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Tahoe Vista, California

Looking for the best hiking in Tahoe Vista? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tahoe Vista. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Tahoe Vista

  • Truckee, California

    Hike the Truckee Tunnels

    5.0
    To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 95 ft gain
    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Carson City, Nevada.
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...
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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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  • 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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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Camp at Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Summit Castle Peak

    4.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...
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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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  • Zephyr Cove, Nevada

    Castle Rock Loop

    5.0
    2.84 mi / 630 ft gain
    This hike is located near Stateline, Nevada. The trail joins the Tahoe Rim Trail for part of the hike. Be aware that there will be snow on the trail from November - late May, early June depending on snowfall. Bring snowshoes / appropriate boots if you wish to use the trail in the winter. Experien...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Castle Rock via Tahoe Rim Trail

    5.0
    1.79 mi / 407 ft gain
    Castle Rock via Tahoe Rim Trail (The Bench) is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Zephyr Cove, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Hunter Creek Trail

    3.0
    6.43 mi / 1362 ft gain
    Just outside of Reno find a fun little hike through the hills along a creek, ending at a beautiful waterfall.  The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow with two creek crossings.  It is mostly a moderate but steady climb on the way out, with just a few steep spots. The parking lot has ...
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  • Stateline, Nevada

    Hike the Lam Watah Trail

    5.0
    2.2 mi / 85 ft gain
    Lam Watah Trail is a 2.2 mile out and back hike, that will take you through Lam Watah meadows and ends at Nevada Beach. I did the hike in December and although the best time to do it is May through October, I think it had more charm during the winter time.  The trail head begins from the parking ...
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  • Stateline, Nevada

    Stroll through Rabe Meadows

    1.5 mi
    Rabe Meadows is a tranquil and peaceful stroll next to Burke Creek as it flows to Lake Tahoe and Nevada Beach State Park. Very easy 1.5 mile paved trail. Perfect when there isn't any snow and a short easy hike is in need. Take in the scenery and peacefulness and be happy to be outside. 
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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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  • Reno, Nevada

    West Plateau Loop

    3.0
    3.15 mi / 312 ft gain
    West Plateau Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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