Hike Mount Tallac

South Lake Tahoe, California

4.9/5

based on 11 reviews

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Distance

9.5 miles

Elevation Gain

3255 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Smith

One of the more scenic and challenging hikes in the South Tahoe area with incredible views of the Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe itself. Shorter but more intense than the Glen Alpine Trail/ Gilmore Lake. Tallac/ Rubicon is probably one of the best day hikes you can do.

The classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking lot. Be sure to register your day hike in the Desolation Wilderness area. Free permits are available at the trail sign, which must be filled out in full before proceeding on the trail. The route begins through light forest before heading up to a ridgeline which follows alongside the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake and provides some great views.

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Hike Mount Tallac Reviews

Gaby Colletta

Hike Mount Tallac

10/09/15

One of the things I loved about this trail is that it takes you through all sorts of landscapes. It absolutely beats those summit treks that are pure switchbacks. You will pass not one but TWO small lakes both very different from one another. The area with large boulders is fun to 'off-road' for a bit and scamper around. The summit is just breathtaking with so much blue below and above you.

5.0

Chandler Hoisington

Hike Mount Tallac

06/08/15

The map on this review takes you to a different trail head, the Glen Alpine trail head. You can still get to Mnt. Tallac from there but it is about 12 miles round trip vs the 9 miles at the other trail head. It was a nice trek, took about 6.5 hours for us but we got off the trail once for about an hour.

5.0

Amanda Sweeney

Hike Mount Tallac

10/19/13

You can bring your dog on most trails in Desolation Wilderness!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac and can these campsites can serve as a staging ground for backpacking trips into Desolation Wildernes...

Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf has been my favorite spot in all of Tahoe since I can remember. The beautiful shoreline sits right up against the base of Mt. Tallac with almost zero light pollution. It is one of my favorite spots to go and shoot the stars. There are tons of spots to pick from depending on what you are trying to put into your photo. Get out there and enjoy the peaceful water the stars reflect off of.

Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake

Lake Tahoe has so many beautiful and breath-taking places to visit, hike, camp, wander around, etc. and Fallen Leaf Lake is definitely one of them. It's free to visit and park too and it is an easy hike from the parking area to the lake. The lake is very tranquil and serene and for those who want a more secluded place than Lake Tahoe this is a perfect spot. It is very easy to relax here and ...

Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls

This amazing waterfall is right off the road near the Fallen Leaf Campground. Once you enter the campground keep driving straight just a bit further and you will see a pull off on the right hand side. Pull off here and you should see the cascading waterfalls between the trees. Park here, get your gear ready, and take a REALLY short walk to set up for the shot. If you are going to be here for a...

Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a tourist attraction filled with spectacular views and a plethora of wildlife. However, one species in particular has made a lasting impression on both locals and tourists - black bears. The area around Lake Tahoe is prime bear habitat and cities in the vicinity are seeing a rising bear population. Studies estimate there are up to 15,000 bears in the Lake Tahoe surrounding area. W...

Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It is important to note that there is no trail on the east side of the lake. The trail turns into a paved road when you reach the marina after passing the campground. Additionally, lots of small trails jut out from the main trail. Bring a map to familiarize yourself with the route.

Hike Mount Tallac

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Hike Mount Tallac Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake

Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake

Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake

Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls

Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe

Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

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