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From easy paved bike paths to challenging all-day climbs, Lake Tahoe hikes and trails offer something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're exploring North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, or the surrounding Lake Tahoe area, you'll discover breathtaking mountain views, scenic forests, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. While you could easily spend your entire vacation exploring Tahoe hiking trails, we’ve selected a few of our favorite hikes and places to explore to help you experience the best of the region. After a day on the trails, relax and recharge in a comfortable Lake Tahoe vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways.
Book your vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways and make the most of your Tahoe adventure.
Donner Peak Trail
The Donner Peak Trail begins where Donner Pass Road crosses the Pacific Crest Trail, approximately 0.4 miles past Old 40/Rainbow Bridge when traveling up Donner Pass Road from Donner Lake. Look for the parking area and buildings on the left. Parking is not permitted in the lot, but street parking is available nearby.
From the parking area, follow the road behind the lot to reach the Donner Peak Trailhead. You’ll see the Pacific Crest Trail zigzagging up the mountain to your left. Follow the trail for approximately 0.8 miles, continuing until you’re nearly underneath the ski chairlift. Look for a trail that makes a sharp left turn, almost like a U-turn.
Continue along this trail for another mile to reach Donner Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful mountain and surrounding-area views.
With its convenient location and scenic mountain setting, Donner Peak Trail is an excellent hiking option for guests staying in a Tahoe Donner vacation rental. The trail is also dog-friendly, so leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your adventure.
Planning a Tahoe getaway? Book your vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways and enjoy easy access to some of the area’s best hiking trails.
Eagle Rock Hike
Located along Highway 89, approximately 4.7 miles south of the traffic light in Tahoe City, Eagle Rock Trail is a short but rewarding hike with incredible views of Lake Tahoe. The roughly half-mile trail climbs about 200 vertical feet before reaching a spectacular overlook, making it a great option for visitors looking for a scenic and relatively quick Tahoe hike.
The trailhead can be found by searching “Eagle Rock Hiking Trail Homewood” on Google Maps. While the hike is short, the stunning views make it well worth the trip. It’s also a great activity for guests staying in lakeside vacation rentals near Lake Tahoe or vacation rentals in Tahoe Park, which are conveniently located nearby.
After your hike, enjoy a delicious brunch in Lake Tahoe and refuel before heading out to explore more of the area. Book your Tahoe vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways and enjoy easy access to some of the best hiking trails and outdoor adventures around Lake Tahoe.
Ellis Peak Trail & Ellis Lake
Looking for a challenging Lake Tahoe hike with incredible views? Ellis Peak Trail is a 6.9-mile out-and-back trail featuring steep, rocky terrain and access to the Tahoe Rim Trail. The rewarding climb offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.
From Tahoe City, take Highway 89 south and turn onto Barker Pass Road at the Kaspian Recreation Area sign. The paved, single-lane road takes about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead. The Ellis Peak Trailhead is signed and located on the left where the road turns to gravel, just before the Tahoe Rim Trailhead.
Located a short drive from Tahoe Park vacation rentals, Ellis Peak Trail is a great summer adventure. Book your Lake Tahoe vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways and explore the best hiking trails in the area.
Five Lakes Trail
Considered one of the best short hikes in California, Five Lakes Trail is a 2.5-mile hike with approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain into the Granite Chief Wilderness. Located in Alpine Meadows, the trail leads to five scenic alpine lakes surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
The trailhead is located near the corner of Alpine Meadows Road and Upper Deer Park Drive. Search “Five Lakes Trail” on Google Maps for directions. With incredible views and a rewarding climb, this is a perfect short hike for a quick Lake Tahoe getaway.
Lola Montez Lakes Trail
Lower Lola Montez Lake is a classic High Sierra lake nestled in a forested granite basin, with boulders perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or taking a swim. The moderate 6–7-mile out-and-back hike gains about 700 feet of elevation, and leashed dogs are welcome.
The trailhead is accessed from the I-80 Soda Springs exit. Head north after exiting the freeway, then take the road east past the fire station. The road ends after about a quarter mile. Check local signs for parking restrictions and look for the marked trailhead on the north side of the road.
The trail winds through shaded forest, gravel roads, and more challenging terrain before descending to the lake. Once you arrive, enjoy a picnic among the trees and granite boulders surrounding the water. The trail also connects to the popular Hole in the Ground route and is shared with mountain bikers.
