Mt. Tallac Trail Reviews

Great trail with great views of Lake Tahoe. Trail has quite an elevation gain, but take your time and enjoy the amazing views and it will be worth it.

After 10 mins of hike I didn't need jacket or the thermal I was wearing. High was 52 F or so. It was moderately Sunny.

About 10 miles round trip and worth every moment of it! Gorgeous view from the top. Leave early - bring plenty of water and don't forget a camera!

We are avid hikers, but even this was a challenge for us with its 3000 ft incline is steep within the first 3 miles. Go slow, stop often, take water, enjoy it for the views.

OK I get there is beauty everywhere you look in Tahoe but this trail has it all. Sweeping vistas of both lakes, majestic trees, rugged mountain terrain. We are in good physical shape and had no problem with the hike. Start early so you have the trail to yourself. On the way down we had to side step hikers coming up. I saw all sorts of folks on the hike - all shapes, sizes and level of ability. Lots of dogs too. One thing I was amazed at is what passes as acceptable hiking attire. Who knew daisy dukes and jog bras were nature fashion?? I may be going out on the limb here but people. . . dress for the body you have not the body you think you have!

Not for the faint of heart, kind of long and a major climb...(3000 ft?) but definitely worth the reward, the view at the top is breathtaking. quite scenic also on the way up with lakes and other peaks in view. The view includes a peek into the Desolation Wilderness, west of the trail. Takes about 5 hours or so. If you're a runner maybe 3 hours, but it's a long run.

Be prepared for an 8-10 hour round trip hike over rocky terrain. Bring a lunch and PLENTY of WATER as it is scare along the way. We did this in September and the day was sunny and the assent is almost straight up with some switchbacks. The view from the top is spectacular and unobstructed so bring a camera which has a good distance lens for beautiful pictures. There is a trail fee per person at the trailhead so be ready to register and to pay the nominal trail use fee. Happy Trekking!!

Solid 10 mile RT, 3300' elevation gain hike. Lots of fun! Wear your sunscreen and bug spray and make sure to wear proper boots so the scree field is less terrible.

This beautiful hike takes you high above Lake Tahoe...skirting smaller lakes while weaving through forests of Ponderosa pine. We only made it a couple of miles in due to knee-deep snow, but found the views exhilarating. When we return, in slightly dryer weather, we'll definitely push to the summit.

When they say this trail is hard. It is not the distance or the length of the climb but the altitude. This hike goes up to over 9000 feet. Air is a bit short up there. Don't do it unless you are pretty fit or young or both.

There are a couple different trails to get to Mount Tallac summit, I took the more popular route that goes by Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake. The trail head is off highway 89 a few miles from highway 50, look for the Mount Tallac sign. Be aware this trail head has been moved and some of map apps will direct you to old location. Also note no bathroom at trail head and limited parking. The majority of the trail is rocky and requires careful attention, it would be really easy to roll an ankle on this trail. The trail is an out and back, just under 10 miles total with about 3100 foot elevation gain, It is rated as difficult, I did it in ten hours (one hour at top plus some breaks) but I'm older and slow when there is big elevation gains. It has spectacular views and worth the effort, I gave it four stars due to the rocky trail.

Hiked to the top of Mt Tallac. Fairly easy until Cathedral Lake, then quickly becomes brutal. Hiking poles are definitely handy for this part of the trail since it is steep, very rocky and narrow. Bring A LOT of water and start early if you want to go to the top on a gorgeous but hot day like today. I brought 3.5 liters and drank it all. The views are Devine. The way down is not much easier and I clocked a total of 13miles on the GPS but 15 on my Fitbit with 286 flights of stairs/3300 ft elevation gain. Don't even try this trail when you are not in at least reasonable shape since it won't be fun!!

Hiking to the top of Mount Tallac takes the better part of a day for experienced hikers, which my wife and I are not. At Cathedral Lake, the trail turns steep for the assault on Tallac, so my plan was to hike just a short distance above the lake to enjoy the vista. That actually worked pretty well – we met another couple who was doing the same thing. So we took photos for each other and started back down. Overall we walked about 4 hours, gained about 1,300 feet in elevation, saw plenty of gorgeous, rugged mountain scenery, and had a wonderful view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. Even without the difficult climb to the top of Tallac, this is a satisfying and moderately difficult hike for recreational hikers who are reasonably fit.

Location should be viewed by all americans. Lake and trail will take up to 1/2 day to get the lmost out of.

Start early, have good shoes, good health, and plenty of water! We started at 7am which was great both for being able to find parking near the trailhead and also allows you to deal with early morning sun vs. mid-day sun - a lot of sun exposure on the trail. Good shoes since the majority of the trail is walking on rocks - large and small. Good health since it will be a work-out - both the ascent and descent (pounds the knees on way down). Took us 3.5 hours up with stops for views, water/snacks, and to catch our breath.

While its a work-out and not for someone looking for a casual hike, the experience and the views are spectacular. the views of the 3 lakes you pass going up are beautiful, as are the ones you see in the distant within Desolation Wilderness as you get closer to the summit. hiking thru the boulder bowl and still having to navigate around snowfall in August was an experience. The meadows on the back of the mountain before the final ascent were beautiful with a rainbow of different wild flowers. And the views from the summit (and satisfaction of getting there!) were worth the pain!

From start to finish, it was a 7-hour excursion and the various fitbits and trackers put it between 10-11 miles

Mt Tallac is easily the best hike in the Tahoe area. From the top, you can almost see all of Lake Tahoe.

Trail - 10 miles RT, 3,250 ft elv gain., 9,739 ft at the top.

The trail starts out pretty easy, you get an early payoff on the ridge line with a view of Fallen Leaf Lake. After winding on for awhile longer you come across floating island lake and then Cathedral lake. Many people stop here and turn around, making for an easy day hike. After passing Cathedral lake, the real fun begins. You get out of the tree line and gain a ton of elevation all at once. Be careful on this segment, its slippery with the gravel. When you get to the top of the next ridge, you wind around the back side of the mountain, it levels off a lot here. Then its time to make the final push to the summit. Its very rocky here, so take your time. Now you've made it! A sweeping view of the valley on all sides, Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf lake and the mountains behind it. You'll use a lot of film (or memory) on pictures up here.

Time - It took us 3 hours 45 minutes to get up & about 2 & a half hours to get down. We stopped a lot for pictures, but for those not in the best of shape, you feel every step up. There were plenty of people that passed us on the trail and we passed some people who gave up half way towards the top.

Parking - Parking is free at the trail head, but the lot is tiny. It would be easy to add a quarter to a half a mile extra each way if you don't get there before 8 am (on a weekday).

Permit - These are free as well, you just need to register at the trail head for a pass. You are required to show them if a ranger asks to see it.

What to bring - Lots of water! I would recommend two 32 oz bottles per person. Lunch for the top, a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses and anything else you would normally bring. Bugs were not a problem, but there were a lot of loud grasshoppers.

Recommendations - Start early! It gets hot up there on the rock fields and parking fills up fast. If you're from a low elevation like us, have patience on the way up. Have fun!!

