Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
Many people who come to hike at Lake Tahoe aim for the bigger and more iconic hiking trails such as Mount Tallac, Freel Peak, or Mount Rose. But those hikes are all-day affairs. And sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to tackle those bigger hiking trails of Tahoe. Or, there’s too much…
Don’t get me wrong. I have absolutely no problem with Lake Tahoe’s scenery during the fall. The views are as idyllic as any mountainous locale in the world. Really, I’m not complaining. It’s just that I have this one minor, teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy gripe. And this is coming from an artist, mind you, so take it…
When visiting Emerald Bay, or driving around it, the island sitting in the middle of the bay is what tends to draw the eyes of both first-time visitors and long-time Lake Tahoe locals. Fannette Island, as it’s called, is the most recognizable feature of Emerald Bay and happens to be the only island located in…
The hike down to Vikingsholm is, for all intents and purposes, a requirement when stopping at Emerald Bay. The distance is short and the trail is wide, but in that short distance you’ll be descending (and then ascending on the return hike) nearly 500 vertical feet. Don’t let this discourage you from visiting Vikingsholm, however….
From the Logan Shoals Vista Point on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, you’re afforded unobstructed, panoramic views looking west across the lake. Therefore, Logan Shoals makes for a perfect place in which to view sunsets at Lake Tahoe. Some of the most appealing aspects of visiting the Logan Shoals Vista Point is that the…
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…
Hiking the loop around Spooner Lake is entertaining and educational. The views are mostly restricted to Spooner Lake and the neighboring forest, but the lake is host to an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers. Additionally, there are multiple infographics along the trail that feature information and imagery about the history of the Spooner Lake area…
In spite of the very low effort and short distance required to hike to Eagle Rock, it’s well worth your time. I’ve driven past Eagle Rock a thousand times before and have always wondered whether or not I should stop to check it out. The answer is an enthusiastic “yes.” Hiking to Eagle Rock is…
The hike to the Eagle Point Campground Vista Point (featuring a wooden sitting bench) is more like an after-dinner walk you’d take with your toddler than an actual hike. That’s not to say this short trip isn’t worth your while. In fact, I would say the ends justify the means in this case. For very…
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 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…
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. Additionally, you can see the south and west shores of Lake Tahoe. In the far distance off to the west you’ll see Desolation Wilderness, while off to the east you’ll catch some glimpses into the Carson Valley. Many…