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Hiking Trails of the South Shore
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The table below suggests several trails located around the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Information regarding distance and difficulty is provided below. Following the table are brief descriptions and an orientation map to the trailheads. A topographic map and compass are recommended.

Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment, no matter how short the hike. Backcountry users need to obtain a Wilderness Permit for any hike into Desolation Wilderness. Day hikers may obtain a permit at the self-service stations located at the trailheads. Overnight users must obtain a permit and pay fees in person from the Forest Service office or Visitor Center.

Three types of fees will be tested in the Desolation Wilderness:

  • a wilderness permit reservation fee ($5)
  • a overnight wilderness camping fee ($5/person/night w/3rd night free or $30 individual annual pass)
  • a parking fee at Eagle Falls Parking lot ($3/day/vehicle or $20/annual pass)

If you bring your pet on the trail, put it on a leash to minimize its impact on wildlife and other visitors. Observe common courtesy and follow trail regulations. Other hikers will appreciate your observance of minimum impact camping and packing out what you pack in. REMEMBER...open campfires are NOT allowed in Desolation Wilderness! Click here for a map of hiking trails.

TRAILS DIFFICULTY ELEVATION
Low/High
MILEAGE
(One Way)
1. Moraine Trail Easy 6360'/6410' 1 mile
2. Angora Lakes Trail Easy 7200'/7470' 0.5 mi. to Angora Lakes
3. Tallac Historic Site Easy Flat 0.3 mi. on Lake of the Sky Trail
4. Echo Lakes Trail Moderate 7420'/8430' 2.5 mi. to NW corner of Upper Echo, 4 mi.
to Tamarack, 5 mi. to Lucille and Margery,
5 mi. to Lake of the Woods, 6 mi. to Aloha
5. Glen Alpine Trail Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Strenuous
6560'/7240'
6560'/8120'
6560'/8150'
6560'/9735'
2 mi. to Grass Lake, 4 mi. to Susie,
5 mi. to Heather, 6 mi. to Aloha,
4.5 to Half Moon, 5.2 to Alta Morris,
6 mi. to Tallac
6. Clark Trail Strenuous 6420'/7470' 1.6 mi. to Upper Angora
7. Mt. Tallac Trail Strenuous 6480'/9735' 1.7 mi. to Floating Isle,
2.5 mi. to Cathedral, 5 mi. to Tallac

  1. MORAINE TRAIL:
    Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead.
  2. ANGORA LAKES TRAIL:
    An easy 1/2 mile hike leads to two lakes framed by cliffs. Swimming and fishing are popular activities. Summers are crowded, so arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
  3. TALLAC HISTORIC SITE:
    Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and summer homes of turn-of-the century Tahoe landowners. The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
  4. ECHO LAKES TRAIL:
    See a variety of alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. A longer hike leads you to one of the many lakes farther down the trail. A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. A wilderness permit is required.
  5. GLEN ALPINE TRAIL:
    Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, try the 2 mile hike to Grass Lake. Another hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three alpine lakes. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. If Mt. Tallac is your goal, the Glen Alpine Trail offers a more moderate approach. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. A wilderness permit is required.
  6. CLARK TRAIL:
    For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Parking is located at the Glen Alpine Trailhead described in the previous hike. From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead.
  7. MT. TALLAC TRAIL:
    Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located approximately 3-1/2 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required.

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