Moderate to strenuous. Great scenery. Went a little off trail 2/3 up and had the view of a life time for lunch. nicely marked trail without disrupting the ambiance

This trail is a steep and rocky 9.8 mile round trip with almost 3500' of climbing. The views it affords are breath taking, and well worth the effort.
The first part of the trail provides elevated views of Fallen Leaf Lake, which is even more spectacular if you start at sunrise (which I suggest). The trail swings by Floating Island Lake where you can get an amazing view of Mt. Tallac and a reflection of the mount in the lake's still waters. The next lake is Cathedral Lake which is set against a rugged rocky backdrop.
From here the grade increases and you will climb almost 1000' in the next mile. Near the top you will find a 4x4 post/sign, going right takes you to the top, left continues on to Gilmore Lake. The final few hundred feet of elevation to the top get very rocky and the trail fades as everyone chooses what path is best for them. Once at the top you will enjoy 360 deg. views of Lake Tahoe, many other lakes, and many other tantalizing peaks.
Start early, bring water, lots of water, fuel to snack on, and a map.
OPTIONAL: From the top or Mt. Tallac we continued on to Gilmore Lake (many other lakes too), Dick's Peak, and then to Eagle Falls where we were picked up. If you want to do 15 miles total and 4500' of climbing on similar trail conditions (and you have a car at Eagle Falls or someone can pick you up) this is highly suggested.

first mile is cool with easy climb; then it gets harder; but the views are fantastic; they higher you want to go the better trained you need to be

get there early, side road parking difficult. If you are heading for the trail head, get there before 8am or you will be hard pressed to find a spot near it.

An excellent, vigorous hike. Bring plenty of water and don't go if you are feeling you may have some altitude sickness. It will just make it worse. Wear a hat and plenty of water. I would say it is a moderate to strenuous hike.

This trail is rated "strenuous." Not an understatement at the upper levels. Not for the out-of-shape or casual hiker. Have plenty of water with you. Hiking poles a definite plus. Negotiating the rock slide field at the upper level is a real challenge. Vistas are amazing. Learned afterward that a hike starting at the Glen Alpine Trailhead on the backside of Mt. Tallic is a better trail to reach the end of the Mt. Tallic Trailhead.

Beautiful site, enjoyed our visit in the grounds and the houses, definitely worth a visit. Well preserved by the many volunteers - good job!

My husband went all the way to the top - and he said this was one of the toughest hikes ever but very rewarding. He loved it. I made it about 1/2km past Cathedral Lake and really enjoyed what I did and the views. It's a great trail. Well maintained but rocky so we strongly suggest hiking boots and poles. There was a strong wind warning on the morning we went and they were not joking. Very blustery and of course tall mountains generally have their own weather cycle. Allow at least 6 -7 hours to go to the top and back.

This is one of the highest points around Lake Tahoe. Superb views abound as you clear the treeline too. And there are plenty of marmots around to entertain you.

At 10,500' be aware though that if you're coming from sea level you will suffer the effects of altitude! Use ibuprofen (with food) if you feel headachy/tires and this will help.

Park at the Mt Tallac trail head. Within 20 minutes walk (uphill) you have fab views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake.Even if you go no further you will have had a great day.

Onwards to another small Lake - very pretty and then up towards Cathedral Lake. It takes a while and the path is steep and stony but its very pretty when you get there. After cathedral lake the path gets very steep and rocky so we didn't go any further. We went off the trail for a few metres to a point marked 7530 on the map. From here there are superb views of the surrounding mountains and down to Lake Tahoe. Great lunch stop. The path down has all the views in front of you.

Excellent but strenuous hike up the back side of Mount Tallac. The trail was "snowed out" a mile or so from the summit, but it was a GREAT way to spend a day with some excellent views.

Go early in the morning as the parking lot at the trailhead is quite small. The trail is quite Rocky and can be a little steep in some places. Watch your footing as it is hard to with all the beautiful scenery around you. We hiked about an hour on the trail and you can actually see two lakes when you get to the top one is Lake Tahoe and the other is... I can't remember. The views are quite stunning

We hiked along the Mt. Tallac trail in late September. Like many locations in and around South Lake Tahoe, this trail involves some good elevation climbs, but it's totally doable for anyone who enjoys general hiking.

Our goal was not to do the entire trail, which tops at 9,700 feet - the tip of Mt. Tallac. We only had a few hours, so our effort was to hike in and up 2.5 miles to Cathedral Lake, roughly the halfway point to the Mt. Tallac.

The hike did not disappoint. After the initial rise, there is a long segment along a ridge that overlooks Fallen Leaf Lake. In addition, the view of both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe become more and more stunning as the ridgeline elevation increases. Floating Island Lake comes into view around 1.5 miles on the trail. This is the larger of the two lakes on the route. It's also a great resting point before moving on to Cathedral Lake, which is smaller, but very picturesque. We actually climbed another 200 feet or so beyond Cathedral just to experience the higher elevation and boulder-like terrain.

Overall, this was a breathtaking hike. The views are amazing and its challenging enough to be thankful for occasional sips of water and reclaiming your breath.

My wife and I did this hike in early October and the views on the way up to Floating Island Lake of both Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake are FANTASTIC! We only hiked up to Floating Island Lake (not Cathedral Lake or the Summit) but it wasn't too bad of a hike and (at our leisurely place) probably took a total of 2.5 hours. It is a bit steep and rocky in places, but nothing too bad for someone in decent shape. Floating Island Lake itself was pretty cool, but not as great as the views of the other larger lakes on the way up.

The colors of fall mixed in with the evergreens was gorgeous! Just wanted a short hike and stopped at the ridge. Used our backpack chairs and enjoyed snacking, talking, and the view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake side by side.

Been here several times when I used to live in South Tahoe.
I almost forgot how amazing this place is.
Nice moderate hike to the first lake on top. Takes about 3 miles. Prepare for a beautiful 3-4 hour hike. Great for kids, family and dog friendly

Great hike, pack lots of water and lunch. When u get to the top u can enjoy the views and a little lunch.

A beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Tahoe. You can see the ruins of an old casino and travel along the yards of old estates.

Let me start the review by saying this trail is super easy to find lots of signs and spots to park. I was a little worries reading some of the reviews that it would be a challenge. My family got up at 7AM on a Tuesday morning so that we could tackle the trail before the heat hit. When you get the the parking lot there is room for id say twenty five cars we had no problem getting a spot at 8AM. You will need to fill out a permit slip before you start your hike and no worries there are permit forms and pens at the trail head sign so super easy process. The trail was amazing the views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding country side was truly magical. My two teen sons ages 15 and 17 ran ahead of us while we stayed back with our ten year old daughter. The climb can be challenging for those not used to hiking trails that have a constant rise to them. My daughter demanded that we stop for water every fifteen to twenty minutes slowing our pace some. There are two lakes along the way the first very pretty and my personal favorite was a nice place to stop and eat. The second lake was much smaller and warmer we were able to walk out pretty far enjoying some cool water on our tires feet. We came across two beers at the second lake they were leaving as we arrived and it was truly the high light of our hike. We did not go all the way to the top my daughter was pretty much done. I will be back to this amazing trail and next time my sons and I will reach the top.

