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Hiking South Lake Tahoe
In honor of National Trails Day, it seemed appropriate to talk about the best Lake Tahoe hikes in South Lake Tahoe. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore the topography and terrain surrounding the lake.
Skyline Trail Hike
Lift accessed hiking is almost as fun as lift accessed skiing, allowing you to access high elevation trails without all that pesky effort. Once at the top, hike along Skyline Trail for more scenic views of the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe.
Fallen Leaf Lake Hike
Mt Tallac Mirrored on Fallen Leaf Lake
Need a family-friendly hike? It’s a great hike to find wildflowers in the spring, and the aspens along Taylor Creek are beautiful in the fall.
Cascade Falls Hike|
This short hike near Emerald Bay is best enjoyed in the spring, when Cascade Falls is at its peak. Ambitious hikers can head back to the Bayview trailhead and hike up to Maggie’s Saddle into the Desolation Wilderness.
Van Sickle Trail Hike
Elevation: 6,283′ Base
Mileage (one way): Varies with destination
Directions to Trailhead : The Van Sickle Bi-State Park entrance is located where Montreal Avenue and Park Avenue meet – behind Harrah’s Casino Resort.
Look for the stone sign for Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Drive about a quarter mile to the parking lot and trailhead access. If you are staying in the South Lake Tahoe casino area consider walking from your lodging area to the trailhead since it can be easily accessed by foot.
Rubicon Trail Hike|
One of the most challenging hikes at Lake Tahoe, this trail takes you to the summit of the tallest mountain in the Tahoe basin (9,735′). Note: a hiking permit is required for this trail, and can be obtained at the trailhead.
This scenic trail hike along the shores of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe’s west shore boasts terrific panoramas of the lake along a moderate, undulating trail that takes you past cliffs, coves, wildflowers, waterfalls and even an old lighthouse. Park at either D.L. Bliss State Park or Emerald Bay, or both if you wish to hike it point-to-point. Approximately 6.6 miles one way, 13.2 miles round trip.
The park’s premier trail, the Van Sickle Trail, connects Stateline to the Tahoe Rim Trail, delivering terrific views within the first mile of the hike. Hike up to the waterfall (0.75 mile one-way), or continue up to the junction of the Tahoe Rim Trail (3.6 miles one way).
Mt. Tallac Hike
Whether you’re a former Girl Scout (like I am) or not, it’s important to be prepared when hiking. No matter how long I plan to be out on the trail, I always carry a backpack that contains the following:
Water
Snacks
Map
A light waterproof jacket
Sunblock & lip balm
Bug spray
Small first aid kit (including emergency blanket).
Small pocket knife.
A hat.
A warmer layer (depending on the time of year).
Camera.
Small headlamp.
In honor of National Trails Day, it seemed appropriate to talk about the best Lake Tahoe hikes in South Lake Tahoe. Once at the top, hike along Skyline Trail for more scenic views of the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe. The park’s premier trail, the Van Sickle Trail, connects Stateline to the Tahoe Rim Trail, delivering terrific views within the first mile of the hike. Hike up to the waterfall (0.75 mile one-way), or continue up to the junction of the Tahoe Rim Trail (3.6 miles one way). One of the most challenging hikes at Lake Tahoe, this trail takes you to the summit of the tallest mountain in the Tahoe basin (9,735′).
