Hiking Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, South Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

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March 10, 2010

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : HIKING TRAILS

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Echo Lakes Trail Head	Multiple Trails: Easy, Moderate and Difficult	7420' / 8430'	2.5 to 9.3 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake.

Trail : Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. Many longer hike options await you farther down the trail!

Attractions and Considerations : A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Echo Lakes Trailhead.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Other Trialheads : Upper Echo Lake: 2.5 miles / Tamarack Lake 3.8 miles / Triangle Lake (northbound trail) 4.2 miles / Triangle Lake (eastbound trail) 5.4 miles / Ralston and Cragwin Lakes 4.2 miles / Haypress Meadows 4.2 miles / Echo Peak 8.1 miles / Lake Margery 5.1 miles / Lake Lucille 5.2 miles / Lake of the Woods 5.3 miles / Lake Aloha 6.1 miles / Lake LeConte 6.7 miles / Lake Aloha (northeast corner) 7.5 miles / Clyde Lake 9.3 miles / Ralston Peak 6.9 miles / Ropi Lake 7.0 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Moraine Trail	Easy	6360' / 6410'	1 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead.

Trail : Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area.

Attractions and Considerations : Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt.. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Tallac Historic Site	Easy, Handicap accessible	Flat	0.3 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Turn into either the Tallac Historic Site or Visitor Center Parking lots.

Trail : The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area or the site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.

Attractions and Considerations : The Tallac Historic Site grounds and the trails from the Kiva Area and Visitor Center are accessible to persons with disabilities. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Glen Alpine Trailhead	Multiple Trails: Moderate and Difficult	Varies by route	2 to 6 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake.

Trail : Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, take the southern spur 3 miles to Grass Lake or stretch the hike to 6 miles all the way to Lake Aloha. This spur leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three alpine lakes. Another moderate spur takes you to Half Moon or Alta Morris Lakes. A third spur takes you to Gilmore Lake and then on to Dicks Pass. Or, at Gilmore Lake, you can head up Mt. Tallac. The Glen Alpine Trailhead offers a more moderate approach to the strenuous hike up Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe's signature peak.

Attractions and Considerations : A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Glen Alpine Trailhead.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Other Trialheads : Grass Lake: 2 miles / Susie Lake: 4 miles / Heather Lake: 5 miles / Lake Aloha: 6 miles / Half Moon Lake: 5.5 miles / Alta Morris Lake: 5.5 miles / Gilmore Lake: 3.9 miles / Dicks Pass: 5.4 miles / Mt. Tallac: 5.7 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Mt. Tallac Trail Head	Multiple Trails: Easy, Moderate and Difficult	6480' / 9735'	1.7 to 5 miles

Directions to Trailhead : The trailhead is located approximately 3-1/2 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach. Turn left down the dirt road and continue to the trailhead parking.

Trail : The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mount Tallac.

Attractions and Considerations : Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Mt. Tallac Trailhead.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Other Trialheads : Floating Island Lake: 1.7 miles / Cathedral Lake: 2.5 miles / Mt. Tallac: 5 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Desolation Wilderness Multiple Hikes	Multiple Trails: Easy, Moderate and Difficult	Varies by route	Varies by route

Informative Website: www.fs.fed.us

Directions to Trailhead : There are several ways to access Desolation Wilderness. One access point is by Echo Lakes. Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. There are several varied trails throughout Desolation Wilderness.

Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit.

West Side Trailheads (Eldorado National Forest) : Loon Lake Trailhead, Buck Island Trailhead, Van Vleck Trailhead, Rockbound Trailhead, Twin Lakes Trailhead. Lyons Trailhead, Pyramid Creek (Twin Bridges) Trailhead, Ralston Trailhead, Echo Trailhead

East Side Trailheads (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit) : Echo Lakes Trailhead, Glen Alpine Trailhead, Mount Tallac Trailhead, Bayview Trailhead, Eagle Falls Trailhead, Meeks Bay Trailhead

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Clark Trail	Difficult	6420'/7470'	0.5 miles

Trail : From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead.

Attractions and Considerations : For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Tahoe Rim Trail (775) 298-0012	Multiple Trails: Easy, Moderate and Difficult	6,300' / 9,400'	Varies with the different trail options

Informative Website: www.TahoeRimTrail.org

Trail : The Tahoe Rim Trail is a scenic 165 - mile hiking, equestrian, and in designated areas, mountain biking trail circling Lake Tahoe. Generally moderate in difficulty with a 10% average grade, elevations range from 6,300 to 9,400 feet. The USDA Forest Service requires permits in Desolation Wilderness. Protect the beauty of Tahoe, follow low impact wilderness usage. Stay on the trail, carry out all trash, camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams and don't use soap near water sources. Water should be boiled or filtered to insure your safety.

