Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by foxintheforest
Nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a sapphire among snowcapped peaks. The best way to truly experience the landscape is to hit up one of the best Lake Tahoe hikes.
With plenty of mountain drama, pristine pine forests, and – of course – lakes, you’ve got to hit the trails here. No visit to this magical region is complete without exploring some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe.
I’ve been coming to Lake Tahoe since I was 14 years old. Flash forward 20 years later and I’m still coming back to the magical place.
My family lives here and I visit multiple times a year. I’ve explored plenty of amazing hiking trails in Lake Tahoe throughout the years, and it’s my mission to get you outside like a local, not a tourist.
So if you want to level up your Tahoe vacay, you’ve come to the right place. As an expert hiker (I’m literally a writer for the outdoor industry and get paid to hike) it’s my duty to give you amazing local Lake Tahoe hiking trail recommendations.
You won’t find any better advice about how to beat the crowds and scope out some of the most amazing Lake Tahoe views from the beautiful Tahoe hiking trails.
About this Guide to the Most Amazing Lake Tahoe Hikes
As a local, I know all of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe and hiking is at the top of the list.
Lake Tahoe hikes are some of my favorites because you don’t have to be a world-class hiker in order to enjoy absolutely jaw-dropping scenery.
Seriously, no Lake Tahoe itinerary is complete without a hike or two.
In fact, you only need a few minutes to enjoy some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe. In this guide to the best Lake Tahoe hiking trails we’ll cover:
- Easy Lake Tahoe hikes
- Lake Tahoe’s best moderate hikes with a view
- Amazing challenging hikes in Lake Tahoe
- Location, difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and any local advice for each trail.
- General tips for hiking in Lake Tahoe
- Additional resources for planning a trip to Lake Tahoe
Best Easy Lake Tahoe Hikes
When it comes to easy hiking trails in Lake Tahoe, you’re spoiled for choice. Many of these hikes are less than 3 miles round trip, making them an ideal option if you’re short on time.
1. Emerald Point Trail: Emerald Bay Hike, Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay is a South Lake Tahoe icon and it offers some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe. There are several Emerald Bay hikes and the Jaunt out to Emerald Point is one of the most beautiful.
Sparkling emerald waters surround this famous bay. Flecks of Pyrite, or Fool’s Gold, in the sand, contrast the deep green waters. Most people stop at the start of this trail at the scenic pullout along Emerald Bay Road.
Climb down the steep hill and come across an old building at the water’s edge.
Hike along the north side of the beach where you will get up close and personal with the stunning emerald waters, get a great view of Fannette Island, and maybe even see a steam-powered paddle boat.
Local Tip: Pack your swimsuit, there are plenty of opportunities to swim along the way. This hike is also open year round and you can check it out if you visit Lake Tahoe in November.
Directions to the trailhead: From the north or south shores follow Highway 89 until you reach Emerald Bay (about 20 minutes outside of South Lake).
You will see a pullout on the lake side of the road for Emerald Bay Lookout. Pull in and the trailhead is right there.
Distance: 4.4 miles total. Out and back trail.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation gain: 557 feet
Estimated Time: 2 hours
2. Best Beginner Hike in Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake Trail
This is one of my all-time favorites any time of year.
Located in the iconic Desolation Wilderness this doggy-friendly hike starts out with an uphill climb, but it’s worth the effort, spanning views of Lake Tahoe from the top of the hill make the Eagle Lake trail one of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe.
Continue onwards for views of Eagle Lake, a small lake nestled among stunning granite peaks.
You can continue walking uphill for even better views or eventually connect to the Bayview Trail for a longer hike to get deeper into the Desolation Wilderness.
Directions to the trailhead: Simply head to the Emerald Bay Overlook. The trail is right across the street from Emerald Bay. Keep in mind if you plan on staying overnight, you’ll need a permit
Distance: 1.8 miles Out-and-Back Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 433 feet
Estimated Time: 1 hour
3. Spooner Lake Trail
Spooner Lake is an awesome little hike that’s perfect to hit up if you’re using Highway 50 in or out of Tahoe. What makes this hike so awesome is it’s easy access from the main roads and beautiful pine-forested hillsides. Circumnavigate the lake for minimal elevation gains.
Perfect for families or newbie hikers, Spooner Lake delivers high views. Keep in mind that it gets CROWDED here so arrive before 8 am if you don’t want to share the trail with lots of other hikers.
