Five Lakes Trail

The Five Lakes Trail is a must when in the Tahoe City area. The crowds that flock to the easy-going trail are a testament to its beauty! Don’t let the popularity of the route discourage you, though; the view and scenery are well worth sharing a path. Though this route is open year-round, we prefer hiking in the spring when the snowmelt lakes are full and the area is teeming with wildflowers. If you do choose to trek in the winter months, be sure to wear a pair of snowshoes or microspikes to safely navigate the terrain.

Once your camera is charged, and your shoes are laced, you are ready to take off on your journey along the Five Lakes Trail. Setting out from the trailhead, head southwest along the Five Lakes Trail. The path will immediately begin to climb, weaving you between exposed terrain and sparse tree shade. As you near the alpine lakes, the path will begin to plateau, providing your legs a break from the incline! Eventually, you will reach an intersection—you can choose to tackle the loop from either direction, but we headed clockwise. Turning left, you will begin to wander along the shaded shoreline of the crystalline alpine lakes.

Maintaining on the Five Lakes Trail, you will be guided around the circuit, past all five lakes. We encourage you to cool off in the chilly alpine waters on a warm summer day. Once you complete the loop, simply head back down the Five Lakes Trail all the way back to the trailhead.