01
Best overall pick
Mount Tallac Trail
Near Fallen Leaf Lake • Strenuous Alpine Summit Hike • Iconic Challenge
The Mount Tallac Trail delivers one of the biggest view payoffs on the South Shore for hikers willing to put in a serious climb.
Expect a long, rocky ascent with steady elevation gain, patches of snow lingering early in the season, and exposed stretches near the top. On a clear day you’ll see much of Lake Tahoe laid out below, plus Desolation Wilderness peaks and scattered alpine lakes. Start early for cooler temperatures and easier parking, and treat this as a proper mountain day with plenty of water and layers.
02
Best lakeside route
Rubicon Trail (Emerald Bay Segment)
Emerald Bay State Park • Scenic Shoreline And Cliffside Trail • Classic Tahoe Views
The Rubicon Trail skirts the cliffs above Emerald Bay and the West Shore, offering nonstop lake views without extreme elevation gain.
This is a great choice if you want those postcard Tahoe vistas but prefer a moderate, rolling path over a lung-busting climb. The trail connects coves, rocky points, and pockets of pine forest, with frequent spots to stop, snack, and take in the color of the water. Go early or later in the day to avoid peak parking crunch around Emerald Bay.
03
Best short alpine hike
Eagle Lake via Eagle Falls Trail
Above Emerald Bay • Short, Steep Alpine Lake Hike • Quick Alpine Escape
The Eagle Lake Trail climbs quickly from a busy trailhead to a compact basin with granite walls and a classic high-country lake.
Though the mileage is modest, the trail gains elevation right away over stone steps and rocky singletrack, so expect to feel it. Once you crest the main climb, the lake makes an easy turnaround spot for a swim, picnic, or just a pause on the granite slabs. This is one of the most popular hikes on the South Shore, so a dawn start or weekday visit pays off.
04
Best easy waterfall walk
Cascade Falls Trail
Bayview Area Above Emerald Bay • Short Out-And-Back To Waterfall Overlook • Family-Friendly Waterfall Walk
The Cascade Falls Trail is a relatively easy route to a rocky perch overlooking a tumbling cascade and Cascade Lake below.
Rooted and rocky in spots but not overly steep, this trail is approachable for families and casual hikers who don’t mind stepping over granite and navigating some uneven ground. The falls themselves are more of a broad cascade than a single drop, but the combination of water, cliffs, and lake views feels distinctly Tahoe. Keep an eye on kids near the edges, as the viewpoint area is open and can be slick when wet.
05
Best for exploring Desolation Wilderness
Glen Alpine Trail
Back Of Fallen Leaf Lake • High-Country Wilderness Trail Network • High-Country Explorer's Pick
The Glen Alpine Trailhead opens up a web of routes past old resort ruins and waterfalls into the lake-dotted core of Desolation Wilderness.
From this single starting point you can tailor a day: a shorter walk to Glen Alpine Falls, a moderate push to Grass Lake, or a bigger outing toward Susie and Heather Lakes. The first stretch passes historic buildings and a creek before climbing into open granite and bigger views. Because you’re entering designated wilderness, go prepared with a map, sun protection, and enough time to enjoy the quieter side of South Lake Tahoe’s backcountry.