Local Tip: It’s a $10 entrance fee to hike here.
Directions to the trailhead: Take Highway 28 just north of the 50 junction (or south if you’re coming from the north shore) You’ll see the trailhead on the east side of the road.
Distance: 2.5 miles – loop
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 124 feet
Estimated Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
4. Hidden Beach Trail: Off of Highway 28 on the Nevada Side
This is a local favorite Lake Tahoe hike and it’s easy to see why. There is no official trail, just a few paths made by the locals.
You can boat in or walk to this swimming hole. It’s an easy scramble down the side of Highway 28.
At the bottom, you’ll reach a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters and the rounded rocks that Lake Tahoe is famous for.
Local Tip: Pack your cooler, wear your swimsuit hike down to the water, and enjoy a relaxing day at one of Lake Tahoe’s beaches.
Directions to the trailhead: There is no official trailhead. Coming from Incline Village drive south on Highway 28. After you pass Lakeshore Blvd drive 0.9 miles. You will see cars along the side of the highway. Park and follow the cow paths down to the water. Coming from the south side the beach is located approximately 0.9 miles from the Memorial Point Scenic Overlook.
Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: Easy.
Elevation gain: 50 feet
Estimated Time: 15 minutes
5. Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop
In the early summer, the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is bursting with wildflowers. There’s a lot to love about this hike. First, it’s super accessible and well-suited for small families. The trail itself is mostly dirt and gravel so it’s unpaved (if you need wheelchair access you might need assistance).
However, if you go early in the morning you can hear the songbirds and see signs of wildlife. I’ve seen a bear here in the early morning, so definitely keep alert and listen for wildlife.
Directions to the trailhead: 12 miles north of Incline Village along Mt Rose Highway (Highway 431). You’ll see the pullout on the right-hand side of the road. If you reached the Mt Rose Summit Trail, you’ve gone too far.
Distance: 1.3 miles, loop
Difficulty: Easy.
Elevation gain: 62 feet
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
6. Cave Rock for Sunset
As a local favorite, I love making a trip out to Cave Rock for sunset every time I head back to Lake Tahoe.
It’s one of the most scenic Lake Tahoe hikes and it doesn’t take much effort to get there. Simply pull off Highway 50 and make your way up to Cave Rock.
You may need to use your hands to get to the top of the rock, but the views are worth it!
Local Tip: This is one of the most scenic spots in Lake Tahoe so bring your camera!
Directions to the trailhead: Pullout just past the tunnel near Cave Rock State Park, just south of Glenbrook
Distance: 1.6 miles total. Out and back trail.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 137 feet
Estimated Time: 45 minutes with plenty of time to enjoy the view!
7. Cascade Falls
Waterfalls and two lakes oh my! The Cascade Falls Trail is an assault on the senses, making it one of my favorite hiking trails in Lake Tahoe.
Make your way along the mellow trail toward Cascade Falls. From here, you can see a waterfall, Cascade Lake, and Lake Tahoe in one breathtaking view!
Directions to the trailhead: Head along Emerald Bay Road until you see signs for Bayview Campground, the trail is at the back of the campground.
Distance: 1.4 miles total. Out and back trail.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 225 feet
Estimated Time: 45 minutes
Moderate Hiking Trails in Lake Tahoe
For the more experienced hiker, or the newbie looking to take on a challenge, there are plenty of hikes in Lake Tahoe you can explore.
8. Granite Lake and Maggie’s Peaks
The Desolation Wilderness along Lake Tahoe’s southern shores is stuffed to the brim with fantastic hikes in Lake Tahoe.
Granite Lake to Maggie’s Peaks gives you a bird’s eye view of the dramatic granite-topped mountains this region is famous for.
Directions to the trailhead: Head to the Bayview Trailhead near Emerald Lake.
Distance: Approximately 7.2 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,761 feet
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
9. Five Lakes Trail
If there’s one thing the Sierra Nevadas really know how to do – it’s lakes! So many people focus on just hiking in Lake Tahoe, but there are so many smaller lakes that take you into the heart of the mountains. The Five Lakes Trail is one of those gems where you can really appreciate how these forests quench their thirst.
The trail starts off very steep as you climb a mighty hillside. Make your way up the butt-busting hill and you’re at the Five Lakes area. The trail meanders through a series of five different lakes in the span of around 0.5 miles.
