Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
The hike to Meeks Creek Falls and around Meeks Creek is perfect for people seeking an easy trail (i.e. no elevation gain) with plenty of solitude. When hiking the Meeks Creek Trail as a loop, you’ll travel along a dirt road, in and out of the forest, and finally through a meadow. Although there are…
The Rubicon Trail is a picturesque hiking trail located on the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe. It contours the shoreline from Emerald Bay to D.L. Bliss State Park and boasts long, continuous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. From aspects of the trail on its south end you can see many prominent locations of South Tahoe,…
The day hike to the south peak of Maggie’s Peaks is an incredibly worthwhile challenge that rewards you with countless panoramic views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition to long views along Lake Tahoe’s east and south shores, you will also see Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Freel Peak, Mount Tallac, and…
The Lam Watah Historic Trail is just east of the casinos of Stateline, NV. Although it’s more akin to a self-guided city park trail with its meticulous maintained trail and informative placards that discuss historic aspects of the area, it provides a welcome respite from the insanity of the casino corridor. Either hiked as an…
The hike to Eagle Point is an out-and-back route approximately 8 miles long and features between 1,200-1,400 feet of total elevation gain. The views are incredible the entire hike as you will pass Vikingsholm and then contour the southern side of Emerald Bay. During this traverse along the bay you will be treated to multiple…
The hike to Emerald Point is an absolute dream. The trail contours the north side of picturesque Emerald Bay, it’s relatively short at 5-6 miles (out-and-back), there’s only about 500 feet of total elevation gain to negotiate, and access to the trailhead is simple. The drawbacks to hiking the trail to Emerald Point are that…
The hike to South Camp Peak probably isn’t in the top five trails to hike at Lake Tahoe, and it may not even be in the top ten. However, I would argue that it’s about as exceptional a hike as any at Lake Tahoe. Parking is abundant (and free), the trail is easy to navigate,…
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to Echo Lakes (and further into Desolation Wilderness via this route) is a favorite winter tour for Tahoe locals and visitors to the Lake Tahoe Basin. There is dedicated parking (unlike many Tahoe backcountry locations) at Echo Lake Sno-Park, the route is easy to navigate, and there is little elevation to…
Cross-country skiing to Woods Lake, Winnemucca Lake, and Frog Lake in a loop is one of my favorite cross-country ski tours at Carson Pass. Although the route is only 6-7 miles, it features over 1,000 feet of elevation gain and it’s all in backcountry terrain above 8,000 feet. The higher elevation also makes Carson Pass…
Freel Peak is the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin, standing at 10,881 feet. Freel Peak basically sits on the border between the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and offers unparalleled 360 degree views of the entire region. In addition to the panoramic views, you’ll find a variety of Sierra Nevada…
The Warr Trail is short and stout, featuring just over 1,800 feet of elevation gain in just under three miles of hiking (one-way). Although the Warr Trail is shown on three of the more popular Lake Tahoe recreation maps, not many people (Tahoe locals included) actually know it exists. This is interesting because the trailhead…
The hike up Mount Tallac is one of the iconic hikes in the Lake Tahoe Basin and should be on your list of places in which to travel at Lake Tahoe. The hike is not for the faint of heart, however, as it features approximately 3,500 feet of elevation gain and high exposure. But the…
Hiking Freel Peak, Jobs Sister, and Jobs Peak in one shot is a goal shared by many Tahoe locals and weekend visitors. It’s an arduous but relatively safe route that is mostly above treeline and offers 360 degree views for miles in all directions. Each of the three peaks featured in this hike sit above…
Scotts Lake is a fun Tahoe day hike that features a walk through groves of Aspen and Juniper trees, a great selection of wildflowers (when in season), some elevation gain to get your heart pumping, and free and convenient trailhead parking. Bring a swimsuit and towel to take advantage of the fact you’re hiking to…
The trail to Castle Rock is short, but highly rewarding. It offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the south shore of Lake Tahoe, the western shore of Lake Tahoe with Desolation Wilderness in the far background, as well as some glimpses into the Carson Valley. Many people love this trail because it also includes some…
The hike to Cascade Falls is a favorite by both Tahoe locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe. The trail is short and mostly flat, but offers up-close seating to Cascade Falls, as well as a beautifully layered view of Cascade Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The ideal time to see Cascade…
The trip to Winnemucca Lake is a favorite by many Tahoe locals. It’s a relatively short, but rewarding adventure with excellent views in all directions. You can see Caples Lake, Red Lake Peak, Elephants Back, Round Top, and Freel Peak and Little Round Top (if you have a clear enough day). You’ll also travel past…
Washoe Meadows State Park is open year-round. Hike and mountain bike in the park during the warmer months and snowshoe and cross-country ski in the snowy ones. Angora Creek and the Upper Truckee River run through Washoe Meadows, so much of the park’s terrain is moist and home to many varieties of wildflowers throughout the…
Cold Creek Trail is a multi-use trail that accommodates hikers and mountain bikers and connects with other trails further up the ravine. Although Cold Creek doesn’t offer spectacular views, the trail is flanked on either side by mountainous walls and it parallels Cold Creek. There are few indications you’re still in civilization within a minute…
Cowboy Hat Hill is found on few maps. It’s a short, but relatively steep climb that offers amazing views of the east face of Desolation Wilderness, Mount Tallac, Angora Peak and Ridge, Twin Peaks, and a glimpse of Lake Tahoe. At the viewpoint there are granite boulders on which to climb, as well as beautiful…
Cathedral Meadow is accessible year-round. Hike there during the warmer months and snowshoe and cross-country ski in the snowy ones. Due to its location near Taylor Creek and Fallen Leaf Lake, the area is generally moist and home to many varieties of wildflowers throughout the spring and summer. In the fall, the Aspen grove adjacent…