Hiked to the top of Mt. Tallac last summer. Too much snow in May so we only made it as far as Susie Lake. Fun making it over the streams which were rushing with lots of water! Climbed to the top of the peak by Susie Lake for a beautiful view of the valley below. Will be doing this hike again in a few months.

An all up hill hike that is very rewarding. There is a nice small lake on the way to the summit that is a great spot to swim and have lunch. Bring plenty of water

Starts out easy at the Mt. Tallac Trailhead where you sign in for wilderness permit First two miles were just a little rocky till you get to Fallen Leaf lake. I clocked 16.5 miles on GPS total to parking to summit and back so be prepared! This is not a 10 mile hike. about 4.5 miles in it gets hairy as you enter snow fields that lose the trail, slippery and long some are not for the faint of heart. Severe bouldering takes place at the 3rd snow field and the scree field meet. Too close to the snow edge and you have cracking, crevass issues, to steep to and slippery in the snow to traverse so you head to the boulders very steep incline field that is tough at around 8,500 feet. once you pass that you have the summit insight but there is a knifes edge ridge line to cross before heading to the summit..at least an hours strenuous hike from there. The summit was actually warm but uncomfortable as the rocks are jagged and not very hospitable for relaxing. Ate lunch standing up as the marmots and chipmunks are ready to pounce on your lunch! The summit had tremendous views of Cathedral lake and Emerald Bay and sweeping 360 views of desolation wilderness and Lake Tahoe. Coming down was not easy as the snow fields were more akin to boot skiing, and sliding on your but until you reach this steep snow chute that was like a wild ride at Six Flags, you approach it and is so steep you can't see the bottom as you go over the edge was like being on a crazy roller coaster with a very uncertain outcome! After that the trail gets lost again in other snowfields and a grueling slog back to the car with tremendous views along the way. Please send me a private message if my American flag is still there! Reached the summit in 4.25 hours on June 30th.

Hiking to the Top of Mt. Tallac is not for the faint of heart. This hike is a long hike and can be very challenging. If you are planning to complete the hike to the top of the mountain and back, I would suggest you to leave at least by 7:00am to give ample time to enjoy the views and surroundings or you could plan a full moon hike which is actually pretty cool to do. Please bring plenty of water at least 3 liters, food and snacks to gain energy along the way (I personally like to pack chunks of watermelon to snack on the way up) also if you would like some walking sticks, and good pair of hiking boots and make sure they are broken in, bug spray and least but not last the CAMERA. You might want to bring along some swimming trunks because you will be passing by some amazing lakes and a quick dip to cool off would be refreshing. There are a couple of trail heads that will take you up there and easiest and longest way is the Glen Alpine Trail which is located at the back end of Fallen Leaf Lake, Mt Tallac Trail Head which is accessed through Camp Concord a quicker but a bit strenuous getting up to the ridge line. Remember that you are entering in to Desolation Wilderness and you will need a permit for your group and always keep your copy with you. There will be stations at the trail heads with permits there and for you to fill out. These permits are for search and rescue if you happen to go astray and also it tally's how many visitors we get to allocated funding for trail work and restoration. It's best to go on a clear day and enjoy this beautiful setting.

We only had time for the 'moderate' hike to Floating Point and Cathedral Lakes. About a 5.5 mile round trip and 1460 ft. of climbing according to my gps bike computer. The initial climb brings you to a ridge that has a fantastic view of Fallen Leaf Lake. This ridge has a lot of medium sized broken up rock, I assume for trail structural support. The pieces are bigger than the pebble sized gravel on other trails- very easy to turn an ankle or stub a toe if you're not wearing sturdy hiking shoes (we were wearing trail running shoes, not quite up to the task, but we made out ok). Bring plenty of water and/or a filter for lake/stream water.

Epic hike, worth the effort!! Memorable trail with breathtaking heights & view! Dress in layers bring at least 2 L of water per person and sunscreen and definitely start as early as possible, plan for a minimum of six hours on the trail. Don’t forget to bring snacks too! Terrell has lots of sun exposure. Terrell also has lots of rocky sections where hiking shoes and be prepared to scramble at the top.

Interesting and easy trail to the moint tallac´s summit. The trail is about 10km long (one way), and has no real difficult parts. From the top you can see thelake and other little lakes that are near the place.

We had planned on doing the full trail.....time was not on our side. We did half of the trail and it was absolutely beautiful! Very well marked trail. If we go back to Lake Tahoe again, will definitely finish the trail.

Our family (2 adults, 2 teens, 1 mutt) love to hike and really enjoyed the Tallac trail. We got there at 9:30 on a Sunday morning and luckily found parking in the little lot. To keep everyone happy, we only went up to cathedral lake, which was about 6 miles round trip. It was basically up 3 and down 3. I would recommend hiking boots, but we were fine in running shoes. Most of the trail was covered and there were lots of natural places to stop. Can't wait to come back and do the summit!

The access road to the trail head is not plowed out in the winter, but one can stop in the pullouts along the highway and begin snowshoeing from there. It is possible to snowshoe for perhaps a couple of miles before the trail gets quite difficult. We just went up far enough to get some good views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. Unless you are very fit and a very experienced snowshoe hiker I would not consider going much further than that. We did this on March 12. By that time the snow had already melted considerably around the town site.

It's a difficult trail but the view at the top of the summit is breath taking.
Bring lots of water, Snacks and a lot of energy. Be prepared for a walk of 6-7 hours. You could also have a swim at the lakes but that would extend your visit.

Awesome views of Tahoe and the the area. I didn't see anyone for five hours and had the summit to myself - cool!

Great place to put your mind. Looking forward for a do-over. Walk the trail and check out the old cabins, You would not be disappointed. No water so take you own.

It had grown in last 50 years but worthy of every step, or at my age ache, the next day. Gorgeous at any time of season

Had a good hike. It was pretty easy and we loved the fresh mountain air! Go in the morning for privacy.

Had a great, beautiful hike to the summit on July 20, 2019. We're senior citizens so it is best to start early and give yourself at least 8 hours for the round trip. Great views, great exercise and on the right day, great weather.

My wife, grown daughter and I visited Lake Tahoe in mid September. We like to day hike on our trips and there usually is one big one. On this trip Mt Tallac was the one. It is rated as strenuous but there is a portion that is rated only moderate (that's about my wife's and my limit). That part of the hike goes to two lakes - 1.7 miles to Floating Island Lake and 2.5 to Cathedral Lake for a total of 5 miles, in and out. Maybe that's not a lot for you but its pretty good for us. It is part of the Desolation Wilderness (which is just fun to say). The trail winds up a ridge to the top then follows the spine for a bit. The views are nothing short of fantastic! Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake are just magnificent! The trail continues up and down to Floating Island Lake, a small calm lake with mirror reflections of its surroundings. We continued up to Cathedral Lake an even smaller lake that feels almost on top of the world. The trail continues another 2.5 strenuous miles to the summit of Mt. Tallac but we opted out of that part. When we were there quite a few people passed us on their way to the summit yet it felt like we had the place to ourselves most of the time. It was a beautiful hike, certainly worth the effort

Amazing hike all the way up to the summit. This is a pretty strenuous hike due to the elevation gain, but well worth the effort. Early morning is best to avoid the heat when you get near the summit. Take plenty of water and snacks. Some go super early to take in the sunrise at the top. There are plenty of people and dogs are allowed on the trail. Overall a great hike and would do it again. A little steep coming down until you come off the summit. Plan on 3 hours up and 2.5 back.

