The Best Hikes in North Lake Tahoe

Sep 6

When the snows melt, locals and tourists alike flock to the trails. Well-maintained trails and easy access make North Lake Tahoe renowned for the region’s best hiking. Luckily for our guests, most trails are right in our backyard! Here are five picks for the best hikes around North Lake Tahoe.

The Five Lakes Trail

(5 miles, 1,118′ elevation gain/loss)

The house favorite, this trail begins less than half a mile from the cabins. Make your way up the side of valley past five stunning alpine lakes. It can be steep in sections, but the ascent is never technical and does not require scrambling.

This trail allows horses and dogs, so please be mindful of sharing this space, and make way for horses by standing on the downhill side of the trail. The five lakes trail is frequented by hikers of all ages, and is an excellent choice for stretching your legs after driving up to Tahoe.

If you do only one hike, make this it!

Our article on the five lakes trail

Five Lakes Trail on AllTrails

Shirley Canyon Trail

(3.6 miles, 2,109′ elevation gain/loss)

Hike beside waterfalls, granite boulders, and breathtaking views of the Olympic Valley. The trailhead is located at the end of S____ Peak road. If you hike up to High Camp, you can take the Aerial Tram back down for free. This trail is strenuous, so wear shoes with a good tread and be prepared for varied terrain.
Shirley Canyon Trail on AllTrails

Eagle Rock

(0.7 miles, 239′ elevation gain/loss)

If you’re looking for a short hike with spectacular views, this is the hike for you. You’ll ascend a steep but well-traveled trail to the top of Eagle Rock, where you’ll have an incredible view of Lake Tahoe. Those with a fear of heights may not be the most comfortable on parts of this hike, as there is a large dropoff alongside the trail, but the view is beyond words.
Eagle Rock on AllTrails

Stateline Lookout

(1.5 miles, 400′ elevation gain/loss)

Like its name would suggest, this hike begins in Nevada. This 1.5-mile hike takes you up to a fire lookout with a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. This trail is a great option for families: not too long, not too tough, and dogs are welcome, too!
Stateline Lookout on AllTrails

Pinedrop Trail

(2.5 miles, 140′ elevation gain/loss)

Head to the North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista to access several hiking & biking trails, as well as a playground, sports fields, and a dog park. The Pinedrop Trail is an easy, beautiful option with a paved path if you’d like to accommodate a stroller or wheelchair.
Pine Drop Trail on AllTrails

A moment for safety

We love hiking and think it can be enjoyed by just about anybody, but it’s an activity that requires certain knowledge to be enjoyed safely. The mountains can be a dangerous place if unprepared for the unique challenges this terrain can present. Do what you can to prepare for what you may encounter, and be prepared to be flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances.

hiking

Malcolm Bowles

Malcolm is a San Francisco native who grew up spending winters in the Sierras, and he’s been hosting guests in North Lake Tahoe since 2021. For his ‘day job,’ he is a clinical social worker and teaches yoga and meditation. He spends winters in the mountains on skis or snowboarding, but in the summer, you’ll find him hiking, climbing, or stand-up paddleboarding. When he’s not in the mountains, he enjoys reading fiction, cooking, gardening, and unwinding with his partner, Often, and his cat, Xander.