Hiking Trails of the South Lake Tahoe Area

A topographic map and compass are recommended for all hikes.
Weather conditions can change rapidly Be prepared with the proper
clothing and equipment, food and water, no matter how short the hike.
If you bring your pet on the trail, put it on a leash to minimize its impact on
wildlife and other visitors. Observe common courtesy and follow trail regulations.
Remember to practice minimum impact camping and pack out what you pack in.
 
Backcountry users need to obtain a Wilderness Permit for any hike into Desolation
Wilderness. Day hikers may obtain a permit at the self-service stations
located at the trailheads. Overnight users must obtain a permit and pay fees
in person from the Forest Service office or Visitor Center.
 
REMEMBER...open campfires are NOT allowed in Desolation Wilderness!
 
Three types of fees will be tested in the Desolation Wilderness:
* a wilderness permit reservation fee ($5)
* a overnight wilderness camping fee
($5/person/night w/3rd night free or $30 individual annual pass)
* a parking fee at Eagle Falls Parking lot
($3/day/vehicle or $20/annual pass)
 
The table below suggests several trails located around the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
Information regarding distance and difficulty is provided below. Following the table are
brief descriptions to the trailheads. A topographic map and compass are recommended.
 
 

 TRAILS

 DIFFICULTY

 ELEV. Low/High

 MILES (One Way)
  1. Moraine Trail

  Easy

  6360'/6410'

 1.0
  2. Angora Lakes Trail

   Easy

 7200'/7470'

  0.5 mi. to Angora Lakes
  3. Tallac Historic Site

   Easy

6230'/6230'

 0.3 mi. on Lake of the Sky Trail
  4. Echo Lakes Trail

  Moderate

 7420'/8430'
  2.5 mi. to NW corner of Trail Upper Echo, 4 mi. to Tamarack, 5 mi. to Lucille & Margery 5 mi. to Lake of the Woods, 6 mi. to Aloha Lake
  5. Glen Alpine Trail

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Strenuous

Strenuous

Strenuous

Strenuous

6560'/7240'

6560'/8120'

6560'/8150'

6560'/9735'

6560'/9735'

6560'/9735'

6560'/9735'

2 mi. to Grass Lake

4 mi. to Susie

5 mi. to Heather

6 mi. to Aloha,

4.5 to Half Moon,

5.2 to Alta Morris,

6 mi. to Tallac
  6. Clark Trail

Strenuous

 6420'/7470'

 1.6 mi. to Upper Angora
  7. Mt. Tallac Trail

 Strenuous

 6480'/9735'

 1.7 mi. to Floating Isle, 2.5 mi. to Cathedral, 5 mi.-Tallac


1. MORAINE TRAIL:


Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along
the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north
approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake
Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf
Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before
campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for
the trailhead sign near the parking area. In the winter, when the
campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf
Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead.
2. ANGORA LAKES TRAIL:

An easy 1/2 mile hike leads to two lakes framed by cliffs. Swimming
and fishing are popular activities. Summers are crowded, so arrive
early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take Highway 89 north
approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake
Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to
Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this
road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
 
3. TALLAC HISTORIC SITE:

Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and
summer homes of turn-of-the century Tahoe landowners. The trail
begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with
disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky
Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
 
4. ECHO LAKES TRAIL:

See a variety of alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take Highway
50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and
the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. For
a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. A longer hike
leads you to one of the many lakes farther down the trail. A boat
taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles
off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service.
A wilderness permit is required.
 
5. GLEN ALPINE TRAIL:

Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short
walk, try the 2 mile hike to Grass Lake. Another hike to Lake Aloha
leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three
alpine lakes. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta
Morris or Gilmore lakes. If Mt. Tallac is your goal, the Glen
Alpine Trail offers a more moderate approach. Take Highway 89 north
approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake
Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane
road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and
turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake.
A wilderness permit is required.
 
6. CLARK TRAIL:

For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some
solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the
trail ends at Angora Lakes. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake
Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Parking is located at the Glen
Alpine Trailhead described in the previous hike. From the parking
area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen Leaf Lake
Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post
located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead.
 
7. MT. TALLAC TRAIL:

Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and
Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the
effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and
Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker.
Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it
continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located
approximately 3-1/2 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89.
Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the
entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road.
Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change
rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of
water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required.
 
 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
 







      


 

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