If you're looking for some of the most beautiful hikes in Lake Tahoe, you're in the right place!
In this post, I'm sharing some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe! I've published quite a few blog posts over the years on my favorite trails in the Tahoe area, but I decided it was time for an updated 2024 guide. Here are 10 incredibly scenic hikes to add to your list when visiting Lake Tahoe.
*When visiting Lake Tahoe, help keep it beautiful by Leaving No Trace.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO VERSION HERE:
1. Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail is easily one of the most stunning hikes in Lake Tahoe. This 7.5-mile out-and-back trail connects D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park and has prime lakeside views. You can start your hike from the Vikingsholm Trail at Emerald Bay State Park or from D.L. Bliss State Park. No matter which side you start from, you can't go wrong.
*Just a heads up, D.L. Bliss State Park is temporarily closed for construction as of summer 2024, but the trail is still accessible.
2. Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. The trailhead is directly across the street from Emerald Bay State Park in South Lake Tahoe. This 2-mile out-and-back hike is relatively easy.. Shortly into the trail, you'll reach Upper Eagle Falls, a destination in itself. After taking in the falls, continue across the bridge and hike for about 20 minutes (or so) and you'll arrive at Eagle Lake.
3. Lake Aloha
The hike to Lake Aloha showcases some of the best scenery in Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. The mostly flat trail includes a few rocky sections and two elevation gains. You'll pass dramatic mountains, wildflower meadows, a prime overlook of Echo Lake, and several other alpine lakes. When you reach Lake Aloha, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear, brilliantly blue water—perfect for swimming after a long hot hike.
The trail is 12.5 miles out and back, starting at the Echo Lake Trailhead. To make it easier, you can take a boat taxi from Echo Lake, cutting off a few miles. (I think the boat taxi is totally worth it and it's also a scenic ride!) The fare is $22 each way as of 2024. More information about the boat taxi can be found here: https://www.echochalet.com/
For day hikes, you’ll need to fill out a free day permit at the Echo Lakes Trailhead. If you’re planning to backpack, you’ll need to reserve a wilderness permit ahead of time.
4. East Shore Trail
Lake Tahoe's rugged east shore is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise-colored waters. The East Shore Trail, accessible from Route 28, goes right along the water between Chimney Beach and Whale Beach. Along the way are a handful of pristine coves and small paths leading to the water.
5. Winnemucca Lake
Winnemucca Lake is a 5.1-mile out-and-back hike, near Kirkwood, CA (about a 30-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe). The trail offers a relatively easy trek with stunning scenery. In winter, it's popular for snowshoeing, and in summer, the trail is filled with wildflowers. The trailhead is at Carson Pass Sno Park off HWY 88.
For more on the wildflower hike to Winnemucca Lake check out this post.
6. Maggies Peak
Maggies Peak in South Lake Tahoe is a 5-mile out-and-back hike through Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness. Along the way, you’ll pass an overlook of Emerald Bay followed by Granite Lake—a great spot for a break before tackling the switchbacks.
The last section of the trail near the top is the steepest and can be tricky to follow, so I recommend downloading the map on AllTrails beforehand. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and Desolation Wilderness. Maggies Peak is also a nice alternitive to Mt Tallac, with similar views at half the distance.
7. Fallen Leaf Lake Ridge
Fallen Leaf Lake Ridge Trail is a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike with lovely views of Lake Tahoe's south shore. This is actually along the same trail as Mt Tallac which is a bit of a grueling hike, so if you're not up for going all the way to the top, you can still enjoy the scenery along this trail, which includes a ridge section overlooking Fallen Leaf Lake followed by two small lakes, Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake.
8. Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is a quick and rewarding hike located right off Highway 89 near Homewood, CA. It’s a short 0.7-mile out-and-back trail with panoramic views of the northwest side of Lake Tahoe and unique volcanic rock formations at the top. It’s perfect for those looking for a short and sweet hike on the north shore.
9. Monkey Rock
Located in Incline Village, the hike to Monkey Rock is a 2.6-mile out-and-back hike that offers spectacular 180-degree views of Incline Village and Lake Tahoe's east shore.
The hike is named after a rock carved to look like a monkey, which makes for a fun photo opportunity, but the real highlight is the incredible scenery in both directions. If you're exploring the northeast side of Lake Tahoe, this hike is a must-do. The trailhead is located behind Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village.
10. Stateline Fire Lookout
Another short and sweet hike in Lake Tahoe, Historic Stateline Fire Lookout Trail in Kings Beach is a 1.8-mile loop offering stunning views of Crystal Bay and the north shore. Named after a fire lookout tower built in the 1930s, the trail features several interpretive plaques with information about Lake Tahoe and its logging history.
I hope you enjoyed my Lake Tahoe Hiking Guide!
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