Moderate💧West Shore
Waterfall & Alpine Lake
Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake
↔ About 2 miles◷ 1–2 hours
A short, rocky climb past rushing falls to a peaceful granite-framed lake in Desolation Wilderness.
Trail information ↗Explore the Sierra on foot
Lake Tahoe
hiking trails.
Find waterfall walks, lakefront paths, alpine lakes and panoramic summit adventures for every pace and skill level.
Find your trail ↓🥾 TRAIL GUIDELake Tahoe · Sierra Nevada
Trail conditions, parking and closures can change quickly. Check current Tahoe Rim Trail conditions and the managing agency before hiking.
Interactive trail map
Explore hikes around the lake.
Click a marker to compare difficulty and distance. The map updates automatically when visitors filter the trail cards.
EasyModerateHard
Marker locations are approximate trailhead areas. Confirm exact parking and access with the managing agency before driving.
Interactive Lake Tahoe trail finder
Choose your adventure.
Search by trail name or feature, filter by area, and choose a difficulty that matches your group.
17 trails found
Moderate🌊West Shore
Waterfall View
Cascade Falls Trail
↔ About 1.5 miles◷ 1–2 hours
Follow exposed granite above Cascade Lake to a seasonal waterfall and broad Tahoe Basin views.
Trail information ↗Hard⛰️South Shore
Summit Adventure
Mount Tallac Trail
↔ About 10.5 miles◷ 6–8 hours
A demanding Tahoe classic climbing past alpine lakes to commanding views from the 9,735-foot summit.
Trail information ↗Moderate🌲West Shore
Lakefront Trail
Rubicon Trail
↔ Distance varies◷ 2–6 hours
Trace one of Tahoe’s most beautiful shorelines between Emerald Bay and D. L. Bliss State Park.
Official park information ↗Moderate🥾South Shore
Town-to-Trail Hike
Van Sickle Waterfall Trail
↔ About 2.5 miles◷ 1–2 hours
Climb from Stateline through forest and granite to a seasonal waterfall and lake-view overlooks.
View TRT map ↗Moderate🪨North Shore
Panoramic Lake View
Monkey Rock Trail
↔ About 2.5 miles◷ 1–2 hours
A steady climb above Incline Village rewards hikers with a famous rock formation and sweeping views.
Regional trail map ↗Easy👀North Shore
Scenic Lookout
Stateline Lookout
↔ About 1.5 miles◷ Under 1 hour
An easy paved loop with interpretive signs, historic ruins and excellent North Lake Tahoe views.
Forest Service recreation ↗Moderate🐦North Shore
Forest & Ridge View
Chickadee Ridge
↔ About 2–3 miles◷ 1–2 hours
Wander from Tahoe Meadows through open forest to a ridge overlooking the brilliant blue lake.
View TRT map ↗Easy🏞️East Shore
Lake Loop
Spooner Lake Loop
↔ About 2.5 miles◷ 1–1.5 hours
A gentle family-friendly circuit through meadow and forest around peaceful Spooner Lake.
Regional trail map ↗Hard🏔️North Shore
Canyon & Waterfalls
Shirley Canyon Trail
↔ About 3.5 miles one way◷ 3–5 hours
Climb beside waterfalls and granite slabs from Olympic Valley toward High Camp at Palisades Tahoe.
Check resort information ↗Hard💎North Shore
Alpine Lakes
Five Lakes Trail
↔ About 5 miles◷ 3–4 hours
A steep climb from Alpine Meadows leads to a serene cluster of forested lakes in Granite Chief Wilderness.
Forest Service recreation ↗Hard🌄East Shore
Peak & Vista
Snow Valley Peak
↔ 12.4 miles◷ 6–8 hours
A long TRT day hike with forest shade, Marlette Lake and spectacular views over Lake Tahoe.
Official hike guide ↗Easy🏊South Shore
Alpine Lake
Angora Lakes Trail
↔ About 1 mile◷ Under 1 hour
A short uphill walk reaches two cliff-framed alpine lakes popular for swimming, picnics and fishing.
Official trail information ↗Easy💦South Shore
Roadside Waterfall
Glen Alpine Falls
↔ Short walk◷ Under 1 hour
See a broad seasonal cascade near Fallen Leaf Lake, with longer wilderness hikes continuing from the trailhead.
Official trailhead information ↗Moderate🏰South Shore
Rock Outcrop & Vista
Castle Rock Trail
↔ About 4–6 miles◷ 2–3 hours
Follow the Tahoe Rim Trail from Kingsbury North to a dramatic rock outcrop overlooking the South Shore.
View TRT map ↗Moderate🧺North Shore
360-Degree Vista
Picnic Rock Trail
↔ About 3 miles◷ 1.5–2 hours
Climb from Brockway Summit to a rocky perch with far-reaching views across Tahoe and the Sierra crest.
Official hike guide ↗Hard🌿East Shore
Backcountry Lake
Marlette Lake Trail
↔ About 10 miles◷ 4–6 hours
A long forested climb from Spooner Lake reaches a quiet reservoir surrounded by high-desert and alpine scenery.
View regional trail map ↗No trails match your search.
Try another region, difficulty or trail feature.
Hike Tahoe responsibly
Know before you go.
Lake Tahoe trails cross national forest, wilderness, state park and local lands. Rules, permits, parking, dog access and seasonal closures vary. Check the managing agency, carry sufficient water and turn around when weather or trail conditions become unsafe.
Check conditions
Snow, wildfire activity and maintenance can affect access well into summer.
Start early
Popular trailheads fill quickly, especially near Emerald Bay and on weekends.
Prepare for altitude
Slow your pace, hydrate often and bring sun protection and extra layers.
Leave no trace
Pack out everything, stay on durable trails and never feed wildlife.
Discover the best hiking trails in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe hiking trails lead to waterfalls, alpine lakes, sandy beaches, granite peaks and panoramic viewpoints. South Lake Tahoe hikers can climb Mount Tallac or start close to town at Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Along the West Shore, Eagle Falls, Cascade Falls and the Rubicon Trail reveal some of the basin’s most recognizable scenery. North and East Shore hikes range from easy lake loops to high-elevation Tahoe Rim Trail adventures.
The best trail depends on your experience, available time and the season. Easy Lake Tahoe hikes offer scenic rewards with less climbing, while moderate and difficult routes require more preparation. Use the interactive trail finder above to compare areas and difficulty levels, then confirm current conditions, parking and land-management rules before leaving.
Helpful trail answers
Lake Tahoe hiking FAQ
What is the best easy hike in Lake Tahoe?
Stateline Lookout and Spooner Lake Loop are approachable choices with scenic views. Conditions and accessibility can still change seasonally.
When is the best season for hiking?
Many lower trails are best from late spring through fall. High-elevation routes may retain snow into summer, while heat, smoke and thunderstorms can affect conditions.
Do Lake Tahoe hikes require permits?
Some wilderness trips require permits, especially overnight travel in Desolation Wilderness. Day-use rules can also vary by trailhead and season, so confirm requirements with the managing agency.
Can I bring my dog?
Dog rules vary. Some national forest trails permit leashed dogs, while California State Parks such as Emerald Bay and D. L. Bliss restrict dogs on hiking trails. Always check the official rules.
How should I prepare for the elevation?
Begin slowly, carry more water than you expect to need, use sun protection and watch for headache, dizziness or nausea. Descend if altitude symptoms become significant.
Distances and times are approximate and can vary by route, starting point and conditions. Everything Tahoe does not guarantee trail access or safety. Always consult official land managers and current alerts.
