Eagle Lake Trail
South Lake Tahoe, California
Details
Distance
2.35 miles
Elevation Gain
571 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lindsay Cameron
Eagle Lake Trail is a roughly 2+ mile out-and-back trail that makes for a relatively quick hike that can be done with families & dogs.
The trailhead starts (and ends) by the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, and goes west. The trail is well-marked and composed of mostly granite steps.
Once you get to the lake, you can swim: it's cold but beautiful. If you keep following the path to the wooded areas (to the left), there are some good picnic areas and mushroom hunting opportunities (there are a bunch of morels in the woods if you go at the right time after rain; just make sure you don't find any false morels!).
You can hike longer if you want (around the lake) but the trail melds away into the scree and it can be hard to keep going. If you manage to scramble over the scree, there are some incredible granite walls you can rock climb. Beyond the walls/scree, you can see the incredible waterfall that feeds into the lake. Highly recommend it!
Parking can be a pain, so arrive early. The trail can also get crowded at times. There are facilities at the trailhead. A wilderness permit is required (also at the trailhead).
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Eagle Lake Trail Reviews
We did this hike because there was a wind advisory and couldn't paddleboard Emerald Bay. You can climb down to Eagle Lake, even dogs were climbing around. The lake itself wasn't as blue as I had hoped, but that might've just been because of the clouds.
4.0
A relatively short hike extremely popular with tourists. Parking can be very difficult so show up early. But the hike is fantastic, you're rarely without a great view. Some sections are steep but trail levels out quickly and staggers climbing. Enjoy!
4.0
Gradual elevation of this short 2.9km hike allowed us to enjoy the surroundings on the way up, not feeling out of breath. The clear path was easy to follow and the reveal of the lake was simple beautiful. Some great spots around the lake, so bring a picnic/snack and enjoy the area while the sun is out. The water is beautifully clear and there are a few rocks in the middle of the lake for you to swim to and sunbathe if the weather is right. Loved it, particularly being fresh into my second trimester and looking for an experience that wasn't too taxing.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead
Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop
Eagle Falls Vista Loop
Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall
Rock Climb at Eagle Lake Cliffs
Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay
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