
44. Pope Baldwin Bike Path
Difficulty
The Pope Baldwin Bike Path is an epic adventure that can be enjoyed by the… Read More
45. High Meadows and Cold Creek Loop
Difficulty
The High Meadows and Cold Creek Loop is a must-add to your Lake Tahoe hiking… Read More
46. Rawhide and Page Loop
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Seeking an adventure near Tahoe City? The Rawhide and Page Loop is an epic adventure… Read More
47. Tahoe City Rim Trail Loop
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The Tahoe City Rim Trail Loop is an awesome adventure that boasts epic panoramas. Get… Read More
48. Tahoe Mountain Loop Trail
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Hiking the Tahoe Mountain Loop Trail makes for a wonderful half-day hike. Adventure through mixed… Read More
49. Pats Knob Hike
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The Pats Knob Hike is an epic adventure that boasts some of the best panoramas… Read More
50. Skunk Harbor Hike
Difficulty
Don’t worry, the Skunk Harbor Traill is much better than it sounds. The Skunk Harbor… Read More
51. Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop
Difficulty
The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a great outdoor excursion near Incline Village that the… Read More
52. Cal Neva Loop via Van Sickle Trail
Difficulty
Want to check off two states in one hike? The Cal Neva Loop via Van… Read More
53. Alpine Lakes Loop Trail
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The Alpine Lake Loop Trail is an amazing day-hike through the high country that guides… Read More
54. Granite Lake and Maggies Peaks Hike
Difficulty
The Granite Lake and Maggies Peaks Hike is a thrilling adventure above Emerald Bay that… Read More
55. Amy and Granite Lakes Hike
Difficulty
The Amy and Granite Lakes Hike is a wonderful backcountry expedition that offers a relaxing,… Read More
56. Aloha Lake and Ralston Peak Hike
Difficulty
Seeking a demanding day-hike near South Lake Tahoe? The Aloha Lake and Ralston Peak Hike… Read More
57. Tamarack Lake and Aloha Lake Loop
Difficulty
The Tamarack Lake and Aloha Lake Loop is an epic adventure near South Lake Tahoe… Read More
58. Emerald Point Trail
Difficulty
The Emerald Point Trail is a stunning nature walk along the shoreline cliffs of Emerald… Read More
59. Five Lakes Trail
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Immerse yourself in the high country along the Five Lakes Trail. This revered route offers… Read More
60. Winnemucca Lake Loop
Difficulty
The Winnemucca Lake Loop is a scenic adventure through the High Sierra that offers views… Read More
61. Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike
Difficulty
The Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike is a scenic adventure that serves as a… Read More
62. Shirley Canyon Trail
Difficulty
The Shirley Canyon Trail is an impressive day hike near Tahoe City that boasts impressive… Read More
63. Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint
Difficulty
The Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint is a great adventure that boasts wonderful… Read More
64. Middle Velma Lake Hike
Difficulty
The Middle Velma Lake Hike is an awesome adventure through the alpine terrain that boasts… Read More
65. Summit Lake Hike
Difficulty
The Summit Lake Hike is a popular escape into the fresh air. Conveniently located off… Read More
66. Lola Montez Trail
Difficulty
The Lola Montez Trail is an epic backcountry adventure that boasts wonderful scenery, from dense… Read More
67. Squaw Creek to Shirley Canyon Hike
Difficulty
The Squaw Creek to Shirley Canyon Hike is a must-add to your hiking itinerary. Located… Read More
68. Round Top, Winnemucca, and Fourth of July Lake Loop
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The Round Top, Winnemucca, and Fourth of July Lake Loop is a high effort, high-reward… Read More
69. Winnemucca and Round Top Lakes Hike
Difficulty
The Winnemucca and Round Top Lake Hike is an awesome adventure in the Mokelumne Wilderness.… Read More
70. Red Lake, Frog Lake and Carson Pass Hike
Difficulty
Seeking a day hike away from the crowds of Lake Tahoe? The Lake, Frog Lake… Read More
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