Mount Tallac, Lake Tahoe CA

• 5-star hike
• 9 mile out-and-back
• Hard | Gain 3,260 ft | Peak 9,735 ft
• Meyers, CA | Lake Tahoe
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The image shows a scenic view from a high vantage point, likely on a mountain or a high hill. In the foreground, there are large rocks and boulders. The midground features a forested area with a mix of trees and rocky terrain. In the background, there are several mountain peaks, and beyond them, a large body of water, possibly a lake, with a few smaller lakes visible closer to the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue sky visible.

Views across Lake Tahoe from Mount Tallac's summit.

The jewel in the crown of mountains which ring Lake Tahoe, Mt. Tallac promises unparalleled views from its summit 9,735ft above sea level.

Our trail map takes you to the top via the most direct summer route; through lush forest, along scenic ridgelines, past small alpine lakes and across blazingly colorful wildflower strewn high-altitude meadows. Sure the 3,500ft elevation gain is greater than you might experience on most day hikes, but both the journey and the destination are worth every single thigh-burning step.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Mt Tallac Trail 8.9 mi out & back, hard, gain 3,260 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

June to October is the best time to hike Tallac and although some snow may prevail at higher elevations until late July, it's unlikely to cause problems for hikers. Summer thunderstorms are common from mid afternoon, so we recommend an early start to avoid being exposed at high elevations at these times.

Remember to register for your Desolation Wilderness permit at the Mount Tallac trailhead, which is thankfully free to day hikers. Overnight backpackers are required to arrange their paid permit in advance.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a range of mountains with patches of snow on their peaks. In the foreground, there is a lush green meadow with various shrubs and yellow flowers. Tall pine trees are scattered throughout the meadow, leading up to the base of the mountains. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, adding to the picturesque nature of the scene.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a range of mountains with patches of snow on their peaks. In the foreground, there is a lush green meadow with various shrubs and yellow flowers. Tall pine trees are scattered throughout the meadow, leading up to the base of the mountains. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds, adding to the picturesque nature of the scene.

Desolation Wilderness mountain range to the southwest.

The image is a split-screen photograph showing two different perspectives of a mountainous landscape with a large body of water in the background. On the left side, the image captures a wide view of the landscape, including a rocky peak with two people sitting on it, overlooking a lake and surrounding forested areas. On the right side, the image shows a person standing on a rocky outcrop, wearing a green shirt, shorts, hiking boots, and a straw hat, holding up a device (possibly a camera or phone) to take a picture of the scenic view. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the dramatic effect of the landscape.

More views from the summit.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• Public Map at AllTrails: Mount Tallac Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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