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Kings Beach, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Kings Beach, California, include the top-rated Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim Trail. This 20-mile loop provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada range, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate scenic beauty. The trail is moderately challenging, with sections of steep inclines and rocky terrain. Along the way, you will pass through dense forests, open meadows, and cross several creeks. Another outdoor adventure is paddleboarding at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. The calm, clear waters of Lake Tahoe make it an ideal spot for this activity. Nearby, the Old Brockway Golf Course offers a different kind of outdoor fun with its 9-hole layout. Remember to pack your hiking boots and paddleboard and get ready for some of the best outdoor adventures in California.

Top Spots in and near Kings Beach

  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    8.66 mi / 1919 ft gain
    The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

    4.8
    5.29 mi / 725 ft gain
    Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    7.96 mi / 1496 ft gain
    Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    11 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Cliff Jumping Paradise

    4.5
    If you choose to go cliff jumping, be safe and know your limits ahead of time. Don't feel like the big jump is your only option, there are lower jumps, especially across from the beach (only about 15ft. high). Angora Lake in Lake Tahoe is a easy 1mi hike up, but well worth it at the top. It's a b...
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  • Sparks, Nevada

    Sparks Marina Loop

    3.0
    1.94 mi / 30 ft gain
    Sparks Marina Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.
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  • Sparks, Nevada

    Stand-Up Paddleboard at the Sparks Marina

    5.0
    The Sparks Marina, just minutes from downtown Reno, is a convenient and fun place to learn how to SUP or to spend an afternoon out on the lake. The Sparks Marina Park has ample parking and several places to put in, but there are also numerous others around the marina, including a lovely inlet on ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Bike to Star Lake

    5.0
    21 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Start out at the top of Corral Loop, in South Lake Tahoe, and begin the climb up Armstrong Pass. After the 4 mile ride up, you reach the split to either Mr. Toads or Star Lake. Continue another 2.5 miles up the steep and sandy climb to the saddle just below Freel Peak, the tallest peak in the bas...
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  • Twin Bridges, California

    Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    Mount Price (9,975') is the second highest summit in the Desolation Wilderness, standing just eight feet lower than Pyramid Peak to the south. In between these two peaks stands Mount Agassiz (9,967'), whose overhanging summit resembles a granite wave poised to crash down into the Desolation Vall...
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  • Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead, California

    Loch Leven Lakes Trail

    4.4
    7.6 mi / 1480 ft gain
    The trail is easy to follow for the first half mile until you get to some large slabs of granite. As you continue up the trail look for stacked rocks, these will give you a an easy route as you continue up the mountain. The trail then starts to switch back eventually leading to a small bridge. Af...
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  • Emigrant Gap, California

    Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail

    5.0
    6.41 mi / 1522 ft gain
    Loch Leven Viewpoint Trail is an out-and-back trail to a viewpoint of the Loch Leven Lakes that is moderately difficult located near Truckee, California. This trail is just under 6.5 miles. If you're willing to add a little more than a mile to your adventure, you can head all the way to Upper Loc...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit

    3.5 mi / 1900 ft gain
    For this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Backpack to the "Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness

    4.7
    10.5 mi / 1522 ft gain
    Although this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    3.7
    Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Ski Ralston Peak

    5.0
    Ralston Peak is a classic south Lake Tahoe backcountry skiing and snowboarding area, and is excellent for hiking in the summer, too. Please note, however, that backcountry skiing and snowboarding is dangerous – make sure you know the conditions and have avalanche equipment.There are two main appr...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe to Ralston Peak

    5.0
    This loop is best accomplished in 2 days, spending a night at either Ralston, Tamarack, or Cagwin Lake. Although this route is similar to hiking Ralston Peak in the summer, the trails are completely covered by snow so solid navigation skills are necessary. A map is required to find the best possi...
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