Location: South Lake Tahoe
Top Things to do in South Lake Tahoe
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Things to do in South Lake Tahoe, California (CA): The Best Hiking Trails
South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two
strikingly different worlds: The spectacular beauty of a national park, and all the desirable amenities of a world-class resort. Here you can enjoy a full range of exhilarating outdoor activities – from skiing and snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, sleigh rides and sledding to hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and golf - alongside the excitement of 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment.
Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe
1. Meeks Bay Trail
2. Grass Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
3. Rubicon Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By TravellingJan - San Carlos, United States
This is the most beautiful trail with gorgeous views of the turquoise water and interesting rocks, etc...We have to do this hike every time we come up to Tahoe. So incredible! And an easy hike too
4. Rubicon Peak
5. Rainbow Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
For an easier hike, this handicapped-accessible paved trail provides signs for a self-guided tour.
Reviewed By Christina1119 - New Orleans, United States
The short 1/2 mile walk takes you through different areas & sights. In parts you see the fish spawning & beaver damns. The Aspen Grove were in their foliage change. It leads you into an under ground area where you can view fish & Information about the habitats of the animals in the area. It connects to Taylor Creek which had many viewing areas to see lots of fish. Great walk and a nice area.
6. Mt. Tallac Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By j0hnstevens1 - Sacramento, United States
The US Forest Service map says it's 4.7 miles to the top of Mt. Tallac. In fact, it's about 5.7 miles so be prepared. It's a 3000' elevation gain through wooded forest at the lower levels, and across long rugged boulder fields at the higher elevations. The hike is tough, but the views are spectacular...of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and the mountains surrounding the Tahoe Basin. The first 2.7 miles takes you to small Cathedral Lake with a trail that's moderately steep and rocky in places. But once you leave Cathedral Lake the trail becomes very steep and rocky. 3/4 of a mile from the flat "saddle" along the Tallac ridge begins a harrowing hike across angular irregular boulders that requires good balance and steady feet. Good hiking boots are a must. At the saddle, the trail turns toward the top of the mountain which is several more hundred feet in elevation and roughly 1.1 miles further to "the post"...a signpost "Mt. Tallac" with an arrow pointing the way to the last .2 mile to the top...but the trail ends 200 yards below the top...you have to scramble over boulders without any trail to ascend to the very top. Check the weather, allow lots of time (some of the trail can be hiked at 25 minutes/mile, other sections may take nearly an hour a mile), and take plenty of water. It's tough by the payoff in views is spectacular.
7. Mt. Ralston Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By DenR88 - Los Angeles, United States
Permit box has been removed because of covid-19 so we just went ahead. Good training hike for Half Dome in Yosemite and Mt. Whitney due to the elevation and ascent. There's another slightly longer trail once you get about a mile from the Peak that veers out to the left. One time it was extremely windy at the top such that men were advising us not to go too near the edge as they felt we would be blown over the side. The same hike the next week had just perfect weather with lots of butterflies dancing in the slight breeze so be prepared. Bring sufficient water as there's no water source. Stunning 360 degree views of Lake Aloha, Fallen Leaf and Tahoe (?) while perched above the snowline. Saw two geocaches at the Peak, which was pretty neat.
8. Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
9. Vikingsholm Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By MinakoTR2014 - Buckeye, United States
My husband and I are almost 67 & 65 years old and in good physical condition but this was a hard hiking coming back to the parking lot. There was no restroom around the parking. We were told that there was a restroom down at the bay and it's only 1 mile hike, so we've decided to go down to see the bay, too. It was beautiful but the Vikingsholm house wasn't open till close to summer season. We also got to see some of the waterfalls. Worth every minute to go on this hiking trail but hiking back up was definitely a challenge. Even younger people in their 20' took as much time as we did hiking back.....so we didn't feel so bad. We saw some young couple carrying their toddlers going down and another one with a baby in a stroller. Not a good idea !!!!! I must say that it's more than a mile long, more like 1.5 mile with elevation although descending was very easy. BUT BE WARE OF HIKING BACK !
