5 North Tahoe / East Shore Hikes

October Blog, 2021.  With most of the forest still shut down due to fire danger on Lake Tahoe’s South and West shores, many are looking for places to get outside and hike this fall before the wintertime takes over in the basin.  There are 5 North Tahoe hike you may want to check out for the snow falls!

Public affairs specialist for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Lisa Herron, said that even though it’s disappointing to not be able to hike our favorite South and West shore trails, the 5 North Tahoe hikes still hold plenty of adventure for any level hiker.

Herron suggested many local favorites, including the easy East Shore Trail, which takes hikers in a 2.6-mile point-to-point trip starting at the Tunnel Creek Cafe, and ending at Sand Harbor State Park. The easy terrain and short distance makes the trail easy for anyone looking to walk with their dog or take their family out for a day at the beach.

Below is the list of 5 North Tahoe hikes that have been compiled from easiest to hardest, with the hardest being a part of the Tahoe Rim Trail and ranging almost 26 miles. Also, there’s a bonus for mountain bike lovers.

North Tahoe Trail Name: Spooner Lake Trail

Type and Length: 2.5-mile loop trail

Location: Near Glenbrook, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, leash mandatory

Difficulty Level: Easy

Additional Information: A great scenic hike for families, especially with children. Also a great place for fishing. The main entrance and parking areas are currently closed for construction, but parking is available along Highway 28, about a half a mile northwest of the U.S. Highway 50 junction. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset.

North Tahoe Trail Name: Tahoe East Shore Trail

Type and Length: 2.6 mile point-to-point trail

Location: Near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, leash mandatory

Difficulty Level: Easy

Additional Information: The long-awaited Tahoe East Shore Trail offers amazing views and access to beautiful Hidden Beach. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Parking is available at the beginning of the trail, which is located on Tunnel Creek Road in Incline Village. Self paid parking is required. The trail ends at Sand Harbor.

North Tahoe Trail Name: Monkey Rock

Type and Length: 2.5-mile out and back trail

Location: Near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, leash mandatory

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Additional Information: About a mile up Tunnel Creek Road, the Monkey Rock trail offers epic views and an amazing granite boulder at the top that looks just like a monkey. Self-pay parking is required here as well, and the intensity is taken up a notch from the East Shore Trail. Bring lots of water, and be prepared for a few steep inclines.

North Tahoe Trail Name: The Flume Trail (Bonus, big for Mountain Biking)

Type and Length: 12.8-mile point-to-point trail

Location: Near Glenbrook, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, leash mandatory

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Additional Information: Described as moderately difficult, the Flume Trail Mountain Bike ride traverses above several steep sections and could be scary for those who are not a fan of heights. Located only a half a mile away from the shoreline, hikers or riders can stop and take in the breathtaking views, and then enjoy a nice meal at Tunnel Creek Cafe.

North Tahoe Trail Name: Mount Rose Trail

Type and Length: 10.7-mile loop trail

Location: Near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, and horses

Difficulty Level: Hard

Additional Information: With an elevation of up to 10,776 feet, hikes can take on the challenge of making their way up the third tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin. With a variety of changing leaves and winding creeks, the beautiful views of Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and even Donner Lake are all able to be viewed from this trail. Parking along Mt. Rose Hwy (SR 431) is available for free. When heading to the Mt. Rose Trail, turn right at the Big Meadow Trail Junction to get all the way to the top.

North Tahoe Trail Name: Tahoe Rim Trail, Mt. Rose Summit to Spooner Lake

Type and Length: 25.4-mile point to point trail

Location: Near Reno, Nevada

Dog Friendly: Yes, leash mandatory

Difficulty Level: Hard, Experienced only

Additional Information: This trail is suggested for experienced hikers only, as it is the most difficult trail in this list. As a part of the Tahoe Rim Trail, this 25-mile hike takes hikers along the ridge line above the east shore of Lake Tahoe. The terrain is not incredibly difficult, but the trail is long and dry, so hikers should remember plenty of water. Remember when doing this trail to leave a car at the site you will end at in order to get back home in good time. If you start at Mount Rose Summit, you will come out at the Spooner North Trailhead at the north side of U.S. 50, about a half a mile away from the Highway 28 intersection.

For more additional information on any of these hikes or different hikes in the Lake Tahoe greater area check out AllTrails.  AllTrails is a fitness and travel mobile app used in outdoor recreational activities. AllTrails is commonly used for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing and snow sports. The service allows users to access a database of trail maps, which includes crowdsourced reviews and images.

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