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12 Nature-Rich Hikes in Lake Tahoe with Breathtaking Views

12 Nature-Rich Hikes in Lake Tahoe with Breathtaking Views

Lake Tahoe sees around 15 million visitors each year, coming to admire the freshwater lake, relax on the tranquil beaches, and check out the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada. One of the most popular ways to explore the area is on a hiking trail around Lake Tahoe. Here, you will find over 50 trekking routes from short and easy to long and challenging that are the perfect addition to any Lake Tahoe itinerary. So, if you’re looking for the best hikes in California, Lake Tahoe is most certainly one of the top places to go.

Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe

These 12 best hikes in Lake Tahoe feature refreshing falls, tranquil lakes, and unbeatable views from mountain peaks, which is what makes hiking the best of the Lake Tahoe activities. And with Tahoe being a top destination in California in winter and summer, it’s truly a hiking destination year-round.

But first: Don’t miss the other hiking in California guides & destination tips, including where to stay in Lake Tahoe!

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail

  • Level: Moderate
  • Distance: 2.5 miles

One of the most popular hikes in South Lake Tahoe is the 2.5-mile trail from Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake. The walk from the falls to the lake is a steady incline with a 400-feet elevation. However, it’s less than a mile until you arrive at the glistening lake that is ultimately worth it. Here, you will see the surrounding mountains reflecting in the crystal clear lake, and some parts are shallow enough to take a quick dip, too. Take off from the Eagle Falls/Desolation Wilderness Trailhead, and be sure to get to the parking lot early as it fills up quickly in the summer.

Cascade Falls

  • Level: Easy
  • Distance: 2 miles

Cascade Falls is a quieter alternative to Eagle Falls but still one of the best waterfalls in Lake Tahoe. It’s only a 2-mile trail to reach the falls, and the route has minimal elevation. What’s more, the entire path is quite scenic with a remote and peaceful ambiance. You’ll also get an incredible view of Cascade Lake with Lake Tahoe in the background, which along with the refreshing falls, is what makes this trail one of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe for all.

Fallen Leaf Lake

  • Level: Easy
  • Distance: 2.5 miles

If you’re after easy hikes in Lake Tahoe, the Fallen Leaf Lake trail is an ideal option. It’s a 2.5-mile walk to the lake and back, and while the course itself is not the most magnificent, the destination is pretty mesmerizing. The stunning inland lake has a lovely shoreline where you can wash your feet or enjoy a picnic, and the mountain backdrop is priceless. You can also follow the shoreline to enjoy the lake from other perspectives.

Skyline Trail

  • Level: Easy
  • Distance: 2 miles

Many visitors rate the Skyline trail as one of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe, allowing you to get high up in the mountains without having to hike any significant elevation. This is because there is a lift going up to the trailhead, so you experience incredible views of the surroundings from beginning to end. Being one of the easy Tahoe hikes, you’ll see Big Bear, Carson Valley, and Lake Tahoe without finishing out of breath!

Spooner Lake Loop

  • Level: Easy
  • Distance: 2.1 miles

The Spooner Lake trail is a short and sweet loop around the lake and is flat for the entire 2.1 miles. The track is 7,100 feet above sea level, so it’s almost like a mountain hike without a steep climb. It’s a very peaceful walk that you won’t want to rush, and there are several benches around so you can stop to take in the breathtaking lake views. Wildlife spottings are also expected on this route, along with plenty of wildflowers and aspens.

Vikingsholm Trail

  • Level: Moderate
  • Distance: 1.7 miles

Vikingsholm Trail leads to the abandoned but enchanting castle, Vikingsholm, and gives incredible views of Emerald Bay. Vikingsholm castle looks particularly magical in the snowy season, surrounded by the white wilderness, so it’s easily one of the best winter hikes in Lake Tahoe. It’s less than a mile to reach the mansion and a leisurely downhill stroll, but coming back up is a little steep.

Skunk Harbor Trail

  • Level: Moderate
  • Distance: 2.8 miles

The Skunk Harbor Trail is a 2.8-mile route on the eastern side of the lake that starts by an unsigned parking lot close to Sand Harbor. It’s not the easiest to find so keep your eyes peeled, but the trail takes you to a hidden beach and has a very secluded feel. This trail is one of the top trails in Lake Tahoe when the water levels are low, as there will be more sand to enjoy. There are some incredible sights to see along the way, including an old railroad and an abandoned stone house.

Incline Flume Trail

  • Level: Easy to moderate
  • Distance: 4.3 miles

Incline Flume Trail is one of the newest hiking routes and is still unknown to many visitors. It definitely has a secretive, local feel, making it one of the best trails in Lake Tahoe for escaping the crowds. The Incline Flume Trail runs alongside the “original” Flume trail, predominantly used by mountain bikers. The trailhead starts above the lake, so there is not much incline but lovely lake views all the way along.

Rubicon Trail

  • Level: Moderate 
  • Distance: 10 miles (round trip)

The Rubicon Trail around Lake Tahoe follows the south shore, hugging a ridge high above the water. It’s a fantastic way to see a large portion of the lake and another highlight is the access to the small swimming coves along the trail. It begins at D.L. Bliss State Park and finishes at Emerald Bay State Park, a 5-mile distance each way. While doing the route out and back makes for one of the best day hikes in South Lake Tahoe, you can enjoy the trail as a shorter, less strenuous walk if you can arrange transport at the other end.

Mount Rose Summit

  • Level: Challenging
  • Distance: 10 miles (round trip)

As one of the tallest peaks around, Mount Rose makes one of the best hikes in Tahoe for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge. It takes you up to a breathtaking summit at South Maggie’s peak, with a total elevation gain of 1,900 feet! It’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic view from the top is priceless and makes getting sore feet totally worth it, plus alpine lakes and a waterfall are a treat on the way up. However, if you’re not feeling up to the whole trek, you can just take the first section of the trail to Granite Lake for a gentler alternative.

Mount Tallac

  • Level: Challenging
  • Distance: 10 miles (round trip)

Mt. Tallac is another of the tallest mountains in Lake Tahoe, so avid hikers are attracted to this challenging hike. It’s the same distance as the Mount Rose trail but with an even higher elevation gain of 3,200 feet. However, the entire route is truly scenic, with highlights all the way along (like alpine meadows), so it doesn’t feel as tricky as it looks. On this rewarding route, you will spot Floating Island Lake, Cathedral Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, the Carson Range, and of course, an incredible panorama over Lake Tahoe. You’ll find this trail just off of Highway 89 when you take Mount Tallac Road.

Tahoe Rim Trail

  • Level: Moderate to challenging
  • Distance: Options from 12 to 33 miles

The Tahoe Rim Trail follows the entire perimeter of the lake, lasting for about 72 miles, before heading up into the mountains for a total of 165 miles! Don’t worry, I’m not about to suggest you hike the whole trail, though! Luckily there are many official trail segments, ranging from 12 to 33 miles in length. One of the most popular hikes in North Lake Tahoe is to start on the short and gentle Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop. Here you will pass through the wildflowers before joining the Rim Trail at the south end of the lake.

Enjoy your trip to Lake Tahoe and hiking in California!

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