Angora Lakes – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

Upper Angora Lake

Up an easy 1/2 mile hill climb, you’ll find Angora Lake, a one-of-a-kind Tahoe gem tucked into a glacially carved bowl with two cliffs framing it. At an elevation of 7,450 feet, you’ll have a hard time finding this anywhere else. The trail up is usually pretty easily managed by small children, and not too steep. At the first of the two lakes, you’ll find absolutely unmatched, pristine beauty and an amazing place to swim or picnic. Older kids will have fun jumping off the cliffs and into the lake. A sandy strip of beach at the north end of the lake provides an excellent spot for soaking up the sun. There’s even a small store open in the summer that sells ice cream, sandwiches, treats, and famous fresh squeezed lemonade that’s worth the trip up on its own.

The Angora Lakes Resort operates at the second lake, offering rental rowboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The upper lake is backed by a stunning wall of granite dotted with yellow bushes which reaches up to Angora Peak and Echo Peak. Whether or not you take pictures, you’ll never forget this view. Also at the second lake is a gift shop offering unusual items and books. It’s best to arrive early, as it can get crowded during the summer months. Even so, Angora Lakes are a great place for family time. Dogs are welcome on-leash, but are not allowed in the lake. The devastation of the Angora Fire of 2007 makes itself known on the drive up to the parking lot, but luckily, the beauty of the area around the lakes remains unmarred.

To get to Angora Lakes, take Highway 89 north 3 miles to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 (watch for bicyclists), turn right and continue past Angora Lookout to the parking lot at road’s end. Angora Lakes Resort is open mid-June through mid-September. To contact the resort, call (530) 541-2092 or visit their website – Angora Lakes Resort – for further information and cabin rentals at the lake.

If you’d like a more strenuous hike that leads to Angora Lakes as well, check out Clark Trail.

Hike to Angora Lake