“There are 100 ways to kneel and kiss the earth,” according to Rumi, and surely one of the best is hiking. To experience Lake Tahoe hikes is to elevate above the usual – not only in altitude but in exquisite beauty, physical challenges and the inner peace mountain trails offer. To join in on one of the most well-known things to do in Tahoe, lace up those boots. There are literally hundreds of Lake Tahoe hiking trails, ranked from beginner to advanced, and one should believe the rankings. These high-altitude trails are not the place to be over-confident in your cardio or muscle fitness, and remember that, if you aren’t conditioned to the thinner air, your lungs will be working harder than usual. But once you’re on your way on the proper Lake Tahoe hikes, you’ll lose yourself in the views and be so glad you hit the trails. The many state parks in this area provide exceptional trails. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see local flora and fauna and even historic castles and mansions! Several ski areas promote Lake Tahoe hiking in the warmer weather along the same trails that entice wintertime skiers. If you like the idea of a hike but would rather be going downhill, you can even ride the ski lift to the top and hike down. For novices, that’s a great way to start your Lake Tahoe hiking adventures.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
CA State Park Road, Tahoma, CA
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained and is an excellent representation of the wealthy side of Tahoe. Tours are offered during the summer by Sierra State Parks Foundation (sierrastateparks.org). There are various trailheads, swimming beaches and great fishing within the park as well as a Nature Center that helps visitors identify the local flora and fauna. In the winter the foundation hosts full moon snowshoe expeditions, and this is a great place for sledding and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Visitors should remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace. An entrance fee is charged.
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained...read more
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
There is no missing Boreal Mountain Resort. Its ski and snowboard runs are visible right off Interstate 80 at the 7,200-foot Donner Summit. It’s also always proud to announce being the first Tahoe-area resort to open each winter. Boreal’s core customers are two-fold: terrain park shredders or those learning to ski or ride. With its modest vertical elevation, Boreal’s managers have dialed in the park...read more
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
If you are looking for a fun and safe way to keep the kids entertained, then check out Camp Hyatt Kids Program. This summer day camp opportunity is an exceptional way to keep your children busy while you take much-needed time for yourself. Happening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this camp for kids ages 3 to 12 is filled with endless activities like swimming,...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Carnelian Beach West is a nice sandy beach on the west side of Sierra Boat Company, located in Carnelian Bay. The free public beach is a little more than 500 feet in length. Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to Gar Woods Grill & Pier. This beach offers a few different amenities including a shoreline promenade, picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Cave Rock is an esteemed part of Lake Tahoe. Considered sacred by the Washoe Indians, the 3 million-year-old rock formation is known as the Lady of the Lake due to the image of a woman's profile. Cave Rock is 3 miles south of Glenbrook on Highway 50, and the entrance to the park is just a few feet south of Cave Rock Tunnel. The small...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Chambers Landing Beach is a small, pebbly beach next to the historic and iconic Tahoe fine-dining restaurant Chambers Landing on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The beach doesn't offer any amenities like garbage cans or bathrooms. It does, on the other hand, allow dogs. Parking is along the street only. read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
One of Truckee’s hidden gems sits atop Donner Summit at 7,000 feet. Clair Tappaan Lodge was constructed in 1934 by Sierra Club volunteers, and, just like Donner Summit itself, the rest is history. The stunningly rustic mountain lodge offers accommodations for up to 145 guests, many of whom are cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter and hikers, rock climbers and cyclists in summer. The lodge...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Desolation Wilderness is a designated protected wilderness area of pristine National Forest land within the Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County. Spanning nearly 64,000 acres, the protected wilderness is home to numerous alpine lakes, sub-alpine and alpine forests and stunning granite peaks, spires and teetering boulders that lend to the natural landscape's beauty. There are various places to camp that are interlinked by beautiful single track trails that are host only to...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Eagle Falls is a dual waterfall zone located above Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe within the Emerald Bay State Park. It's an easy hike whether you choose to visit the upper or lower falls, but the lower section tends to be more inspiring, especially if visited up close. For the upper falls, there is a looping trail that is about a mile in length that...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Eagle Rock is an excellent hike for those not wanting too exert much energy but who want to see the grand views of Lake Tahoe. On the West Shore, 5 miles south of Tahoe City and right off Highway 89, Eagle Rock is a 1.5-mile hike that gains 250 vertical feet. Once an active volcano, it is now an eroding dormant mass of rock that...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
When it comes to our four-legged family members, only the best will do. Luckily for South Lake Tahoe, EarthWise Pet Nutrition Center and Wellness Spa makes doing that simple and easy. This pet boutique specializes in natural pet foods, raw food, treats, toys, litter, leashes and collars, and they take it a step further by training all of their employees as Pet Nutrition Specialists and in...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Emma Williams brings 27 years of climbing experience to the Sierra Mountains. Nearing two decades of guiding expertise and having co-owned a climbing guide service in Moab, Utah, her experience, skills and adventurist mindset bring much to the Tahoe climbing arena. Loving how the mountains and climbing have shaped her life, Williams offers a passion to her clients that makes climbing fun. Whether her clients...read more
Lake Tahoe Running, Walking & Hiking
Fallen Leaf Campground, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is located on National Forest lands and is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of Tahoe while stepping away from the busy-ness that can sometimes occupy Lake Tahoe. Fallen Leaf Lake is adjacent to Lake Tahoe and offers a large trail network that accesses the top of Mt. Tallac as well...read more
