5 Easy Hikes in Lake Tahoe You Can’t Miss
Hikes That Won't Take up the Whole Day
Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic destinations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, welcoming visitors year-round to enjoy the crystal blue waters of the lake topped with incredible mountain views. Hiking is a popular activity in this gorgeous locale, but not everyone has the stamina to go on an hours-long trek up steep hills and mountainsides.
Whether you’re a beginning hiker looking for easier trails or someone with limited athletic skills, we’ve gathered our five of our favorite short hikes (under two miles) that won’t sap all of your time and energy while still allowing you to enjoy the gorgeous natural landscape of the Tahoe area.
#1: Eagle Lake Trail - 1.9mi
Many hikers are on the hunt for trails that offer unbelievable sights, and the Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail will not disappoint anyone looking for incredible views. Located just off of Highway 89 in Desolation Wilderness, this 1.9mi trail begins at the Eagle Falls Trailhead, where you’ll need to pick up a wilderness permit if you’re hoping to hike to the lake.
From there, your journey will take you about a quarter mile, where you’ll encounter a set of steep (and often slick) stone steps that will lead directly to Eagle Falls. You can choose to turn around here, but we highly recommend continuing on to the lake this trail is named after, where you’ll get the opportunity to take a cool dip in the glacial waters of Eagle Lake. Be sure to get to this trail early in the day and bringing a bit of cash to ensure that you snag a parking spot, as the lot below the trailhead tends to fill up quite quickly.
#2: Cascade Falls Trail -1.4mi
For hikers not looking to spend their time trekking up steep trails like Eagle Lake, Cascade Falls Trail is a wonderful alternative that still offers unbeatable panoramas of Lake Tahoe and the titular Cascade Falls. This 1.4mi hike is located within Emerald Bay State Park, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, and will only take you about 40 minutes to complete. Although the elevation change on this trail is minimal, we recommend wearing a good set of hiking shoes because it is rocky in certain areas.
Once you reach the top of the falls, there are plenty of pools to cool your feet in as you watch the water rush through. If you’re hoping to catch the falls at their peak, springtime and early summer are the best times to visit this trail. Again, parking fills up quite quickly, so ensure you arrive early to get a spot.
#3: Vikingsholm Trail - 1.7mi
Another short hike in Emerald Bay State Park that won’t take an entire afternoon is the Vikingsholm Trail, which offers something special to visitors: the opportunity to tour Vikingsholm Castle, an authentic replica of a Viking-era castle that is something of a local landmark in the Lake Tahoe area.
Starting from the parking lot, your trek will take you down about 400 feet in elevation as you approach the castle and Emerald Bay Beach, offering stunning views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island on the way down. This trail is partially paved, making it an easier journey for beginner hikers whose footing is a bit unsure on rock and gravel.
#4: Lake of the Sky Trail - 1.9mi
If you’re both a nature enthusiast and a history buff, Lake of the Sky Trail is a perfect option for your next Lake Tahoe hike. This 1.9mi partially-paved loop starts from the Taylor Creek Boardwalk, which offers visitors a peak into the local ecology of Taylor Creek Marsh, before taking you on a walking adventure to Tallac Historic Site.
We recommend this spot for anyone interested in the history of the Lake Tahoe area. For hikers not looking to challenge themselves too much with a long steep hike, Lake of the Sky Trail is an easy stroll that provides unbeatable views as well as a glimpse into the history of the area.
#5: Angora Lakes Trail - 1.2mi
Hikers on the lookout for short trails with some of the best views will fall in love with the Angora Lakes Trail, an out-and-back loop that has two gorgeous lakes for visitors to enjoy, including one that is a popular spot for cliff-jumping during the warmer summer months. Although the hike to the lookout is quite short (0.6mi), it is quite a steep uphill jaunt, so be prepared if you’re a hiker with limited stamina. The views at the end are worth the trek, however, as you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of Fallen Leaf Lake and Mt. Tallac. If you’d rather not hike, this area is also accessible by car during the early summertime. Be sure to bring $10 for parking regardless of how you plan to enjoy the Angora Lakes Trail.
More Fun in the Lake Tahoe Area
Summertime in our Lake Tahoe vacation rentals is unbeatable. From incredible hikes to overflowing waterfalls to an abundance of water activities, there are fun things to do for just about every personality and skill level in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. If you’re hoping to enjoy even more fun while you’re visiting, we recommend looking over our list of offbeat activities in the area or taking some time to peruse our favorite local eats to get your grub on.