Gorgeous views for multiple places along the trail. We couldn't make it to the summit due to deep snow, up to three feet in places. Even if you only go 1 to 1 1/2 miles in you will have some great views.

My son (14) and I hiked the 10 mile trail in early July. Good hike with good elevation gain. We had a clear day for some great pictures up top. Its worth the effort as you pass by two mountain lakes and get 360 views of the entire Tahoe valley.

I've been on this trail twice in the last few weeks. Snow at the upper elevations make it hard (impossible) to go all the way, but that's coming this summer. Meanwhile the vistas of various Lakes is still worth getting up this trail even if only for 2-3 miles.

My eleven yr old son and i conquered this trek the other day, and wow, we are glad we did! It was a beautiful experience and he was, by far, the youngest visitor on the summit hike that day, and was greated, cheered and congratulated upon his arrival. I was really surprised by how nice and supportive everyone was at the top. The other trekkers were more than generous by offering to take our pictures, etc. It REALL REALLY was a fabulous father/son experience and we have the pics to remind us for a lifetime.

Now, about the hike...it was pretty darn diificult for both of us. Its one thing to ascend 3500+ feet in the ~4 miles, but its totally different having to come back down. Because its so dry, the footing is very loose in some spots, and if you were to take a spill in any of them, youd surely meet your Maker. The two most difficult areas are the switchbacks to the saddle, then the final climb to the pinnacle. Once those are accomplished up and down, the rest if the hike is typical. I cant stress enough how important the right shoes are for this. I will advise against your old worn out running shoes!

We started at 745am, but were concerned with our water supply from the begining. Each wore a Camelback Mule and were fine. It ended up being the right amount. Snacks along the way at great spots. In addition to the ridge along Fallen Leaf, we came across two other small lakes that seem to be a favorite gathering place for those not heading to the summit. In fact, we kind of felt that it took away from the beauty on the way down since there were so many people and dogs in and around the lakes.

This hike really has everything to offer, from the forests, to the rocks, to the steep climbs, and heart beating tight spots, and the views. Most importantly, it was one of those memorable times my son and i will always have.

Great views...a way to see varying landscapes...challenging terrain in spots...take a lunch to eat at one of the lakes along the way.

About a two hour drive from Sacramento and easy to find trailhead. Parking area but soon is at capacity so get there early or park alongside the dirt road.

Varied terrain with lovely wildflowers and lakes dotting the landscape makes for a wonderful adventure. The last couple of miles on the ascent you come across a false peak and then once over the rise, you have another mile to go. We shortcutted on the descent by literally sliding down the rocks but this is also a good way to sprain an ankle although we were fine. A good pair of shoes with excellent grip and ankle support is almost mandatory.

Saw some kids swimming in Cathedral Lake and that makes a refreshing stop. No mosquitoes this time of year in July.

Afternoon thunderstorms are an issue and I suggest summiting by noon at the latest or even earlier as you are on fully exposed rock on the way down for a couple of miles. Most hikers were wearing masks or at least held a buff to their face as we passed by so that was nice.

This was the most challenging hike on our trip. The trail starts out moderate until you reach Cathedral Lake then the "saddle" is one long haul of very steep & rocky hiking. Then the remainder is gain moderate until the very end

A rewarding hike! The views at the top are worth the efforts!
Bring at least 1/2 gallon of water per person or a tad bit more to be on the safe side. Plan on 3 hours (if you are fast 2.30 even) to 4 hours to get to the top.

This was an awesome trail! Cathedral lake is on the way to the top which is an amazing place to stop and take a break and refresh yourself on the way up.

We made the mistake of doing this hike our first day in Tahoe before we were acclimated to the altitude. Big mistake. We did the stretch to Cathedral Lake before the real climbing began. Even with that, it was tough. Making it even harder was the rocky trail, it is not a smooth trail and you have to be constantly watching your footing. Great views but I would save my energy and do some other hikes instead.

The girlfriend and I decided to do this hike for our trip to Tahoe. Read here how difficult it was and that it wasn't that great of a hike and not worth it. First of all it was awesome and second it was probably the most challenging hike I've ever done. Would i do it again? yeah probably and it was awesome at the top. =) One added note: be ready for the pain if you don't bring the right shoes or enough water.

This will be an all day trail. From the start of the trail head to the peak you've got 9.2 miles (one way) and a several thousand foot elevation gain. There's dirt paths, loose rocks, and steep inclines. Rough as it may be, if you come prepared, leave yourself plenty of time, and have the will to make it up, anyone in decent shape can make it.

Preparation: For each hiker bring at least half a gallon of water. There are no facilities to get water anywhere once you start. Bring a meal and several quick energy snacks. Make sure everything you bring in you carry back out. Walking sticks are a huge help here especially when coming down the incline's. Get good shoes or boots. Make sure you have enough batteries and space on your camera. And start EARLY. Even if you make great time to the top, you'll want to sit up there for a few hours.

Pace yourself. Drink plenty of water. And enjoy the view of the entire Tahoe area.

We have done this hike a few times over the years. The best bet is to wake up early and start the hike before it gets warm. Take plenty of water. It takes about 3 1/2 hours to get to the top but the view makes the exhaustion worth it. The variety of wild flowers in bloom was remarkable. Lots of mosquitoes by the lower lakes. The boys took a swim in Cathedral Lake on the way back. Would also recommend a cooler full of iced drinks for the return to the car. We all kicked off our hiking boots, put on our flip flops and enjoyed ice cold beverages to celebrate our success!

The trail up to the summit of Mount Tallic is a moderate to difficult hike. We camped about a third of the way up before doing the summit the next day. There are bears in the area, so remember to be aware and to secure any food or smelly items appropriately. The view from the summit is worth the work to get there.

We rented bikes at Anderson's Bike Rental and spent 5 hours riding the trail(s). What an outstanding day!

If you go, make sure you have the time to make the summit. We had to turn back about an hour from finishing because we had reservations somewhere else and it was heartbreaking! But even without summitting, we had a fantastic time. The views are amazing.

Bring a lot of water and snacks. And a camera.

Love this trail. Not so much snow this time, so just hiked in snow boots. You get some great views from this trail, don't have to go all the way up, can just turn around at any time

This is a pretty tough trail. The grade isn't too bad but it's pretty rough on the ankles with all the rocks. I'm in fairly good shape but after I got to Cathedral Lake I'd had enough. The views are spectacular, but don;t count on it being easy.

