Things to Do

Hikes & Trails

Paved lakeside paths, alpine summits and the legendary Flume Trail — Tahoe rewards every pair of legs.

Find Your Trail

Lake Tahoe's Best Hikes

From a stroller-friendly path along the East Shore to a thigh-burning climb up Mt. Rose, these are the standout trails — most of them on the quieter North and East side of the lake.

Tahoe East Shore Trail

Paved, mostly flat path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor with constant lake views — perfect for families, bikes and strollers.

Distance3 miles
DifficultyEasy
Elevation Gain~200 ft
SeasonYear-round

Chickadee Ridge

Easy walk through Tahoe Meadows famous for the chickadees that land on your hand — magical family hike, summer or snowshoe.

Distance~2 miles round trip
DifficultyEasy
Elevation Gain~300 ft
SeasonSummer or snowshoe

Monkey Rock

Short, steep climb from Incline to a rock formation with knockout views over the North Shore and Crystal Bay.

Distance1.7 miles round trip
DifficultyModerate
Elevation Gain~800 ft
Drive from Incline~5 minutes

Cave Rock Overlook

Under a mile round trip to an ancient volcanic plug overlooking the lake — sacred Washoe site, East Shore's quickest big view.

Distance0.8 miles round trip
DifficultyEasy–Moderate
Elevation Gain~300 ft
Drive from Incline~20 minutes

Historic Stateline Fire Lookout

Half-mile paved walk above Crystal Bay to free telescopes, interpretive loop, and sweeping North Shore views right on the state line.

Distance1 mile round trip
DifficultyEasy
Elevation Gain~300 ft
Best ForFamilies, scenic views

Mt. Rose Summit

Highest easily accessible summit near Tahoe at 10,776 ft — big climb for a 360° payoff over the lake, Reno and the Sierra crest.

Distance10.7 miles round trip
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation Gain~2,300 ft
SeasonJuly–October

Marlette Lake & Flume Trail

From Spooner Lake to a hidden alpine lake, then link onto the world-famous Flume Trail with its cliff-edge panoramas.

Distance~10 miles (Marlette), 14+ with Flume
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation Gain~1,100 ft to lake
SeasonLate spring through fall

Five Lakes Trail

Alpine Meadows classic — stiff first mile of switchbacks, then Granite Chief Wilderness and five swimmable alpine lakes.

Distance5 miles round trip
DifficultyModerate
Elevation Gain~1,000 ft
Best ForSwimming, wildflowers

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake

Tahoe's most iconic short hike — waterfall above Emerald Bay and granite-rimmed alpine lake in just two miles round trip.

Distance2 miles round trip
DifficultyModerate
Elevation Gain~500 ft
PopularityVery busy — go early

Rubicon Trail

Tahoe's premier shoreline hike — turquoise coves, cliff ledges and a historic lighthouse between D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay.

Distance~5 miles one-way (9 miles round trip)
DifficultyModerate
Elevation Gain~500 ft
Best ForLake views, point-to-point

Skunk Harbor

Walk down to a secluded East Shore cove and the historic stone Newhall House of 1923 — bring water for the 600-ft climb back.

Distance3 miles round trip
DifficultyModerate
Elevation Gain~600 ft (return)
Best ForSolitude, clear water
Hike smart at altitude: Trailheads here sit at 6,200–8,900 ft, so pace yourself, carry more water than you think you need, and start early — afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in summer. Snow can linger on high trails into July, and many upper trailheads aren't plowed in winter.
Build Your Day

Combine a Trail With a Beach or a Brew

Many of these trailheads are minutes from the water and the North Shore towns. Let the planning guide tie it together.

Plan Your Vacation