Lake Tahoe might be the most beautiful body of water in North America. The statistics are impressive—22 miles long, 12 miles wide, 1,645 feet deep, with clarity that lets you see 70+ feet down. But statistics don't capture it. The first time you see Tahoe's impossible blue, ringed by granite peaks and pine forest, you understand why it draws millions of visitors.
For hikers, Tahoe is paradise. The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail circles the entire lake, mostly on ridgelines with constant water views. Desolation Wilderness offers backcountry adventure just minutes from the shore. And dozens of shorter trails lead to hidden lakes, panoramic viewpoints, and quiet beaches.
Whether you want a gentle lakeside stroll or a strenuous climb to Sierra summits, Tahoe has a trail for you.
Tahoe Hiking Overview
Geography
Lake Tahoe sits at 6,225 feet in the Sierra Nevada, straddling the California-Nevada border. The surrounding peaks reach over 10,000 feet, creating a stunning backdrop of granite, forest, and sky.
When to Hike
- June-October: Prime season. Snow melts from higher trails by late June.
- July-August: Best weather, biggest crowds. Book accommodations early.
- September-October: Fall colors, smaller crowds, crisp air.
- Winter: Many trails become snowshoe routes.
Permits
Day hiking in national forest doesn't require permits, but overnight stays in Desolation Wilderness require permits (quotas in effect). Day use permits for Desolation are self-issued at trailheads.
Best Easy Hikes
Emerald Bay State Park
- Distance: Various (1-6 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Emerald Bay is Tahoe's crown jewel—a dramatic inlet with Fannette Island at its center. Options include:
- Vikingsholm Trail: 2 miles round trip, 500' gain to a Scandinavian castle at water's edge
- Rubicon Trail to DL Bliss: 4.5 miles one way along the lakeshore
- Eagle Falls: 2 miles round trip to a beautiful waterfall with lake views
Sand Harbor to Memorial Point
- Distance: 3.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 150 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
A gentle lakeside walk through one of Tahoe's most scenic stretches, passing hidden coves and dramatic rock formations. The sand beaches are perfect for a mid-hike swim.
Spooner Lake Loop
- Distance: 2.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
A flat, family-friendly loop around a beautiful mountain meadow lake. Great for wildlife viewing, especially at dawn and dusk.
Best Moderate Hikes
Tahoe Rim Trail: Tahoe City to Watson Lake
- Distance: 10 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
A taste of the TRT with excellent views. The trail climbs through forest to a ridgeline with panoramic lake views, then continues to Watson Lake—a nice swimming spot and turnaround point.
Mount Tallac (via Cathedral Lake)
- Distance: 10 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The iconic peak looming over South Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac (9,735') offers the best summit views in the area. The trail passes beautiful Cathedral Lake and Floating Island Lake before the final granite scramble. A Tahoe must-do.
Granite Lake and Maggie's Peaks
- Distance: 6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
From Bay View Campground, climb to Granite Lake, then continue to Maggie's Peaks for some of the best Desolation Wilderness views without a deep wilderness commitment.
Desolation Wilderness
What It Is
Desolation Wilderness covers 63,960 acres west of Lake Tahoe—a landscape of granite basins, alpine lakes, and sparse vegetation shaped by glaciers. It's accessible from multiple trailheads and offers everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking.
Popular Day Hikes
Glen Alpine to Lake Aloha: 11 miles round trip to a stunning glacier-carved lake surrounded by granite.
Echo Lakes to Lake of the Woods: 6 miles round trip through classic High Sierra scenery.
Rockbound Pass via Meeks Bay: 14 miles round trip for experienced hikers seeking solitude.
Permits
Day hikers need a free wilderness permit, available at trailheads. Overnight permits are limited and reservable through Recreation.gov. Popular trailheads like Echo Summit have quotas that can fill for weekend summer dates.
The Tahoe Rim Trail
Overview
The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) encircles Lake Tahoe in 165 miles, traversing ridgelines with nearly constant lake views. It's one of America's great long-distance trails, hikeable in 10-15 days or enjoyed in sections.
Best Day Hike Sections
- Spooner Summit to Snow Valley Peak: 10 miles, stunning views, moderate difficulty
- Brockway Summit to Watson Monument: 8 miles with excellent northern lake vistas
- Big Meadow to Round Lake: 6 miles through beautiful meadows and forest
Shared with PCT
The TRT shares 50 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail through Desolation Wilderness. Thru-hikers on the PCT often call this section a highlight of California.
Planning Your Visit
Where to Stay
South Lake Tahoe offers the most lodging options. North Lake Tahoe (Truckee, Tahoe City) has a quieter vibe. Campgrounds around the lake fill quickly in summer—reserve months ahead.
Getting Around
A car is almost essential—trailheads are spread around the 72-mile lakeshore. Some shuttle services operate in summer.
Altitude Adjustment
At 6,200+ feet (trailheads), visitors from sea level should take it easy the first day. Hydrate well and don't be surprised if you tire faster than usual.
Water and Wildlife
Bears are active around Tahoe—use bear canisters for overnight trips and never leave food in vehicles. Stream water requires treatment.
Quick Reference: Lake Tahoe Hikes
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vikingsholm | 2 mi | Easy | Families, history |
| Mount Tallac | 10 mi | Strenuous | Summit views |
| Eagle Falls | 2 mi | Easy | Waterfall + lake |
| Glen Alpine to Aloha | 11 mi | Moderate | Wilderness lakes |
Lake Tahoe rewards hikers with some of the most beautiful scenery in California. Whether you're looking for a gentle lakeside walk, a challenging summit climb, or a wilderness backpacking adventure, you'll find it here—all framed by that impossibly blue lake that makes Tahoe unforgettable.