Local Tip: This trail closes in the winter for filming purposes and you are not allowed to hike.
Directions to the trailhead: Pull off on the opposite side of the road from Dear Park Drive near Alpine Meadows.
Distance: 6.3 miles Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation gain: 984 feet
Estimated Time: 3 hours
10. Echo Lakes Trail
The best thing about hiking in Lake Tahoe is the beautiful contrast between pine forests, blue lakes, and sharp granite peaks.
Head to Echo Lakes if you’re looking for that classic Sierra Mountain beauty. You’ll pass two lakes with jutting shorelines that make for picture-perfect backdrops.
Local Tip: This trail heads along both the Pacific Crest Trail and The Tahoe Rim Trail.
Directions to the trailhead: Head toward Echo Lake by driving south out of South Lake on Highway 50.
Distance: 5.3 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: moderate.
Elevation gain: 511 feet
Estimated Time: 2.75 hours
11. Middle Velma Lake
A longer, yet still moderate hike, the trek to Middle Velma Lake is well worth the effort.
Part of the reason why this is one of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe is because you’ll travel along two other notable hikes: Eagle Lake and Emerald Point View. Middle Velma is well worth an overnight if you’re looking to backpack.
Local Tip: It’s $5 to park in the parking lot and overnight permits are required for backpacking. You can park for free along the (very) limited parking on the road if you arrive early enough.
Directions to the trailhead: Head towards the parking lot for the Emerald Bay viewpoint. The trailhead is on the mountainside (not the lakeside).
Distance: 10 miles. Out and back
Difficulty: moderate to difficult.
Elevation gain: 2,132 feet
Estimated Time: 5 hours
12. Tamarack Peak
Okay, so this might be my favorite Lake Tahoe hike simply because it’s little-known and right out my parent’s back door. Bias aside, this is an amazing hike if you want a summit view without a full day of lung-busting torture.
The trail climbs to the top of Tamarack Peak, ascending quickly and steadily. Take the Tahoe Rim Trail towards Relay Peak. Pass a junction with the Tamarack Lake Trail and head straight. Right after – about halfway to the summit – the trail spits with the Tahoe Rim on the north (right) and the Tamarack Peak Trail heads straight. Follow it until you reach the top!
Directions to the trailhead: Travel on the Mt Rose Highway until you reach the Mount Rose Summit parking area (large, paved, with toilets). Start your journey here.
Distance: 3.1 miles Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation gain: 980 feet
Estimated Time: 3 hours
13. Marlette Lake
Towards the north shore of Lake Tahoe, you’ll find Marlette Lake. Travel along the iconic Tahoe Rim Trail on this fantastic hike.
Take the Chimeny Beach trail until you hit a junction, stay left and you’ll bump right into the shores of Marlette Lake. You can loop the trail in a lollipop fashion, or head back the way you came.
Directions to the trailhead: Along Highway 28 just south of Sand Harbor. The trailhead is on the mountainside of the road.
Distance: 8.6 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: moderate.
Elevation gain: 2,135 feet
Estimated Time: 4.5 hours
14. Rubicon Trail
The famous Rubicon Trail curls its way around Emerald Bay and offers a lot of different hiking options. My personal favorite is to take the horseshoe around Emerald Bay and back.
Directions to the trailhead: Head toward the Rubicon Trailhead, the turnoff is along Emerald Bay Road on the eastern side of the bay.
Distance: 6 miles round trip, with the option to make it longer. Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation gain: around 800 feet
Estimated Time: 3 hours
15. Lola Montez Trail
If you’re looking for a quieter trail with plenty of gorgeous lakeside (not Tahoe) views, head to the Lola Montez Trail. Located outside of Truckee this hike makes for a great addition to any day trip to Tahoe’s favorite satellite town.
Start at the Hole in the Ground Trail and work your way up and over a hill. The trail flattens and then winds its way downhill to Lower Lola Montez Lake. At the junction, veer left and it’s another 0.1 miles to the lake. You can easily swim here and relax in the California sunshine the mountain-lover’s way.
Directions to the trailhead: Head west out of Truckee on the US 80 until you pass Soda Springs Mountain Resort. Exit here and take your first right to the trailhead.