For an added bit of local history, learn about the fascinating story behind Lola Montez and the lakes that bear her name. Find out more about Lola Montez’s fascinating story HERE.
Mount Rose Summit Trail
The Mount Rose Summit Trail is a strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike that climbs nearly 2,000 feet to one of the highest peaks near Lake Tahoe. The challenging ascent rewards hikers with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Reno.
The first three miles wind through forests of lodgepole pine, mule ears, and sagebrush, while a meadow along the way features colorful lupine, paintbrush, and larkspur. The final two miles follow steep, rocky switchbacks to the ridgeline and summit.
To reach the trailhead, take Highway 431 (Mount Rose Highway) north from Incline Village. Park at the lot at the summit on the left when coming from Incline Village. The trailhead is located behind the bathrooms, toward the lake.
For adventurous travelers, Mount Rose is a rewarding hike and a great reason to stay in a North Lake Tahoe cabin rental.
Shirley Canyon Trail
The Shirley Canyon Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous, rewarding hike from the base of Palisades Tahoe to High Camp. The trail follows Squaw Creek through clear pools, rushing waterfalls, and beautiful alpine scenery before climbing nearly 2,000 feet over just under four miles.
Along the way, you’ll reach Shirley Lake, a refreshing spot for a swim on a warm summer day. From the lake, it’s a short climb to High Camp, where hikers can enjoy a restaurant, bar, and a complimentary tram ride back down.
Prefer an easier way to experience the scenery? Take the tram to High Camp and explore the trails and views from there. The Shirley Canyon Trailhead is located at the end of Squaw Peak Road.
With Olympic Valley vacation rentals just a short drive from Palisades Tahoe, this is a great hike to add to your Lake Tahoe summer getaway. Book your vacation rental with Tahoe Getaways and enjoy easy access to Shirley Canyon and other nearby hiking trails.
Truckee River Legacy Trail
The Truckee River Legacy Trail follows the south side of the Truckee River, offering scenic views and easy access to Truckee River Regional Park and Riverview Sports Park. The paved trail has also been extended to Glenshire Drive via a bridge over Martis Creek, with future plans to connect farther west toward Donner Memorial State Park.
Popular with bikers, runners, dog walkers, and families, this easygoing trail is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during a Lake Tahoe getaway. After your walk or bike ride, continue your adventure by exploring some of the area’s dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe.
No matter your interests—be it hiking, brunching, or attending local events like the Made in Tahoe Festival—Lake Tahoe is packed with options that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re enjoying Thanksgiving in Tahoe, Tahoe Fall festival, or planning summer activities, there’s always something happening on the Lake Tahoe events calender.
Parking Trail and Access:
The Truckee River Legacy Trail currently runs between Truckee River Regional Park and the Glenshire Trailhead. The Glenshire Trailhead is located just before the Glenshire neighborhood on Glenshire Drive, approximately four miles east of Donner Pass Road.
The trail follows the Truckee River for about 4.7 miles, with connections to Riverview Sports Park and Ranch Way. Overall, the paved trail is easy and suitable for all ages. There is one steeper section near the Glenshire Trailhead, where the trail descends toward the river, which may feel more challenging on the return.
Dog Friendly:
The trail is dog-friendly, making it a great option for visitors exploring Truckee with their pets. Dogs should be kept under control at all times, and multiple pet-waste stations along the trail make cleanup convenient.
Elizabethtown Meadows Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike near Truckee with beautiful fall colors, Elizabethtown Meadows Trail is a local favorite. This scenic trail is known for its wide-open meadow views and golden aspen groves that come alive each autumn. With minimal elevation gain and mostly flat terrain, it’s a great choice for families, beginner hikers, or anyone looking for a relaxing walk surrounded by nature.
The trail winds through peaceful meadows with plenty of opportunities to take photos, watch for wildlife, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s an easy outing before lunch in downtown Truckee and a great option for guests staying in a Tahoe Donner or Truckee vacation rental.
Trail Details
- Trail Type: Easy out-and-back
- Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal; mostly flat
- Best Time to Visit: September through October for fall colors
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on leash
- Parking: Small trailhead parking area off Highway 89 north of Truckee; check signage for access
After your hike, grab a bite at a local Truckee café or take a scenic drive through the nearby Tahoe National Forest for even more spectacular fall foliage.