Lake Tahoe Hiking trails

There is no better way to experience the natural beauty Lake Tahoe has to offer than on foot.  From easy to strenuous, Lake Tahoe boasts some of the best hikes. Hikers will be rewarded with beautiful scenery, occasional glimpses of wildlife, and trails suited to different levels of ability.  See below for some of our favorite hikes and other hikes in the area.

Hiking at Northstar: Enjoy the sights and smells of nature while discovering the flora and fauna on Northstar® Resort’s mountain. Nature hikes at Northstar Resort can be as advanced or as leisurely as you make them. Scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking are offered at Northstar™ Resort during the summer and fall. Contact Northstar at 530.562.1010 for information on when the gondola is open.

According to The Tahoe Sierra, there are two Tahoe Rim Trail, Sand Harbor Overlook hikes that  "arguably contain the best views of Lake Tahoe."   Both hikes are about 24 miles to the Sand Harbor Overlook, a very long way for a day hike, but you can go as far as you want and turn back at the ideal halfway point as there are peaks & lakes and beautiful views of Lake Tahoe along the way.  To get to the first trail, go along Hwy 28 past Kings Beach & Incline Village along the east shore to Spooner Summit. Park opposite the Spooner Picnicking Rest Area (if you reach Hwy 50, you have gone too far). This trail will also get you to Martis Peak & Martis Lake which is a much more manageable 14.5 miles roundtrip, and also is one of Lake Tahoe's best views. To get to the second trail, go east on Hwy 28 from Hwy 267 toward Incline Village, but turn left onto Hwy 431 and drive up 6.5 miles to the trailhead for Ophir Creek Trail and the southbound Tahoe Rim Trail. For more details on these hikes, email us at info@laketahoemountainvacations.com and we will send you the information via email.

Truckee River Legacy Trail - Elevation 6200'
Beautiful flat trail located in Truckee Regional Park. Mileage one-way: 1/2 mile

The pathway along the Truckee River from Tahoe City that ends at The River Ranch at the entrance to Alpine Meadows is a popular biking & walking trail for families. To get to it, turn left at the Y in Tahoe City toward the west shore, then turn right into the parking area to the right after the Bridgetender. You will cross the bridge over the Truckee River and proceed on this trail. This is also where you can put in with rafts to float down the Truckee River, but make sure if you don't go with one of the river rafting companies to park an additional car in the lot just before The River Ranch.

Emigrant Trail - Elevation 6200'
Out and back to Stampede Lake located 3 miles north of Truckee on highway 89.
Mileage one-way: 18 miles

Martis Valley - Elevation 6200'
Beautiful trail in valley and along Martis Creek located on highway 267 on the way back to Truckee.
Mileage one-way: 4 miles (or more depending on loop variations)

Brockway Summit to Martis Peak  
Martis Peak Road is a 5 mile climb well worth the effort.
Drive north on Hwy. 267 from Kings Beach to Brockway Summit. Park 1/2 mi. past the summit on Forest Service Rd. 18N02.

Shirley Canyon - Elevation 6200' - 8200'
Mileage: 4 miles one way. Can ride the Squaw Cable car back down.

Loch Leven Lakes Trail - Elevation - 5680' - 6800'
Popular hike to five alpine lakes near Donner Summit.
Mileage one-way: 0.5 miles

Marlette Lake - Elevations 7000' - 8000'
Mileage one-way: 5 miles
Park at the Spooner Lake Trailhead, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, just north/west of the Highway 50/28 junction. A parking fee is charged. Dogs are allowed on leash.  A moderate five mile uphill hike leads you through picturesque North Canyon, lined with aspens, to Marlette Lake Dam.

North Rim Trail - Elevations 7000'-8600'
Mileage one-way: 5 miles to Marlette Lake  |  13 Miles to Tunnel Creek
Take Highway 50 east approximately ½ mile from the junction of Highway 50 and 28. Parking is located just beyond the summit along the north side of the highway.  This trail provides wonderful views of the Carson Valley as well as glimpses of Lake Tahoe along a forested trail. Just before Snow Peak, the trail forks. The left fork leads you down steep switchbacks to the road to Marlette Lake. The right fork eventually leads you to Tunnel Creek Road.

South Rim Trail - Elevations 7000' - 9150'
Mileage one-way:
2 miles to Duane Bliss Peak
3 miles to South Camp Peak
4 miles to Genoa Peak
12 miles to Hwy. 207 (Kingsbury Grade)

Mt. Rose - Elevation 8700' - 10778'
Mileage one-way: 6 miles

Take Highway 431 (Mt. Rose Hwy.) north of Incline Village. Park at the trailhead located one mile south of the summit.
Mt. Rose (10,778'), one of the highest peaks near Lake Tahoe, offers excellent views of the lake, the city of Reno and the surrounding area. Follow a dirt road for three miles through a Lodgepole cloaked forest interspersed with mule ears and sagebrush. In the spring, a lush meadow at the halfway point is filled with lupine, paintbrush and larkspur. The last two miles follow slippery switchbacks to the ridge line.

Hiking Tips

• Follow easily marked trails to avoid getting lost on the way back.
• Bring water and food to prevent dehydration and exhaustion.
• If you bring your pet on the trail, put it on a leash to minimize its impact on wildlife and other visitors.
• Observe common courtesy and follow trail regulations.
• The sun is stronger than you think in the mountains, so apply sunscreen and wear a protective hat or visor.