Distance: 6.3 miles Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation gain: 984 feet
Estimated Time: 3 hours
16. Winnemucca Lake Loop
For incredible mountain hiking that the mighty Sierra Nevadas are famous for, head to Winnemucca Lake. This amazing loop hike located outside of Kirkwood delivers big alpine views. This super-gorgeous hike is a great summertime adventure but you can also easily hike this trail in winter too. You’ll pass by three alpine lakes (Woods Lake is a 0.4-mile round-trip detour). All junctions are well-marked.
Local Tip: Pack a picnic lunch at the scenic Winnemucca Lake.
Directions to the trailhead: You’ll find the trailhead at the Carson Pass Information Station along the Carson Pass Highway. It’s near the PCT Meiss Trailhead about 35 minutes from South Lake Tahoe
Distance: 5.8 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation gain: 912 feet
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Beautiful and Challenging Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails
Avid hikers will love the high-altitude challenges around the Lake. Some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe are the toughest. However, with great effort comes stellar rewards. The views will take your breath away.
17. Mount Tallac Hiking Trail
Make your way to the highest point in Lake Tahoe’s California coastline along the Mount Tallac Trail.
This grueling grind winds its way up to the top of Mount Tallac, 9,735 feet above sea level. Be prepared for this challenge by bringing everything you need to hike to the top of a mountain.
Directions to the trailhead: Start your hike outside of Spring Creek at the Mt Tallac Trailhead.
Distance: 10.2 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: Difficult.
Elevation gain: 3,290 feet
Estimated Time: 6.5 hours
18. Lake Aloha Trail
Arguably the best backpacking loop in all of Lake Tahoe, you can still day hike this beauty if you’re up for a challenge.
Make your way past Echo Lakes along the Pacific Crest Trail towards Lake Aloha. As a granite-scraped lake littered with tiny islands, it’s well worth the trip for the amazing views and other-worldly feel.
Directions to the trailhead: See directions for Echo Lake
Distance: 12.5 miles round trip. Out and back
Difficulty: difficult
Elevation gain: 1,873 feet
Estimated Time: 7 hours
19. Summit Mt Rose: Mt Rose Wilderness, Nevada
Mount Rose is the highest point on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe at 10,778 feet. This 10.6-mile trail boasts a waterfall, alpine lakes, and plenty of mountain scenery.
After 2.5 miles you’ll spot the waterfall. Keep right at the junction just past the waterfall. From here the trail starts to climb.
There will be another junction along the way, again you will want to head right. It’s another climb across the ridge.
Afterward, you will encounter several switchbacks along this Lake Tahoe hike.
The trail is well-defined to the top and offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe as well as Reno. Despite the difficulty of this hike, the views are well worth the effort.
Directions to the trailhead: This trail is located at the top of Mt Rose Highway, NV 431, the main artery in and out of the Tahoe Basin from Reno.
Coming from Reno climb the pass until you reach the top, there will be a large parking lot with a couple of pit toilets on the right side.
Coming from the lake, you will cross through a valley and the trailhead will be on the left side.
Distance: 10.6 miles. Out and back trail.
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation gain: 2,444 feet
Estimated Time: 6 hours
20. Freel Peak Trail
Hit up the highest point on the Tahoe Rim Trail with Freel Peak (10,844 feet). This butt buster certainly delivers BIG on elevation gain, so be prepared to earn it.
The trail wanders through some private property, so be a good steward and stick to the trail. You’ll travel across a primitive trail and get incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the Desolation Wilderness along the way.
Start at the Fountain Place Trailhead and follow the Armstrong Pass Trail to the pass. Here you’ll join up with the Tahoe Rim Trail – one of the most famous Lake Tahoe hikes. From here you’ll climb your way up to the top of Freel Peak.
Directions to the trailhead: Take Fountain Place Road south out of Meyers until you reach the Armstrong Pass Connector Trail at the Fountain Place Trailhead.
Distance: 9.7 miles. Out and back
Difficulty: difficult.
Elevation gain: 3,763 feet
Estimated Time: 7 hours
21. Tahoe Rim Trail: Various Entry Points Around the Lake
Looking for a thru-hike? Or perhaps you would like to do a little wild camping. The Tahoe Rim Trail is the granddaddy of trails in the Tahoe Basin.
This 165-mile trail circumnavigates the lake, forming a loop around the Lake Tahoe Basin.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is for the ultimate adventurer. Breathtaking lake views, mountain summits, and pristine wilderness are everywhere. It is arguably one of the most scenic trails in the United States.