If there is a really beautiful view at the top of the mountain there is nothing that you can read or lear during the hike, it's could be memorable if someone puts signs which inform people about what surround them.

This is a nice summer hike with unbelievable views from the top. Be sure to bring your camera. Also great in the winter when there is lots of snow for skiing.

While steep and rocky in places - come prepared with plenty of fluids, good hiking shoes and a quick dry suit for swimming......You will be rewarded with spectacular views and a good “feel good” work out,

And came back to great wine from our wine package at the Avalon Lodge. We hiked and biked all 3 days.

Great trail, in good condition. Options for different levels of hikers. Lakes along the trail make good resting spots and swimming for the pup.

The hike started off easy with the trails, farther into it wow! the steep trails were a workout but the views were amazing. we made up to the snow and seen a bear along the way. be prepared to spend a whole day hiking, it will be well worth the day trip! can't wait to hit it again next year!

Just finished this hike in about 7 hours. Took lots of breaks and enjoyed the view from the summit. My husband and I agreed this was pretty strenuous.
We went mid may and parts of the trail were impassible due to snow. Many hikers still made it to the top with some clever (and steep!) alternate routes.
Must do for hiking enthusiasts!

A locals choice. Leave early enjoy the sites.
Steep in parts but worth the time in great panoramic views. Bring a camera!
5-6 hrs round trip. Go all the way it's beautiful.

Coming from 500ft above sea level, there was definitely some adjusting to the altitude. Rocky terrain most of the way, but well worth the effort. 10 miles out and back, 7 hours round trip, counting all stops. (I recommend Cathedral “Lake” prior to the final push)

We climbed from the Tallac Trail head at 7am and made it to the summit and back in just under eight hours with a half hour stop for lunch and plenty of rest brakes to drink water and to apply LOADS of sunscreen. I also wouldn't leave much later and if you're not used to the heat leave even earlier. We are in our late twenties / early thirties and reasonably fit, wore low cut trail shoes and carried around 3 litres of water each, two granola bars and a sandwich; I'd say this was about enough to ensure we weren't completely out of action the next day although our aching calves and sore ankles prevented us doing much anyway! The first couple of hours are pretty reasonable, if you're having a hard time during that period please just turn around, but the first completely open rock section is killer (the summit is much easier). Please reapply sunscreen before leaving the last of the shady spots! Immense views at the summit are completely worth the trek and we'll be letting everyone know on the rest of our trip that we climbed a mountain!!

We have done the trail several times, once in June with a lot of snow at the ridge. It is a nice trail that has some steep section especially in the middle once you are past the lakes and before you hit the ridge. They built a new section of the trail that replaces the old one through the scree field. The new trail is through a lot of rocks and not very foot and knee friendly (many steps). The old trail was still open. We used it on the way down. It is shorter and steeper. Depending on the pace it takes a little over 2.5 hours to the top. Down is somewhat faster. From the top you have a very nice view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains as long as the weather cooperates. Due to wild fires and smoke to the south the view was obstructed, but not as bad as it was during the Rim Fire.
The hike is not difficult, but you have to be in good physical condition to make it to the top.
The parking lot is rather small and fills up quickly in the morning.

Moderately tough hike (beyond the tree line, it is just rocks and boulders).

Beautiful views of all the lakes around the mountain. Amazing 360 view of the Lake Tahoe at the summit.

This trail is rough...imagine broken up boulders everywhere u look...on the path ur hiking, next to u in all directions for miles, and then imagine hiking on these broken boulders for 3.5 miles up up up hill. And in the sun. Very little shade. The payoff is the incredible views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Floating Island Lake, and Cathedral lake....not to,mention Lake Tahoe. So yes, this trail can be quite rough on ur feet and hot, but it does have great vistas

Put on your big boy pants before you tackle this one. I'm 50+, and it was a tough slog. 5 miles uphill, gaining over 3000 vertical feet. But the view at the top makes you forget all that.

My dad (60) and I (20) started this hike at 6:35 and there were only 3 other cars in the lot. We made it up in 3 hours, took a 40 minute break at summit, and made it down in 2 hours 20 minutes. Bring at least 3 liters of water, and maybe a light jacket as there are some windy parts. The rocky section is about an hour to an hour and a half from the summit, depending on your pace. We went in early august and it was warm all day long. On our descent, we passes probably 100 people hiking up, so start early! It was great fun, the views are gorgeous!

One of the best day hikes I've ever done. Requires a decent amount of fitness. At a relatively fast hiking pace with minimal breaks I clocked a climb of 5.3 miles from trailhead parking lot to summit in a little under 2.5 hours. Plan to stay awhile on top... the views are stunning. If you're looking for solitude on your hike this isn't the trail for you. On this same Hike I went into the Desolation Wilderness where the trails were much less populated.

Contrary to what others have posted online, I found the trail was not well marked. It took me 2 attempts to reach the summit. Even on my second attempt I had to double back three times to find the trail. I see the hike up to the summit in 3 sections. In section 1 the hiker goes through a pine forest passing by 2 small lakes and a grand view of Fallen Leaf Lake. In this section the trail is well marked and easy to follow. In section 2 the hiker leaves the pine forest and ascends up rocks and boulders. Section 2 is the most technical part of the hike. Some of the rocks are unstable and reading the trail becomes difficult. Previous hikers set up cairns as guideposts. But there are no official markers such as red dots every 100 meters. In section 3 the hiker leaves the boulders and enters an area of meadows with scattered pine trees. Again the trail is not well marked. I also disagree with other online reviews saying the trail is exposed once you leave the pine forest (section 1). In section 3 the hiker will pass by groups of pine trees. Similar to section 2, I found previous hikers set up their own guideposts such as a ribbon on a tree.
What I appreciate about this hike are the views from the top. Definitely something I would have expected from a national park or world heritage site. I also appreciate how the hike changes with elevation. The hike goes from pine forest, to rocks and boulders, and then to meadows with scattered trees.
But again the hike can be frustrating. Other hikers I met as I descended from the summit also said the trail was not well marked. A local also commented his friend had to call for search and rescue when attempting this hike.

Mt Tallac a very special mountain in South Lake Tahoe. Good trail going up 2 beautiful lakes to dip in if one was brave and did not mind the cold. Took about 4 hours not going fast and about 21/2 down. Fab views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf lake, if you can do it then you should. Rangers can help with Trail from nearby stations for route etc.

This hike is not for the weak. It is a very strenuous hike especially if you are not an experienced hiker. My boyfriend and I are not experienced hikers but we gave this a shot. It was difficult at times and easy at times. However, it was absolutely worth it. The view from the summit is spectacular. Along the way there are amazing views but nothing beats the view from the top of the mountain. It's not for beginners and we did very well. It starts off easy but gets more difficult the higher you go up. I'm pretty sure the only reason we were able to do this was because we both have very strong legs, other than that, might not have made it to the top. But. but. but, it was so worth it. If you can do it, go all the way up to the top. Start early.

