Best Hiking Trails North Lake Tahoe

September 25, 2023 by trudilee

North Lake Tahoe offers a variety of stunning hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. In the early summer, wildflowers abound, while autumn provides colorful foliage hues of red, yellow and orange.

No matter the season, below are some of the best hiking trails in the North Lake Tahoe area:

Tahoe Rim Trail:

Length: Approximately 165 miles (loop trail)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Highlights: This long-distance trail circles Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hikers can choose shorter segments or thru-hike the entire trail.

Mount Rose Trail:

Length: Approximately 10.6 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Highlights: The trail leads to the summit of Mount Rose, the highest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin. On a clear day, you can see Lake Tahoe, Reno, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada range from the top.

Flume Trail:

Length: Approximately 13 miles (one way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: This trail provides some of the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe. It follows a historic logging flume route and offers stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Eagle Lake Trail:

Length: Approximately 2 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Highlights: This family-friendly trail is short but rewarding. It leads to beautiful Eagle Lake, nestled in the Desolation Wilderness. It's a great option for a quick hike and a swim.

Shirley Canyon Trail:

Length: Approximately 4.2 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: This trail takes you through Shirley Canyon and offers views of several waterfalls, including Shirley Lake Falls. The trailhead is located at the Squaw Valley Resort.

Donner Pass Trail:

Length: Varies (multiple trails in the area)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Highlights: The Donner Pass area has numerous trails that offer a mix of historical significance and natural beauty. Explore trails around Donner Lake and visit the Donner Memorial State Park.

Martis Peak Trail:

Length: Approximately 8 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: This trail provides scenic views of Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and the surrounding forests. It's especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change color.

Five Lakes Trail:

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles (round trip)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: As the name suggests, this trail leads to a series of five picturesque alpine lakes. It's a relatively short hike with stunning views.

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