The Tahoe Rim Trail can be done in full or broken into eight segments. Each segment offers an in and out by vehicle and ranges from around 16.6 miles (26.7km) to 32.9 miles in length.
This trail crosses many high points, some well above the trees. Be sure to check on conditions before you go. Check out the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for all of your planning needs.
Directions to the trailhead: This depends on the segment and where you are starting from. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association can provide you with details on parking and trailheads depending on your plan.
Distance: 165 miles loop
Difficulty: Expert. This trail requires multiple days and an understanding of how to wild camp at high altitudes. It is best during the summer and fall months.
Elevation gain: Totals around 24,400’
Estimated Time: 2 weeks
22. 4th of July Lake via the Winnemucca Lake Loop
Want more from the Winnemucca Lake Loop hike? Check out one of the most challenging Lake Tahoe hikes. Once you reach Round Top Lake, instead of turning towards Winnemucca Lake (or heading back towards the car depending on which way you traveled), continue straight on the Camp Irene Trail. The junction is well-marked.
From here you’ll descend sharply (and need to hike back out) to 4th of July Lake. This area sees little traffic and is well worth the detour. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Head back the way you came or complete the Winnemucca Lake Loop.
Local Tip: If there’s time when you return to Round Top Lake, head up to the summit of Round Top Mountain for extraordinary views!
Directions to the trailhead: Head west out of Truckee on the US 80 until you pass Soda Springs Mountain Resort. Exit here and take your first right to the trailhead.
Distance: 10 miles. Out and back with a loop option.
Difficulty: difficult.
Elevation gain: 3,490 feet
Estimated Time: 7 hours
When is the Best Time to Hike in Lake Tahoe?
Thanks to a stable snowpack (just wait 24 hours after a storm) and an awesome snow-removal team, you can hike in Lake Tahoe year-round.
However, winter hiking is tougher and often requires snowshoes, microspikes, and other special gear.
The best time to hike in Lake Tahoe is from June through October. The busy season for Lake Tahoe runs from Juen through August.
My favorite time to visit Lake Tahoe and go for a hike in places like Incline Village is in September and October. It’s still warm enough to hike, but the crowds of summer are long gone.
A Map of Lake Tahoe Hikes
Lake Tahoe covers a huge area. This map of Tahoe hikes features the best of both the south and north shores.
Tips and Tricks for Enjoying the Best Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails
Hiking in Lake Tahoe is a simple, budget-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. With so many beautiful trails, there’s a hike suitable for all abilities. However, keep these tips in mind when hiking in Lake Tahoe.
Start early! The crowds here are real, Lake Tahoe is not an unknown destination. Get some solitude on the trail by starting your hike as early as possible.
Check the weather. Thunderstorms are dangerous if you’re above treeline.
Pack plenty of water. The mountain air is dry, which means you’ll need to drink more.
Bring sun protection. The sun is brutal in Lake Tahoe, I get sunburnt often here so be sure to come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Practice Leave No Trace. With so many people getting out and hiking, trails are becoming litered with trash and dog poop. Clean up after yourself and leave it better than you found it.
What Do I Need to Enjoy the Best Lake Tahoe Hikes?
Before you head off on any hike, be sure to check the local weather conditions where you are hiking (I love weather.gov for the most accurate Tahoe weather information). Secondly, be sure you have the ten essentials packed and ready to go.
Here’s a quick packing list to prep for your hiking adventures in Tahoe:
What to wear:
- Sunshirt
- Noncotton socks
- Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day.
- Non-cotton shorts for hiking
- Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
- Non-cotton shirt for hiking
What to pack:
- Hiking day pack. I love the REI Flash 22 for an affordable day pack.
- Water and snacks for the car – it’s always nice to have a treat at the end!
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
- Electrolyte powder – optional but nice to have!
- A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
- Camera
- Camera clip to strap to your back
- Beanie
- Glove liners
- Fleece layer
- Puffy layer
- Hiking poles (optional)
- A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (if you plan to travel above treeline), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
- Pee funnel – optional
- Pee rag – optional.
- Headlamp
- GPS navigation
- emergency communication device
- Wind/rain layer
- Pocket knife
New to hiking? Here are some articles to get you started:
There are countless trails in the Lake Tahoe area, and these are just a few of the best Lake Tahoe hikes. Happy hiking!
Get the Best Local Travel Advice for Lake Tahoe with These Resources:
