What to do and see in Lake Tahoe (Nevada), Lake Tahoe (Nevada): The Best Hiking Trails

January 29, 2022 Nobuko Falco

With the bluest of blue water and the greenest of green surrounding forest, Lake Tahoe, quite simply, transfixes. From the early Indians to authors such as Mark Twain, folks have tried to capture the beauty and mystique of the lake with nicknames like "Big Blue" and "Grasshopper Soup." Others maintain that it's impossible to describe the magnificence in words. At 6,225 feet above sea level, Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the United States and has long attracted vacationers from around the world. In the summer, hiking, windsurfing, golfing, fishing and swimming (usually in wet suits due to the lake's brisk year-round temperature) are all the rage. The winter season, which actually starts around Thanksgiving, brings throngs of skiers to area resorts. Located between California and Nevada, different sides of the lake tend to attract different types of visitors. The California side draws families and outdoor enthusiasts while the Nevada side beckons those looking for big name entertainment and casinos. No matter which side you choose, a getaway to stunning Lake Tahoe will not soon be forgotten.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (Nevada)

1. Tahoe Meadows Trail

Incline Village, NV +1 530-543-2600 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5112247
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

Tahoe Meadows Trail

This 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

2. Echo Lakes Hiking Trail

Johnson Pass Road, NV http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/null/recarea/
Excellent
85%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Echo Lakes Hiking Trail

This easy to moderate hiking trail passes Lower and Upper Echo Lakes as well as many other lakes.

3. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Incline Village, NV 89452 +1 775-831-0494 http://parks.nv.gov/parks/marlette-hobart-backcountry
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 228 reviews

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

A number of areas for visitors along Lake Tahoe, with the most popular being Sand Harbor.

Reviewed By G2055DWpatriciah - Denver, United States

We planned the tour at the beginning of our trip so we would have an idea of where we might want to return. The tour was more fun and informative than we ever imagined. It was literally one of the best parts of our trip! Jim was an amazing guide.

4. Mount Tallac/Glen Alpine Trail

NV
Excellent
71%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Mount Tallac/Glen Alpine Trail

Six-mile hiking trail that culminates in a breathtaking vista of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and High Sierra.

5. Horsetail Falls

NV
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Horsetail Falls

This moderate to difficult hiking trail provides scenic views of the mountain peaks and a magnificent waterfall. Caution is advised regarding the treacherously slippery rock slabs in the stream and near the falls.

Reviewed By TCWEDH - El Dorado Hills, United States

This is a great beginner hike at the beginning of spring when the snow starts to melt. Nice to eat a sandwich and watch the falls while soaking up some vitamin D!

6. Cascade Falls Trail

NV
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Cascade Falls Trail

This easy to moderate hiking trail offers a scenic view of Cascade Lake and Cascade Falls.

7. Logan Shoals Vista Trail

Highway 50 North of Cave Rock, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
Excellent
70%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Logan Shoals Vista Trail

8. Tahoe East Shore Trail

1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Tahoe East Shore Trail

Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States

We walked the trail in the evening and at that time the were only a few people on the trail. The view is amazing - as the trail is along the lake, most of the time. To find the trail head, you can search for Tunnel Creek Cafe. There are two large parking lots, off of Ponderosa Ranch road (yes, Bonanza). There are two trails - one that is up near the hills behind the Cafe and one you want that is paved, down from the cafe, next to the highway. There is a port-a-potty near the trail head. You walk along the road for a short time and then the trail leads you up the hill with the forest on the left and the highway/lake on the right. There are small pop outs all along the trail with quotes and explanations of the flora/fauna/etc of the area. After less than a mile, you walk through a tunnel to get to the other side of the highway where the trail continues. (There is also a bathroom there.) You walk on this part of the trail for almost 2 more miles and all along the way are paths that take you down to the lake with several little beaches. The walk is easy and paved and again, absolutely beautiful! We would definetly do this walk again.

9. Tahoe Vista Trail

NV +1 775-586-7000
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Tahoe Vista Trail

Scenic hiking trail where visitors can take a two-mile guided walk while learning about the wildlife and vegetation of the area.

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