Attractions and Considerations : This 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This a trail seekers dream with endless views, peaceful mountian setting and the amazing beauty that that make the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail a unique experience.

East Side Trailheads (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit) : Echo Lakes Trailhead, Glen Alpine Trailhead, Mount Tallac Trailhead, Bayview Trailhead, Eagle Falls Trailhead, Meeks Bay Trailhead

WEST LAKE TAHOE : HIKING TRAILS

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Cascade Creek Falls	Easy	6800' / 6910'	1 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. Parking is located at the far end of the campground.

Trail : Look for the trailhead sign at the far end of the parking area.

Attractions and Considerations : Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake.

Useful Map Information :USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Sugar Pine Point Nature Trails	Easy	Flat	0.7 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 20 miles or south from Tahoe City approximately 13 miles to Sugar Pine Point State Park.

Trail : Contact state park rangers to obtain maps of the many trails located here.

Attractions and Considerations : The park charges a parking fee for day use. While you're there don't miss a tour of the historic Ehrman Mansion. Call (530) 525-7982 for more information.

Useful Map Information :USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 14 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Page Meadow	Easy	Flat	No designated trail

Directions to Trailhead : From Highway 89, two miles south of Tahoe City, turn on Pineland Drive. Turn right on Forest Service Road 15N60 or 16N48 to get to the area.

Trail : No designated trail.

Attractions and Considerations : In the spring, myriads of beautiful wildflowers can be seen in this large meadow.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.16 E. T. 15 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Vikingsholm Trail	Easy	6230' / 6630'	1 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 9 miles to the parking lot on the right. The parking lot fills up quickly in the summer season, so arrive early.

Trail : Trail goes past the observation area. After you have enjoyed the castle, hike the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls which begins directly across from the castle.

Attractions and Considerations : View an authentic replica of a Viking castle which is part of the Emerald Bay State Park. Daily tours are given from mid-June through Labor Day. A nominal fee is charged. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fabulous view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island from the shoreline. Pets are not allowed.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Rubicon Trail	Moderate	6230' / 6580'	3.1 to 5 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe to D.L. Bliss State Park. There is a fee for day use parking.

Trail : Dipping up and down along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, this trail offers some of the most scenic views of the lake. The trail goes south from Rubicon Point, around Emerald Point to Vikingsholm Castle.

Attractions and Considerations : Bring a swimsuit, towel and picnic lunch to enjoy a sunny day at one of the many quiet coves along the way. Pets are not allowed.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.

Other Trialheads : Emerald Point: 3.1 miles / Vikingsholm Castle: 5 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Meeks Bay Trailhead	Moderate	6240' / 8880'	4.5 to 8 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. Parking is located across the highway from the resort at a small dirt parking lot.

Trail : This moderate hike takes you along the northern most part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek and continues upward into a forested valley. A chain of alpine lakes can be seen before the trail ascends 1,000 feet up a series of switchbacks leading to Phipps Pass.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 14 N.

Other Trialheads : Lake Genevieve: 4.6 miles / Crag Lake: 4.9 miles / Hidden Lake: 5.7 miles / Shadow Lake: 5.9 miles / Stoney Ridge Lake: 6.3 miles / Rubicon Lake: 8.1 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Eagle Falls Trailhead	Moderate and Difficult	Varies by route	1 to 5.3 miles

Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north approximately 8 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area on the left. There is a parking fee at this trailhead. Please be aware this is a very popular and congested area. We strongly encourage all visitors, especially those planning overnight camping trips, to take mass transit to this trailhead.

Trail : Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness, this steep trail offers majestic views of the Sierra high country. Just a 20 minute walk, Eagle Lake is a popular short hike. A longer hike will lead you to the three Velmas, Dicks, and Fontanillis Lakes.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt.Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.

Other Trialheads : Eagle Lake: 1 mile / Middle Velma Lake: 4.4 miles / Dicks Lake: 4.3 miles / Dicks Pass: 5.3 miles / Fontanillis Lake: 4.9 miles

Trail	Difficulty	Elevation	Mileage (one way)
Bayview Trailhead	Difficult	6910' / 8440'	1 to 5 miles

Trail : Offering magnificent views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, this steep trail leads you up the side of Maggie's Peak into Desolation Wilderness. Stop at Granite Lake for a short rest along the way. In 2.7 miles this trail intersects with the Eagle Falls Trail.

Attractions and Considerations : Corral and watering facilities for horses are available at the trailhead. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Bayview Trailhead.

Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgnt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.

Other Trialheads : Granite Lake: 1 mile / Dicks Lake: 5 miles