Why Lake Tahoe?
“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine. Bracing and
delicious... It is the same the angels breathe.”
- Mark Twain
The largest alpine lake in North America, this iconic vacation staple offers water sports and more.
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. It’s known for its beaches and ski resorts. On the southwest shore, Emerald Bay State Park contains the 1929 Nordic-style mansion Vikingsholm. Along the lake’s northeast side, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park includes Sand Harbor Beach and Spooner Lake, a gateway to the long-distance Tahoe Rim Trail.
Hiking Trails
My favorite hikes in Lake Tahoe
Cascade Falls Trail
This is a beautiful trail to a gorgeous waterfall within Emerald Lake State Park on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The trail is located off of Highway 89 north of South Lake Tahoe across from Inspiration Point. There is a small parking area with limited parking.
Length
1.3 mi
Route type
Out & back
Mount Tallac Trail
The ascent up Mount Tallac promises unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe from its summit 9,735 feet above sea level. Begin at the Tallac Trailhead parking lot located about a mile off highway 89 across the street from the entrance to Baldwin Beach.
Length
10.5 mi
Route type
Out & back
Emerald Bay via Lighthouse & Rubicon Trail
Not to be confused with the famous OHV route of the same name that is located nearby, this hiking trail travels between both Emerald Bay State Park and D.L. Bliss State Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Length
16.4 mi
Route type
Out & back