Bayview Trail – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

Bayview Trail is a partial loop trip through Desolation Wilderness, and leads to Granite Lake, and then up Maggie’s Peak. This 4 to 5 mile long strenuous trail should only be attempted by experienced climbers, although you could always turn back once you make it up the gentle climb 1 mile to the cirque-bound Granite Lake. This trail is also great for horseback riding if you have the option, and there is a corral and watering facilities available for horses and the trailhead. The way up offers heart-stopping views of serene Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. Desolation’s backcountry is home to gorgeous wildflowers showing up in pretty bursts of orange and yellow hues. Nestled between Maggie’s Peaks, Granite Lake is a picturesque area providing swimming, fishing, a great picnic spot, and excellent views of high Sierra peaks. 

If you’re planning on continuing on after the lake, the trail continues steeply up the side of Maggie’s Peak via switchbacks for about a mile, then up a sparsely forested slope until you reach the summit boulders. About 2.7 miles along, the trail intersects with the Eagle Falls Trail. Although the route up South Maggie’s is straightforward, it is still a good idea to have a compass and map with you, and to know how to use them.

At the top of Maggie’s Peak, the views are absolutely stunning; definitely among the finest you’ll find in the entire Tahoe region, and it surely makes the climb 100% worth it. On the summit, you can see for miles – Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake to the east, Mt. Tallac looming in the south, and the Crystal Range in the west. You can also see beautiful rounded Cascade Canyon, showing the effects that glacial action had on forming the Sierra landscape. Take it all in (be sure to bring a camera, as this view should be bragged about properly) and then head back down, looking forward to the long downhill.

To get to the Bayview Trailhead, take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point, where parking is located at the far end of the campground.

Granite Lake Emerald Bay Tahoe weefunfun at EveryTrail

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Echo Lakes – Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails

The Echo Lakes trail is one where you can do pretty much whatever length hike you want – whether you’d like more of a leisurely 2.5 mile trip to the far end of Upper Echo, or a more strenuous 6 mile hike up to Lake Aloha. In fact, there are a variety of trails to other beautiful alpine lakes beyond Echo. You could also choose to take the 4 mile climb to Tamarack, 5 miles to Lucille and Margery, or 5 miles to secluded Lake of the Woods. This is a moderate hike, and mostly depends on how far you feel like going. Whatever you end up doing, you’re guaranteed to have amazing backcountry views the whole way. Another great sight that shouldn’t be missed if you’re doing this hike is the view of the entire Lake Tahoe Basin, which can be seen from an overlook about 500 yards from the start of the trail. You can find an excellent trail guide at the trailhead.

The trail is popular in both summer and winter, as the summer months lend perfect weather for a refreshing dip in one of the lakes, and in winter the road closes so you can cross-country ski or snowshoe. The trail is a moderately rocky, rolling trek that’s almost entirely shaded along the Tahoe Rim Trail towards Desolation Wilderness. Nestled in between some of the highest peaks in Lake Tahoe, the crystal clear waters of Echo Lake provide an encouraging sight.

In the summer months, the water taxi over Echo will cut 2 to 3 miles off your trip, which is perfect if you’re a little winded on your way back. The water taxi runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and more information about it can be found at the Echo Chalet Homepage, or by calling (530) 659-7207. Day-use Wilderness permits are available at the trailhead, and dogs are allowed off leash. To get to the Echo Lakes Trailhead, take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn on Johnson Pass Road; stay left and the road will take you to the parking area at Lower Echo Lake.

Lake Tahoe: Echo Lake to Aloha Lake and Beyond at EveryTrail

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Lake Tahoe Activities: Hiking Lake Tahoe

Getting out and hiking at Lake Tahoe is probably THE best way to really see and experience all of what Lake Tahoe is truly about. The myriad of hiking trails from easy and level strolls to ultra-strenuous “peak bagging” routes all lend themselves to all who come to Lake Tahoe. Dozens of trails beckon the Lake Tahoe hiker many of them located right here on the South Shore. It is very important for hikers to study their intended routes prior to starting out to make sure that their physical capabilities and time frames fit the hike. A majority of hikes out of the south shore area climb rapidly and can be steep, dry and hot. Carry plenty of water, sunscreen,a hat and sunglasses just to mention a few necessary items. Altitude sickness can come on strong for those having just arrived from sea level…again dink plenty of water and don’t “bite off more hike that you can chew”

Many of the hikes in the south shore area are in or near Desolation Wilderness and the “leave no trace” motto is king. Bring out more than you bring in and follow all rules relating to the wilderness experience. All Lake Tahoe hikers should refrain from taking any plants, animals or geological items home with them as almost everything you see on your hike is part of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem. Hikers must remain on developed trails to avoid not only long term environmental damage but possible personal injury as well.

We have culled some of the better hikes from over 100 that are available in the review section. These Lake Tahoe hikes range from very easy to very strenuous so a bit of background work will required by our readers to undertsand which hike(s) will be best suited for them

Enjoy the huge selection of hiking opportunities at Lake Tahoe and have a great time…just follow common sense and your will have a great experience.

Our Favorite Lake Tahoe Hikes and Hiking Areas:

Hope Valley/Carson River West Fork

Hundreds of miles of natural beauty and wilderness await you from the Hope Valley area. The area is to vast to name a particular hike but our favorite is the Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca hike with outrageous wildflowers from late June through mid August. Great fishing at the end of your hike!

California: Tahoe Region: Round Top & Winnemucca Lake

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Angora Lakes
Elevation 7,200-7,400
Easy

Crowded but oh so worth it! The Lemonade at Angora Lakes Resort at the end of the trail coupled with the beautiful swimming beaches make this easy hike one of the best at Lake Tahoe! Take Lake Tahoe Boulevard from the “Y” past the High School and just past Sawmill Pond take a right and go up Tahoe Moutain Road.  At the “T” make a quick right and then an immediate left. Proceed 150 yards to a “T” and make the left going downhill. Make a left onto Forest Road 12N14. Continue past one of the highlights of the drive to the trailhead the Angora fire lookout. The devastaing fire of 2007 is still very evident on your ride up to the Angora Lakes parking lot some 1/2 mile past the lookout.

Hike to Angora Lake

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Cascade Creek Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation 6,600-6,910
Mileage (One Way) 1 Mile

Tahoe Desolation Wilderness Cascade Falls

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Eagle Falls Trails
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
Elevation: 6,600-8,500
4 miles to Dicks,mUpper and Middle Velma, 5 miles to Fontanillis

Meek’s Bay to Eagle Falls Backpacking

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