Best CA: Lake Tahoe

See the latest Lake Tahoe Trail Reviews

If the pristine beaches and clear waters weren’t enough for you, and you want a change from the nightlife and casinos of the South shore, there are plenty of ways to further enjoy the tranquility of the Lake Tahoe region on two feet. We’ve explored and reviewed the best hiking trails around Lake Tahoe, from alpine lakes and snowshoeing around historic events to climbing the highest peaks in the region.

Please remember to take things easy up here in Lake Tahoe, which begins at an elevation above 6,000 feet and many of the trails we cover here ascend even higher. Planning for these conditions is very easy however - just remember to pack plenty of water and allow for plenty of time as you adjust to the altitude.

Listed below are our favorite hikes around Lake Tahoe. Since the area is so large, we’ve broken them up geographically. If you’re visiting from points West – like San Francisco and Sacramento – you want to take Interstate 80 to reach the trails in North Lake Tahoe and the quieter US 50 to reach the Southern trails. Both are a great drive.

North Lake Tahoe

	5★ Donner Peak & Mt Judah 3-5 mi · Moderate • Gain 890-1,310ft Stunning views await you on this hiking and showshoe route in the Northern Sierras, taking in two separate peaks.
	5★ Castle Peak 5 mi · Moderate · Gain 1,670ft Only a stone's throw from the interstate 80 near Donner Summit, Castle Peak offers a trail as challenging as many back country trails.
	4★ Loch Leven Lakes 7 mi · Moderate · Gain 1,300ft Ascend the Sierra Nevada mountains in search of several scenic high alpine lakes.
	4★ Donner Memorial State Park 3 mi · Easy · Gain 50ft An easy hiking trail or beginner snowshoe route adjacent to the museum and memorial dedicated to the ill-fated Donner party.
	4★ Mount Rose 10 mi · Moderate · Gain 2,210-2,340ft The second tallest Tahoe peak and most prominent feature of the North shore skyline, this trail is mostly above the trees and gradually ascends to the summit.
	4★ Five Lakes Granite Chief Wilderness 4 mi · Moderate · Gain 1,090ft Nestled in the foothills of the Granite Chief Wilderness peaks just North of Lake Tahoe, the Five Lakes promise dramatic yet tranquil surroundings.

South Lake Tahoe

	5★ Mount Tallac 9 mi · Hard · Gain 3,290ft The jewel in the crown of mountains which ring Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac promises unparalleled views from it's 9,735 foot summit.
	5★ Horsetail Falls 3 mi · Moderate · Gain 580ft Late spring and early summer may be the best times to appreciate Horsetail Falls, but a hike up Pyramid Creek Trail is still a worthwhile experience any time.
	5★ The Potholes 1 mi · Easy · Gain 100ft These potholes are infinitely more fun than a bump in the road. An excellent swimming hole that's a great relief on warm summer days.
	4★ Echo Lakes & Desolation Wilderness 6 mi · Easy · 870ft With or without the water taxi, a hike alongside the pristine Echo Lake is one not to be forgotten.
	4★ Round Top at Carson Pass 5-10 mi · Moderate · Gain 1,230-3,400 Rocky Sierra peaks, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, fast flowing brooks, abandoned mine buildings and awesome wildflower displays. What more could you want?

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