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Hike Mount Tallac

South Lake Tahoe, California

4.9/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

9.5 miles

Elevation Gain

3255 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Smith

One of the more scenic and challenging hikes in the South Tahoe area with incredible views of the Desolation Wilderness and Lake Tahoe itself. Shorter but more intense than the Glen Alpine Trail/ Gilmore Lake. Tallac/ Rubicon is probably one of the best day hikes you can do.

The classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking lot. Be sure to register your day hike in the Desolation Wilderness area. Free permits are available at the trail sign, which must be filled out in full before proceeding on the trail. The route begins through light forest before heading up to a ridgeline which follows alongside the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake and provides some great views.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Scenic

Hike Mount Tallac Reviews

Pronounced: 'Tuh-Lak' Summary: ~5 miles out and same back; ~3,100 elevation gain Duration: <2.5 hours to peak (if fit, but much longer if not) When: hiked late summer to avoid snow Which: hiked main Tallac Trail, but other options include Glen Alpine (longer) and Middle Tallac (steeper and shorter) How: park at Mount Tallac Trailhead; fill out pass; start hike, which encounters loose rocks and climbs in earnest; go past two lakes and climb up rock headwall; at trail post, go right to Tallac (if you go left you are going down Glen Alpine Trail;) keeping right, scramble up rocks along bit of ledge and you will quickly reach summit, which is close to 10,000 feet and offers abundant views Pitfalls: bears may be encountered, which happened in my case; descent can be confusing, because you have scrambled to peak and retracing your path down can be difficult --- take precaution! Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Montbleu+Resort,+Casino+and+Spa,+Stateline,+NV/Mt+Tallac,+California+96150/@38.916075,-120.0889436,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x80999a82c3f76a5d:0x81982e3b96d3fe64!2m2!1d-119.9390089!2d38.9613058!1m5!1m1!1s0x8099889a8f72b719:0xc8beacc7f994119c!2m2!1d-120.0987966!2d38.9060188 Parking: ample early, but limited later Pass: required to carry Pets: sure, but puppies should not hike until grown Provisions: food and water (duh!) Equipment: hiking boots (c'mon;) poles offer more challenge than assistance (in my opinion;) backpack with mobile phone and perhaps safety supplies

Some of the best views I've ever seen

Awesome hike that took me 5 hours. From the the Mt. Tallac trailhead pick up a free permit then head along the trail with Fallen Leaf Lake on your left. You'll then hit two beautiful lakes: Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake. After Cathedral Lake you'll have some rocky and steep terrain that's very exposed, but the view is amazing! Once you get to the top you'll have a 360 view of beautiful Lake Tahoe!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake

Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls

Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake

Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake

Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe

Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail