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 every taste and ability.  Here are just some of our favorites.

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

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. Learn more about hiking in Martis Valley
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 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

• Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment, no matter how short the hike.
• 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.
• Remember to practice minimum impact camping and pack out what you pack in.

WARNING: Mountain biking, hiking and other recreational activities involve inherent and other risks of injury and death. Trail conditions vary constantly because of weather, changes and biker/hiker use. Variations in terrain, stumps, forest growth, rocks and debris, (All of which may be hidden by tall grass or vegetation). You must assume the risks of personal injury and death related to participation in recreational activities.