Turquiose alpine lakes. Scenic mountain vistas. Abundant wildlife everywhere you turn. Lake Tahoe is a hiker’s paradise, with famous trails like the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. If challenging hikes are not your style, there are plenty of easy hikes with unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Whether you prefer to explore the more isolated northern area or are drawn to trails around the livelier south shore, the options are endless for a shorter day hike. Here are the top easy Lake Tahoe hikes that should not be missed.
What is the best time to go to Lake Tahoe?
Tahoe is known for its four seasons and each one has something different to offer for hikers. The summer months are a popular time for visitors with the ideal temperatures not getting higher than eighty degrees. The other big draw is water activities around the lake in the summer, where a refreshing dip after a hike is everything. Spring is a great time to go for lesser crowds, with wildflowers on the trails and waterfalls at full capacity.
Autumn has stunning fall foliage and an escape from the summer crowds. Winter brings the skier and snowboarder crowds, and snowshoeing is popular on the hiking trails. Winter can get quite chilly though being so high up in elevation and it is important to be prepared if you do go out during the colder months to avoid things like frostbite.
Essential Info
- be respectful of bears– while hiking in the warmer months you may encounter a black bear on the trail. The best way to deal is to stand still, make yourself big, and make some noise. Usually, bears are more scared of you, than you are of them. While you are hiking make sure to make noise to prevent sneaking up on an unexpecting bear.
- prepare for changing weather – Tahoe has strong thunderstorms in the warmer months that can come on unexpectedly and bring flash flooding. No matter what time of year, the sun is strong in Tahoe due to the elevation and reflection off of the lake – make sure to bring the proper protection.
- bring plenty of water – there is not always a freshwater source near hiking trails and it is crucial that you bring your own water supply. Always bring more than you think you will need!
- take the altitude into consideration – Tahoe sits at a little over 6,000 feet above sea level and the high altitude can affect your body, especially while doing a physical activity like hiking.
- share the trail – be aware of mountain bikers on the trails that allow them, since they can come around the corner very quickly, especially on a decline.
- take into consideration fire season – during mid-summer to early fall (sometimes earlier/later), there are wildfires that affect the Tahoe area and will affect your visit with poor air quality, low visibility, and even closed trails, so check before you head out.
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail is one of the best easy Lake Tahoe hikes in the area.
Eagle Falls Trail
Length: .5 mile
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Type: out and back
This popular trail is part of the longer, more difficult Eagle Lake Trail (worth it alone for the stunning lake view at the end), which requires a free permit for access into Desolation Wilderness. For a more leisurely hike, the Eagle Falls Trail is a great alternative and rewards with its picturesque waterfall that cascades under a small footbridge.
The trail starts with a stone staircase that has been carved out of the side of the mountain and you will continue on until you see the falls, where you can turn back.
There is a parking area for the Eagle Falls and Lake Trails which fills up early (especially in the summertime). Parking is $10. There is a picnic area available as well.
Vikingsholm Trail
Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation gain: 377 feet
Type: out and back
Across Highway 89 from Eagle Falls and Lake, sits Emerald Bay State Park, one of Lake Tahoe’s most stunning state parks. This trail is part of the Rubicon Trail which goes between Vikingsholm Estate to D.L. Bliss State Park. Hike down to the Vikingsholm, a historical Scandinavian mansion, and the beach (don’t forget your suit!). Hiking down is not too bad, but the incline and elevation make the trek back up significantly harder for those not used to these elements. There is a visitor’s center at the bottom as well.
There is a parking lot, but it fills up quickly due to the popularity of this trail. There is some limited street parking as well. There are kayak and paddleboard rentals on the beach.
Cascade Falls Trail
Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation gain: 255 feet
Type: out and back
For a memorable short hike, this one is not to be missed with a 200-foot waterfall and views of Emerald Bay among the pine forests. The well-marked path itself is not too steep, but it is quite rocky with boulders so make sure to bring the proper footwear. Cascade Falls is the fullest after the spring melt and dries out throughout the summer, so it is only a trickle in September. Nonetheless, the views are spectacular any time of the year.
The trailhead is located in the Bayview Campground. Parking is limited, so get there early.
Spooner Lake Trail
Length: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 124 feet
Type: loop
This hike offers an easy stroll around the lake on a mostly flat trail, making it ideal for families with little kids. There is ample shade along the way, benches to rest at, and a paved walkway from the parking lot. Keep your eye out for bald eagles that make an occasional appearance, along with other wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Swimming in the lake is not recommended, due to leeches.
Restrooms and drinking water are available at the trailhead. The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. A parking lot is available.
Cave Rock Trail
Length: 0.8 miles
Elevation gain: 137 feet
Type: out and back
Located near Zephyr Cove, this easy hike is a quick option for spectacular lake views. The first part is on a gravel path and then at the end, you need to climb some rocks to get to the top of the tunnel that goes over Highway 50, where you can take in the view of the lake. The scramble at the end can be a bit difficult depending on your activity level and good shoes are essential.
There are a handful of parking spaces at the trailhead and a few others on the side of the road. Due to the short duration of the hike, it should not be too hard to find a spot.
Lake of the Sky Trail
Length: 1.9 miles
Elevation gain: 32 feet
Type: loop
This trail is a great place if you prefer to meander along an easy path that begins with a boardwalk and then continues on with portions of it being sandy or strewn with pine needles. Along the trail informational plaques are provided about the surrounding nature. During the warmer months, keep your eye out for salmon in the nearby creek. The trail begins at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which is usually open from June until October and is a great place to get the lay of the land.
If you walk a bit further, you will come upon the Tallac Historic Site, where there are homes from the 1900s.
There is a sizable parking lot at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which includes pull-through RV parking. It takes about an hour to complete the loop.
Van Sickle Trail to Waterfall Vista
Length: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Type: out and back
This is an easy hike that includes a scenic waterfall that is over 6,000 feet high and has beautiful lake views as well. This shorter hike is part of the longer Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector, which is an 8-mile hike round trip. There are not many trees at the beginning, which allows for clear views of the surrounding area, but you will eventually encounter a forest of pines and fir trees that provide plentiful shade. Take it easy, since it is over 7,000 feet above sea level.
There is limited parking near the trailhead. Mountain bikers are allowed on the trail. Dog-friendly.
North Lake Tahoe
Tahoe East Shore Trail
Length: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 0
Type: out and back
Starting at Incline Village and going all the way to Sand Harbor State Park, this longer hike is ideal if you prefer a flat, paved walkway with expansive views of Lake Tahoe. This trail is nicknamed “America’s most beautiful bikeway” and there are plenty of bikers taking advantage of this road. Tahoe East Shore Trail also gives access to the public beaches, trails, and coves.
There is a large self-paid parking lot along State Route 28 in Incline Village near Ponderosa Ranch Road that has direct access to the trail. Public transportation – East Shore Express and Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) – will offer bus service to the trailhead during the summertime.
Sand Harbor Nature Trail
Length: 0.5 mile
Elevation gain: 16 feet
Type: loop
One of the shortest trails in the area is this scenic nature walk, where it will take you less than half an hour to walk near the edge of the lake and take in memorable panoramas of the Tahoe Basin. There is not much shade, so it is better to go earlier in the morning. There is beach access on both ends of the trails, as well as picnic areas with tables and grills. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented as well.
Parking is $10 ($15 for non-Nevada residents). Open 7 am – 7 pm.
Stateline Fire Lookout Trail
Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation gain: 305 feet
Type: loop
Beginning in Nevada and ending in California at an old fire lookout, this paved trail is a popular one for its gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the mountains beyond. Although the trail is paved, there is a steep grade of 8%-12% so it is not considered wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Bring bug repellent, since there are mosquitoes on the trail, especially during the summertime.
This trail has one switchback, and then uses the paved forest service road all the way to the top. Right before the top, there is a smaller paved pathway on each side of the road that loops around the lookout. It is recommended to go clockwise around the loop (on the left side). There are benches for resting along the way.
There is plenty of parking on the side of the road. The trail begins near a gate, but it is forbidden to park there.
Palisades Tahoe (Squaw Valley) – High Camp Loop
Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: minor, but the elevation itself is 8,200 feet at High Camp
A popular ski resort in the winter, this stunning alpine area transforms into an ideal spot for hiking in the summer, including this easy scenic trail. Take the Aerial Tram from The Village to High Camp, where you can access the trail. Walk along the ridge that goes to the top of the Mountain Meadow Chairlift. Afterward, make your way down through the gently sloping dips that are used as bunny slopes in the winter.
Tickets for the Aerial Tram are $39/$49 for weekdays/weekends. Kids under $12 ride free with the purchase of one adult ticket. The tram ticket includes High Camp activities like guided hikes, roller skating, lawn games, disc golf, and geocaching. Tickets must be purchased at least two days in advance. Parking is free. Dog-friendly.
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail
Length: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: 62 feet
Type: loop
This is one of northern Tahoe’s best hikes for those who prefer a flat, boardwalk pathway and plenty of wetland nature to enjoy along the way. Keep your eyes open for monarch butterflies, tree frogs, and a wide range of birds that call the area home. Start your walk at the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead. The best time to visit is in the late spring/early summer when the meadows are filled with vibrant wildflowers. This trail is ideal for little kids and is dog-friendly.
There is a lot of parking on the side of the road. Takes around 30-40 minutes depending on your pace.
Photo sources: Eagle Falls
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