This trail is brutal. It is mostly rock and very hard on the feet going up and down. Going up, has parts that are very steep, especially after the third lake. Well, it's steep going down too, but my heart and lungs didn't protest that. The knees did. Fallen Leaf Lake is the first lake and is very pretty. LOTS of tourists in the summer go to this first lake. The second lake is Floating Island and is quite small. Cathedral Lake is peaceful and lovely and less crowded. Just after Cathedral Lake it gets pretty steep for a mile or 2 but if you go slowly and stop to enjoy the vista often it isn't too terribly bad. Once you get to Cathedral Ridge, if there has been a strong breeze on the trail, it will be very very windy. I'm not big and felt like I could be swept off my feet. Cathedral Ridge is also called the false summit. Keep going. The rest isn't too bad, and the views are stunning of the valley and the lakes. Going down takes just as long and is just as hard as going up. Truly! We did this hike in July as well as September. It was way more pleasant in September. Less crowds, cooler temperature, etc. But whenever you go, this trail is not for the faint of heart. You push yourself.

Nice hike with views of multiple lakes. Very rocky. The last third is completely exposed. It’s 10 miles round trip and took fit women 6 hours, including pics along the way and a 30 minute stop up top to take it all in and snack.

It's my second visit to the area and I am grateful that I set aside a day to summit Mt Tallac. We set out around 9am, and we avoided the clouds. I suggest starting at 7am or 8am if you take your time while hiking. It was a chilly day so I wore hiking pants, a fleece and wind breaker. I adjusted my top layers during the hike as needed.

We encountered a little snow in the last bowl, but made a path across it to catch the trail again. The back side had a few snow piles, but well packed so easy to walk on. We had to scramble a bit over the scree, but not a problem if your hiking boots have Vibram soles. The views were great- especially sitting back in a Helinox camp chair.

Bring snacks (like Honey Stinger), plenty of water, layers, and tready hiking boots.

By itself worth the traffic and hassle of Tahoe. Absolutely gorgeous, even with the hordes of other people.

This hike has everything - some challenge, some easy spots to recoup, beautiful scenery, trees, boulders, lakes, a running stream. Absolutely perfect. We took our time - only about 5 miles round trip and we were out for 4 hours. Kept stopping to just enjoy it all. Highly recommend.

Parking is a bit difficult depending on time your arrive, but great hiking. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery

Trail was closed for the season (March), but we parked and walked in about 1 mile, seeing the lake a bit from the road. Pretty, but it felt like a private road with summer properties dotted around and private property signs just off the road.

Trail requires some effort to hike but views can't be beat. Passby three mountain lakes on the way up. We went in mid May and I had to stop about 500 feet of summit due to the deep snow. Hard to believe at this time of year.

The US Forest Service map says it's 4.7 miles to the top of Mt. Tallac. In fact, it's about 5.7 miles so be prepared. It's a 3000' elevation gain through wooded forest at the lower levels, and across long rugged boulder fields at the higher elevations. The hike is tough, but the views are spectacular...of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and the mountains surrounding the Tahoe Basin. The first 2.7 miles takes you to small Cathedral Lake with a trail that's moderately steep and rocky in places. But once you leave Cathedral Lake the trail becomes very steep and rocky. 3/4 of a mile from the flat "saddle" along the Tallac ridge begins a harrowing hike across angular irregular boulders that requires good balance and steady feet. Good hiking boots are a must. At the saddle, the trail turns toward the top of the mountain which is several more hundred feet in elevation and roughly 1.1 miles further to "the post"...a signpost "Mt. Tallac" with an arrow pointing the way to the last .2 mile to the top...but the trail ends 200 yards below the top...you have to scramble over boulders without any trail to ascend to the very top. Check the weather, allow lots of time (some of the trail can be hiked at 25 minutes/mile, other sections may take nearly an hour a mile), and take plenty of water. It's tough by the payoff in views is spectacular.

Me and my were fishing at diffent spots all weekend. This a beatiful area all of Tahoe. We can see mt. Tallac from our living room sitting by the fire place

Undoubtedly the best trail we did in California, even better that those in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canoyn. I really recommand this one to everyone who is in a good shape. Some parts of the trail are quite difficult but we met even people 60+ years though we do not know if they made it to the summit.

The most beautiful hike I ever took. We had great weather so the view was amazing. Almost all the time you are above tree line so you can enjoy the view. The trail but itself is pretty easy however remember that you hike almost 10000 ft. If you have hiking experience I defijitely recommend it, for beginners: make sure you start early and do it when the snow is gone.

Love this trail. Not so much snow this time, so just hiked in snow boots. You get some great views from this trail, don't have to go all the way up, can just turn around at any time.

On July 11th 2018 I had the pleasure of hiking to the summit of Mt. Tallac. My wife and I arrived at the trailhead around 8:47am. We stopped at Camp Richardson to grab a quick bite and to use the restroom before heading to the trailhead. Camp Richardson is about 1/2 mile from the access road to the trailhead. You will see the Baldwin Beach sign and then you will turn opposite of the beach. Parking is very limited at the trailhead so cars are spread all the way along the access road. I am passing along a few tips to hopefully help those who attempt this hike in the future.
1) Yes, it is 10 miles with 3200 feet of elevation gain.
2) This is not a hike for those with weak ankles or bad knees. A majority of this hike is stepping over rocks both very large and small.
3) I recommend smart water because you will sweat a lot, especially if you leave late in the morning. It does get warm at the summit and on the way down. I took 4 liters of water and drank it all.
4) Be sure to apply sun block before leaving the trailhead and again at the summit. I must admit that I did not use lip balm that protected me from the sun...I paid for it a couple of days later.
5) Please have the correct type of hiking footwear for this hike, you will need all of the support possible.
6) The views are incredible at the summit, be sure to have your cell phone charged so that you will be able to take many pictures.
7) Have sufficient snacks to give you energy to complete this great hike.
8) Finally, have a chocolate milk on ice ready to drink when you finish your hike. It will help to prevent soreness that many hikers experience.
9) Enjoy this hike and hopefully your next hike will be Mt. Dana and I might cross paths with you on that trail.

This is a serious hike. 10 miles total if you go to the summit. But man oh man is it worth it! The views from the summit are unparalleled. The first part of the hike to Cathedral Lake is moderate. Its mostly dirt trails with some rocks thrown in for fun. After Cathedral Lake it turns difficult. The path is very rocky- from big boulder rocks with steps carved into them to little shell rocks that can be very slippery. From the summit you can see all of Lake Tahoe as well as many other lakes and glacier ponds and snow capped peaks. Totally worth the climb! Oh and bring plenty of water. I had 64 oz in my camelbak and ran out towards the end.

Mt. Tallac is not an easy climb -- five miles each way with 3,000 foot elevation gain. It takes a full day. But the trail is well groomed and the views from the top are simply grand. It is an annual event for us.

The trails were nice just wish that more was open. It was mid week in the off season. Weather was beautiful and trail was busy. I do have to say that the people on bikes were pretty rude. Almost ran my kids over a few times.

