Updated 10.14.24
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and want to take your special loved ones on a memorable hike, you’ve found the right list. Below are the Top 10 Fall Hikes in Lake Tahoe!
1. Eagle Lake Trail (Emerald Bay State Park):
A moderately easy hike leading to the pristine Eagle Lake, with beautiful fall colors and stunning views of Emerald Bay.
2. Mount Tallac Trail:
Proceed cautiously on this 9.6-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. This is a very popular area for hiking and snowshoeing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
3. Rubicon Point Light House Trail
This hike is “closed”, but a personal favorite on the west shore and still frequently visited. The status discourages other hikers, but it the best on the lake. You have to contact me, lnelson@gemmegroup.com, to get the beta on this one.
4. Marlette Lake Trail (Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park):
Head out on this 10.9-mile out-and-back trail near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through August. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
5. Castle Peak , Truckee CA
Explore this 5.4-mile out-and-back trail near Soda Springs, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
6. Aloha Lake Trail, Desolation Wilderness
Head out on this 12.3-mile out-and-back trail near Echo Lake, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 28 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and fishing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
7. Rubicon Peak (West Shore):
Discover this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail near Tahoma, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, skiing, and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. It’s like doing the stair master for 2 hours. My record time running up is 52 minutes.
8. Powder Horn Trail, Ward Canyon, West Shore
Not even locals know about this trial, I only discovered it from my passion for trail running. Discover this 7.9-mile out-and-back trail near Homewood, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 22 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, hiking, and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are July through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
9. Page Meadows Loop (Tahoe City):
Explore this 5.2-mile loop trail near Tahoe City, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 3 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
10. Mt Rose:
Try this 10.7-mile loop trail near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 34 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
11. 5 Lakes Trail, Alpine Meadows, CA
Discover this 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near Olympic Valley, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
12. Shale Peak – Agate Bay
Park at the end of Tripoli Rd. In Agate Bay and walk the forest service road up towards shale peak. This destination has some of the best views in all of North Lake.
Easter Sierra 14ers
Proceed cautiously on this 21.2-mile out-and-back trail near Lone Pine, California. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Explore this 25.1-mile loop trail near Lone Pine, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
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