It’s said that more Americans hike and walk for enjoyment than any other activity. In the Blue World, you can stroll down the beach or test your lung capacity with a thigh burner up a mountain. Of course, in either case, the view is your reward. Two of the heavy hitters in the hiking line up are below, but the variety is endless. Explore a little, over 80% of the Blue World is public land.
Hiking Trails:
Angora Lakes Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation:7,200'/7,470'
Summer are crowded, so arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take Hwy 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Rd. 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
Cascade Creek Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6,800'/6,910'
Mileage (one-way) : 1 miles
Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail. Take Hwy 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.
Eagle Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous
Elevation: 6,600'/8,500'
Mileage (one-way): 1 mile to Eagle Lake, 4 miles to Dicks, Upper & Middle Velmas, 5 miles to Fontanillis.
Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness, this steep trail offers majestic views of the Sierra high country. Take Hwy 89 north approximately 8 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area on the left. Wilderness permit required.
Echo Lakes Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 7,420'/8,430'
Mileage (one-way): 2 miles to NW corner of Upper Echo, 4 miles to Tamarack, 5 miles to Lucille and Margery, 5 miles to Lake of the Woods, 6 miles to Aloha Lake.
See a variety of alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take Hwy 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.
Glen Alpine Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation: 6,560'/9,735'
Take Hwy 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and 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. Wilderness permit required.
Marlette Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 7,000'/8,000'
Mileage (one-way): 5 miles
Park at the Spooner Lake Trailhead, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, just northwest of the Hwy 50/28 junction. A parking fee is charged. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Moraine Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6,360'/6,410'
Mileage (one-way): 1 mile
Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Hwy 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf 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. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area. 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.
Mt. Tallac Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation: 6,480'/6,735'
Mileage (one-way) : 1 miles
Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The trailhead is located north of South Lake Tahoe on Hwy 89. Look for Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. A wilderness permit required.
Tallac Historic Site
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Flat
Mileage (one-way) : 0.3 mile on Lake of the Sky Trail
Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and summer homes of turn-of-the-century Tahoe landowners. The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
Vikingsholm Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6,230'/6,630'
Mileage (one-way) : 1 mile
Hike the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls which begins directly across from the castle. Pets are not allowed. Take Hwy 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.
For more information, maps and permits
U.S. Forest Service,
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530)543-2600.
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