Trail is very well maintained. Weather was different on the top vs bottom so we were very glad to have packed many layers, hat and gloves in our backpacks. Views enroute and at the top are spectacular!

The hike starts with a steep inclined. Not too bad if you take short breaks. Before the hike you need to fillout a permit so in case if you or your group gets lost the rangers know about it. We did about 1.2miles and then saw great view of the Lake very beautiful. The hike is longer but we decided to return since we also had other plans.
There are no restrooms near the hike so make sure you use them before you get here.
Parking is not too bad since not many people actually go for this hike. Overall very pleasant hike and if weather is good cool then its very much enjoyable.
Don't forget to wear hat/cap as it's a open path while some parts are shaded.

What a great hike! It was not an easy one, but so worth it! It felt like longer than 5 miles each way, but like the other reviewers mention, it involves some pretty steep and rocky sections. I use trekking poles and I was glad I had them. I think they prevented me from falling at least a couple of times (albeit, I am kind of a klutz)! What a beautiful and scenic hike the whole way! I lost the trail at the very top, but there may not have been one. You have to climb over lots of rocks to reach the very top spot, but it's an awesome place to rest, have a snack, and take in the view! I'm a fairly experienced hiker and it took me almost 6 hours. Allot the time and take lots of water and snacks!

Take left turn off the 89 signpost to Fallen Leaf Lake. When you arrice at the vilage, keep going to park at the trail head. We hiked the Glen Alpine trail to Lily Lake & beyong, some miles onto the Mt Tallac trail.

This was a tough hike to pick starting our week-long trip through Northern California. I was a little concerned about altitude, since we flew out from the East Coast just a day before. This trailhead starts out at 6400 feet, so that altitude can get you if you are not prepared. It really didn't give us much trouble. We do recommend starting out here as early in the morning as you can, because it will take you several hours. A lot of that depends on your physical conditioning and age. This is a very, very demanding hike if you plan to get all the way up to the summit. The first 1.5 miles climbs gradually up a sharp ridge that looks east onto Fallen Leaf Lake. The views of this lake are incredible, with beautiful blue and green hues. If there aren't any boats out on it, the lake looks almost still as glass. The trail works its way a little southwest, taking you away from Fallen Leaf Lake. At 1.7 miles, you will hit Floating Island Lake. This is picturesque, with mirror images of the side of Mt. Tallac. Stop for a few minutes here. At this point, you will realize the toughest thing about this hike. You are frequently walking across bowling-ball sized rocks rather than tramped-down dirt or pebbles. We learned after the fact that this will really work out your calves. Be prepared! At 2.5 miles, you hit another lake... Cathedral Lake. This is also beautiful, and it is more out in the open than the first lake. This is a good place to take a rest break, because the next 2.5 miles to the top is like walking on a stair master for about 2 hours. You quickly start to break more above treeline from this point, and begin to hit some switchbacks. It think one of the hardest parts is around the 3-3.5 mile mark where you hit this open scree field with about three really long switchbacks. This is completely exposed, above the treeline. Views are amazing here, but you will really be more interested in oxygen rather than what the view looks like. After this rough stretch, you finally crest a ridge and hit the Glen Alpine Trail Junction. It seems like things have flattened out at this point, but that is really a trick! The last stretch of about a mile to the summit is a crusher, but the payoff once you reach the bare rock peak will just leave you speechless. You get a 360 degree panorama with Lake Tahoe to the north, and Desolation Wilderness to the south. Looking down across Desolation Wilderness toward Mt. Price, you can make out at least 4 different alpine lakes. Gilmore Lake is the easiest to see, and it can have a mirror image of the sky. Lakes Aloha, Heather, and Susie can also be seen from the top of Mt. Tallac. By far the most amazing perspective is being able to see the entirety of Lake Tahoe. Fallen Leaf Lake is also completely visible, and if you sit right on top of the peak you can also see Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay. There may be a lot of tired people at the top, but this is the perfect spot to eat your lunch, your snacks, and drink plenty of water. After you take about a million pictures, you have to start the trek back down. This took us a little longer than we even thought it would, simply due to the rocky nature of the trail. It is hard to get going too fast or else you can turn an ankle. The entire hike up-and-back took us about 5 hours in early August 2015. We both agreed that this hike was both (a) one of the top 10 in all hikes we've done all throughout the U.S. and (b) probably one of the toughest, most demanding hikes we have done as well.

We had to park outside the gate and walk in, about 1/2 mile easy. some interesting buildings and great views

Decided to try this trail after seeing the good reviews on this site. While the view at the top is spectacular - with 360 degree vistas (see pictures!) - be warned this is a difficult and long hike. The elevation gain is 3,500 feet and for most of the way up the climb is relentless and in some of the steep areas the ground is quite loose making it hard to stay upright. You cannot really see the summit until you have arrived so it is hard to know how much farther you have to go. I am an experienced day hiker and it is one of the most challenging hikes I have ever completed. Bring lots of water and I would also recommend sports drinks, especially on a hot day. Plan to be hiking for 6-8 hours. The high altitude can make breathing more difficult and may lead to symptoms of altitude sickness (e.g. nausea). That said, I recommend this as a rewarding day hike for the fit and prepared hiker! The view will take your breath away if the hike up hasn't already.

The turn off from 89 is well marked and across from Baldwin Beach. The trail head is also well marked. I arrived at 5:30 am and was the first one to park in the lot. When I returned around 11:00 am, there wasn't a single space, so arrive early. I traveled solo and made it to the summit and back in about 5 and a half hours. Keep in mind I traveled solo, didn't take many breaks and stopped only to rest. I hiked after being in Tahoe for a week and I felt I was pretty well acclimated to the altitude. The views were spectacular. The trail leads you the entire length of fallen leaf lake after which point the climb gets pretty tough.

This hike is great, even if you don't go all the way to the peak. The first quarter, or even first half, are a relatively easy hike through a wooded trail that has wonderful views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.

Mt. Tallac elevation 9735'
9.6 miles
3300' elevation change
5-7 hour hiking time (per book, we took nearly that long due to an extended lunch up top and photo session)

The latter third of the hike is a steep hike/scramble/bouldering over slate rocks followed by a variable climb with areas of snow. The climb up the face is precarious at times, and definitely the hardest part of the hike (both up and down). Be careful and go at a comfortable pace. Not all of them are stable.

Note the trail bifurcation at about 8200' part way up the steepest ascent. A little below this point is where the trail changes from a wooded slight incline hike, to an 'out in the open' steep hike up a trail that has rock steps and later scrambling up slate. We hiked on July 9, 2019 and both bifurcations were covered in snow necessitating scrambling/bouldering over large slate rocks as opposed to convenient rock steps.

When we hiked (July 9, 2019) there was still snow up near the top (at least in the wooded areas before the highest rocky peak). But we were able to navigate around or over the snow even in running shoes. Just a warning, after the arduous aforementioned scramble up the rocky face, you will see what you think is the final peak. It is not. This will happen a couple more times. But continue to persevere. It is definitely worth it.

Take plenty of water and snacks. Use sunscreen. Start the hike at first light.

