Top Trails: Lake Tahoe. Mike White

Mount Lola and White Rock Lake

      Follow the course of a delightful stream up a scenic canyon to a climb of the highest peak in the Sierra between the Tahoe Basin and Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you’ll have a superb 360-degree view of the northern Sierra. A 2-mile extension drops from Mount Lola to the shores of picturesque White Rock Lake.

      TRAIL 2

      Hike, Run, Bike, Horses, Dogs Allowed, Child Friendly

      5.0 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Sagehen Creek

      Stroll down an easy trail, alongside verdant streamside foliage that lines Sagehen Creek, to the southeastern arm of Stampede Reservoir. A variety of wildflowers adds splashes of vibrant color in summer, and the autumn foliage is a visual treat as well.

      TRAIL 3

      Hike, Horses, Dogs Allowed

      4.0–15.0 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Summit Lake, Frog Lake Overlook, and Warren Lake

      This hike has something for everyone: an easy short hike to the forested shore of Summit Lake, a moderate hike to a fine vista atop Frog Lake Overlook, and a strenuous trip to remote Warren Lake. The alpine scenery between Frog Lake Overlook and Warren Lake is outstanding.

      TRAIL 4

      Hike, Dogs Allowed

      9.6 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Castle Peak

      Peak baggers looking for a challenge will be well rewarded with an ascent of 9,103-foot Castle Peak. Though there is no official trail all the way to the top, a boot-beaten path from the Pacific Crest Trail at Castle Pass to the summit is easy to follow. Successful summiteers will be rewarded with a far-ranging view of the northern Sierra.

      TRAIL 5

      Hike, Run, Bike, Horses, Dogs Allowed, Child Friendly

      9.6 miles, Loop

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Castle Valley, Round Valley, and Andesite Peak

      Two scenic valleys and a trip to the summit of Andesite Peak provide plenty of diverse scenery along this loop for a wide range of recreationists. Additional bonuses include a visit to rustic Peter Grubb Hut and wildlife viewing around Castle and Round Valleys.

      TRAIL 6

      Hike, Run, Bike, Horses, Dogs Allowed

      8.0 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Loch Leven Lakes

      Three picturesque lakes are cradled in the Loch Leven Lakes basin, and a mile-long side trip to Salmon Lake adds an optional visit to a fourth lake. At a lower elevation than most Tahoe-area lakes, the Loch Leven Lakes provide not only an early-season opportunity for hikers itching to get out on the trail but also relatively warm opportunities for swimming.

      TRAIL 7

      Hike, Run, Horses, Dogs Allowed, Child Friendly

      4.6 miles, Loop

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Mount Judah Loop

      Hikers, runners, and equestrians would be hard pressed to find a shorter and less difficult trail in the Tahoe Sierra that affords such impressive views. Don’t expect much solitude or any water along this route, which initially follows a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail.

      TRAIL 8

      Hike, Horses

      15.0 miles, Point-to-point

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Pacific Crest Trail: Donner Pass to Squaw Valley

      One incredible view after another awaits travelers on this section of the Pacific Crest Trail, which lives up to its name for a several-mile course along the crest of the Tahoe Sierra. Though you’ll see plenty of people along the beginning and end of this route, the middle section should provide ample solitude.

      TRAIL 9

      Hike

      2.5–10.2 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Granite Chief

      Whether you plan on making the strenuous climb all the way from the floor of Squaw Valley or enjoying the ride in the cable car partway up the mountain, the awesome view from 9,006-foot Granite Chief is still the same—extraordinary.

      TRAIL 10

      Hike, Run, Dogs Allowed

      4.0 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Five Lakes Basin

      A stiff, nearly 2-mile climb leads from the base of Alpine Meadows, across mostly open terrain with fine views, to a forested basin holding five delightful lakes within the Granite Chief Wilderness. The relatively short hike in combination with the pleasant setting around the lakes provides hikers with fine opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

      TRAIL 11

      Hike, Run, Bike, Horses, Dogs Allowed

      11.4 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Tahoe Rim Trail: Tahoe City to Truckee River Canyon Viewpoint

      A steady climb from Tahoe City leads recreationists along the Tahoe Rim Trail to a pair of scenic viewpoints, the first of the Lake Tahoe Basin and the second of the Truckee River Canyon.

      TRAIL 12

      Hike, Run, Dogs Allowed

      10.0 miles, Out-and-back

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Mount Rose

      A maintained trail leads to the summit of the Tahoe Basin’s third-highest peak, where you’ll see excellent views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee Meadows. Along Galena Creek you’ll experience a stunning waterfall and a brilliant seasonal wildflower display.

      TRAIL 13

      Hike, Run, Dogs Allowed

      18.0 miles, Point-to-point

      Difficulty: 1 2 3 4 5

       Rim to Reno Trail

      Newly constructed by volunteers from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, this shuttle trip travels through the upper elevations of the Carson Range for several miles before dropping into Thomas Creek Canyon, offering fine views along the way.

      TRAIL 14

      Hike, Handicapped Accessible (Interpretive Loop Trail), Dogs Allowed (on leash), Child Friendly