Best Hiking Trails Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s north and west shore are known for their picturesque hiking trails with amazing views of the lake. The stunning, natural beauty of the mountains and streams provide many scenic hikes for outdoor enthusiasts.
Paige Meadows
One of the local’s favorite hiking areas is Paige Meadows, near Tahoe City on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. It offers a network of interconnected trails that wind through lush meadows, pine forests, and scenic vistas.
Paige Meadows consists of several trails that can be combined to create a customizable hiking experience. The main trails include the Five Lakes Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and the Paige Meadows Loop.
The Paige Meadows Loop is a popular 7-mile loop trail that takes you through the meadows and forests. It is a moderate hike, and showcases the area’s wildflowers, streams, and beautiful scenery.
Paige Meadows is known for its vibrant wildflowers, particularly during the spring and early summer months. You can expect to see colorful displays of lupine, Indian paintbrush, mule’s ears, and wild columbine.
Other Popular Hikes
Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake: This moderate 2-mile roundtrip hike starts at the Eagle Falls Picnic Area. The trail takes you past beautiful waterfalls and leads to Eagle Lake, nestled in a picturesque granite basin.
Rubicon Trail: The Rubicon Trail is a scenic 16-mile trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. You can choose to hike a shorter section of the trail, starting from D.L. Bliss State Park or Emerald Bay State Park. The trail offers breathtaking views of the lake and opportunities to access secluded beaches.
Vikingsholm Trail: This easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike starts at Emerald Bay State Park and takes you down to Vikingsholm, a stunning Scandinavian-style mansion on the shores of Emerald Bay. The trail offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.
Meeks Bay Trail: Located in Meeks Bay, this moderate 5-mile out-and-back trail provides scenic views of the lake and takes you through a beautiful forest. You can also access Meeks Creek Falls, a picturesque waterfall, along the way.
Five Lakes Trail: This moderately challenging 4.5-mile loop trail begins near Alpine Meadows and offers stunning views of five alpine lakes. The trail features wildflowers, meadows, and granite peaks, providing a quintessential Tahoe hiking experience.
Shirley Canyon Trail: Starting from Squaw Valley, this strenuous 4.5-mile trail takes you through a lush canyon with waterfalls, granite cliffs, and alpine scenery. The trail leads to Shirley Lake and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
With so many great hiking options to choose from, Lake Tahoe provides the perfect getaway for those drawn to the nation’s best mountain hikes.
Contact us today for more information about our available rentals. We also provide real estate services if you are thinking of buying or selling a home at Lake Tahoe.
