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Homewood, California

Homewood, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The Quail Lake Trail is a must-visit, with its scenic views of Quail Lake and the surrounding mountains. This moderate difficulty trail offers hikers a chance to see wildlife and is best used from April until October. Another top trail is the Ellis Peak Trail, which provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness. This trail is rated as difficult and is best used from June until October. In addition to hiking, Homewood also offers activities like fishing in the numerous rivers and lakes, and skiing at the Homewood Mountain Resort. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities available in and near Homewood.

Top Spots in and near Homewood

  • Homewood, California

    Eagle Rock

    4.0
    0.84 mi / 105 ft gain
    Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
    The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

    This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Paddle Commons Beach

    5.0
    Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes

    6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    This hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 505 ft gain
    The Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the  follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Rubicon Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.  You can start at either point.  I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle.  Also, there is more available parking at Bliss.  Park your c...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach

    A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

    3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
    Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail

    7.21 mi / 1424 ft gain
    D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Boulder at D.L. Bliss State Park

    This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session i...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Thunder Mountain Trail

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Squaw may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain T...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail

    3.6 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash. 
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Emerald Bay

    4.3
    1.84 mi / 358 ft gain
    The View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take the quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspecti...
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Camping and Lodging in Homewood

Kaspian Campground
Homewood, California

Kaspian Campground

William Kent Campground
Tahoe City, California

William Kent Campground

Loon Lake
Ice House Road

Loon Lake

Goose Meadows
Truckee, California

Goose Meadows

Fallen Leaf Campground
South Lake Tahoe, California

Fallen Leaf Campground

Zephyr Cove RV and Campground
Glenbrook, Nevada

Zephyr Cove RV and Campground

From $50 / night

Guides, Insights and Stories from Homewood

Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

Kyle Reader

Why You Should Hike Tahoe's Mount Tallac

Why You Should Hike Tahoe's Mount Tallac

The Outbound Collective

Home Sweet...Hut

Home Sweet...Hut

Clif Bar

Lake Tahoe's Least Crowded and Most Photogenic Campsite

Lake Tahoe's Least Crowded and Most Photogenic Campsite

Suzie Dundas

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

The Desolation Wilderness Mindset

Morgan Woodhouse

These 10 Photos Will Convince You to Visit Tahoe's Zephyr Cove

These 10 Photos Will Convince You to Visit Tahoe's Zephyr Cove

The Outbound Collective