From Easy To Strenuous – Your Comprehensive Guide to Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

 

 

Getting out and hiking at Lake Tahoe is probably THE best way to really see and experience all of what Lake Tahoe is truly about. The myriad of hiking trails from easy and level strolls to ultra-strenuous “peak bagging” routes all lend themselves to all who come to Lake Tahoe. Dozens of trails beckon the Lake Tahoe hiker many of them located right here on the South Shore. It is very important for hikers to study their intended routes prior to starting out to make sure that their physical capabilities and time frames fit the hike. A majority of hikes out of the south shore area climb rapidly and can be steep, dry and hot. Carry plenty of water, sunscreen,a hat and sunglasses just to mention a few necessary items. Altitude sickness can come on strong for those having just arrived from sea level…again drink plenty of water and don’t “bite off more hike that you can chew”

Many of the hikes in the south shore area are in or near Desolation Wilderness and the “leave no trace” motto is king. Bring out more than you bring in and follow all rules relating to the wilderness experience. All Lake Tahoe hikers should refrain from taking any plants, animals or geological items home with them as almost everything you see on your hike is part of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem. Hikers must remain on developed trails to avoid not only long term environmental damage but possible personal injury as well.

We have culled some of the better hikes from over 100 that are available in the review section. These Lake Tahoe hikes range from very easy to very strenuous so a bit of background work will required by our readers to understand which hike(s) will be best suited for them

Enjoy the huge selection of hiking opportunities at Lake Tahoe and have a great time…just follow common sense and your will have a great experience.
Click on the hike title to go to a post further explaining that hike and including directions and information.

Easy Hikes

Tallac Historic Site and Rainbow Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: ¼ mile & 0.3 mile

Stateline Fire Lookout
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 1 mile round trip

Angora Lakes
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 1 mile round trip

Cascade Creek Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 2 miles round trip

Vikingsholm Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 2 miles round trip

Moraine Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 2.5 miles round trip

Prey Meadows/ Skunk Harbor
Difficulty: Easy
Mileage: 3 to 5 miles round trip

Eagle Falls/ Eagle Lake
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Mileage: 2 to 10 miles round trip

Sugar Pine Point State Park
Difficulty: Easy – Strenuous
Mileage: .7 to 15 miles round trip

Heavenly Resort Hiking Trails
Difficulty: Easy – Strenuous
Mileage: 1 to 2.2 miles round trip

Moderate Hikes

Ward Canyon to Page Meadows
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 1.4 miles round trip

Carson Pass to Winnemucca Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 4.2 miles round trip

Rubicon Trail/ Emerald Bay Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 4.5 miles total

Five Lakes Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 5 miles round trip

Marlette Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 9.5 miles round trip

Meeks Bay Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 9 to 16 miles round trip

South Rim Trail
Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
Mileage: 4 to 8 miles round trip

Glen Alpine Trail
Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
Mileage: 4 to 12 miles round trip

Echo Lakes
Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
Mileage: 5 to 12 miles round trip

Strenuous Hikes

Horsetail Falls
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 2.8 to 3.8 miles round trip

Clark Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 3.2 miles round trip

Mt Tallac
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 3.4 to 10 miles round trip

Bayview Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 4 to 5 miles round trip

Mt. Judah Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 4.6 miles round trip

Mt Rose
Difficulty: Strenuous
Mileage: 12 miles round trip