Make sure you start early in the morning to be able to stop and take in all the fantastic view that this trail has to offer around every bend. If you are lucky to can catch the breathtaking sights of sunrise over Fallen Leaf Lake. There are two beautiful small lakes along trail that demand a closer look and of course photo opportunities. Make sure to take snacks and plenty of water and maybe a small lunch. The last leg of the trail is strenuous so stop to catch your breath and don't over do it. Stop at every opportunity to take in the beautiful views and take pictures. And the view from the top is breathtaking. You will not regret taking this hike.

We really loved this trail, but it is a miracle we made it to the top. The trail has no markings at all. I suppose that this would not be a problem if there was no snow because you could see the trail, but we had to stop about 5 times to look for the trail.

We went up the steep way that goes past cathedral lake. It is not bad until just before the rim where it is nearly straight up. Then it is not bad for about another mile, and then the scramble at the end is free for all.

The view from the top is unparalleled. Be sure to do this hike on a clear day!

Read all posts and people are either lying or super human athletes. I have hiked all of Zion and Bryce and this trail is way harder. Coming from sea level south Florida, arrived in Tahoe one day prior to hiking mt tallac. The altitude is a huge part for anyone on this strenuous hike.

The first few lakes are nice, in the trees most of the time, no hats or sunglasses needed. Once you leave the trees, it's outside pure granite rocks straight up a mountain. It was very very tough to reach summit, took about 4.5 hours to summit. This includes breaks, photos, talking to hikers etc. spent about 45 mins at summit and hauled down as fast as possible and I was back at the parking lot 8 hours after starting.
Views were pretty awesome, feels great and proud I finished it without getting hurt, a real ankle breaker hike.

My gps pedometer clocks this hike at 14 miles and change, way longer than the 10 it says.

Bottom line. Do not attempt unless you are an experienced, in shape hiker that has adjusted to the altitude of the area and plan on spending the whole day hiking.

This is a long hike with some steep sections and a lot of rocks that is rewarded with nice views of Fallen Leaf Lake and the entire Tahoe area at the higher elevations. On 6/14, we made it up to about 7500 feet and turned around because of weather.

I did not make to the summit. I did make it to Cathedral Lake. The trail is incredibly scenic and awesome. Get to the trailhead early. By 8:00am or so the trailhead parking will be full.

This is the best hike for an experienced hiker visiting Tahoe. I've done this hike a few times and it's definitely an all day affair. For me, it took about 7-8ish hours to go up and down. Going up the mountain, it can get steep at some points. Coming down the mountain can get steep as well and rocky. My best advice for taking on this awesome trail are:
1) Start early before it will get super hot and that you don't descend down the mountain too late in the day when it gets dark. (Bring a flashlight to be prepared for the worse case scenario)
2) If you are not used to elevation and even if you are, make sure to stay hydrated!
3) Wear good hiking shoes!
4) Make sure to bring food with you because once you get to the peak, you'll want to hang out and take in the view!
5) Since the hike is long, make sure your phone is charged or have a back up travel charger (again, worse case scenario it gets dark or you get lost - service can be limited - I've ended up on the end of the trail, on the other side of the mountain and had to try to map our way back towards where we parked)
6) Go in a group! Because it's fun and it's SAFE! (be smart - don't go by yourself)

This is a long hike but soooo worth it! I love this trail and try to climb it whenever I visit Tahoe.

We enjoyed this hike up but it was the second hike of the day and we didn’t plan to do it all. Enjoyed the vista views and walked back down. Great experience and exercise.

love this trail during winter, hard to find as a lot of the roads close. but great back country cross country skiing

We did this trail twice - in the rain (with appropriate rain gear) and on a gorgeous day.

What made it extra special was all the features and variety of terrain, views, vegetation.

My. Tallac it's absolutely a beautiful trail, but also very rocky. I saw some dogs has no problem to hike to the summit and back, but there is always a chance to hurt your dog on such a rocky trail. My 80lbs dog's paws were breeding and he refused to walk anymore. Some hikers helped to call rescue team and they showed us quickly and professional. Scott, the rescue team member who was the first to found my husband. He carried my dog on his back for 2-3 hours and took him out from the wild. I am glad I still have my dog lying by my feet now. By the way this is a 9.5 mile (3500ft elevation) tail. It will take a very athletic ppl about 5-6 hours to complete. But it will take longer for most of the ppl. I ran into a small group of ppl in their 20s. They hiked for 7-8 hours. Try to start early, bring lights and warm clothes.

I had no idea what this hike would entail going into it. It starts in the woods taking you past some beautiful lakes and with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe. But then you go above the timber line and follow the switchback trail over the Rocky Mountain face. And that's just the first half! You can't even see the summit until you're up there. It's a definite challenge and the top is a complete rock scramble. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you try to eat at the summit l, just know that there are fearless chipmunks who aren't afraid to climb on you for food. The trail is pretty well marked for most of the journey, but keep an eye on footing. It was a 6 hour round trip for me.

I hiked this trail in late October. The weather can change on a dime once you're above 8,000 feet, and I was caught In a snowstorm that obscured the view from the top of Mt. Tallac - and the trail. Luckily I'm an experienced hiker so I was fine, but be careful and hike this when there's no chance of snow.

You just need food and water or a picnic spread to take with you, there are so many cool trails in tahoe a must do . I plan to come back and hike more of these trail gems all around tahoe

Lots of good views, plenty of flowers in mid-June, a few marmots, and a bunch of lakes. Couldn't ask for much more, and a definite highlight of the Tahoe region. Even if you don't make it all the way to the summit, there are lots of rewarding places that you could turn around at.

I personally would rank it as an easy hike with moderate sections, but then most of the hiking I do is in a more rugged landscape than the Sierras. Seeing it ranked as difficult/strenuous had me expecting something much worse. It took me 5 hours round trip to do the 10 miles, including about 30-45 minutes of photo breaks, so it left me time to go do another hike for the afternoon. I would have stayed longer to enjoy the view, but the wind at the peak was pretty relentless and chilly since I got an early start.

9.5 miles out and back with 3500' of elevation gain, you're not going to enjoy this one unless you're in pretty decent shape. Trail is well marked and well used, you'll have lots of company even on a weekday. First 1/3 is through forest, climbs gently along ridge above Fallen Leaf Lake and then past two smaller lakes. Second one is Cathedral Lake; trail gets steeper here and more exposed as you climb the flank below the summit. You reach a saddle that offers stunning views into Desolation Wilderness. When we reached this point the wind was howling, so it's a good idea to pack an extra layer or two. You now start the final push up to the summit. We found that within a few hundred yards of leaving the saddle the wind abated and were soon peeling off a layer and the wind wasn't a factor again until you stood directly atop the summit, which is basically a big boulder pile. Most people stop here for pictures and lunch so it can be a little congested, but the views are spectacular. You can see for many miles in every direction, with Tahoe stretching out if front of you and a variety of smaller lakes and exposed granite behind you. The trip down is a breeze as long as you're good on your feet, as it's entirely downhill. There really are no "up & down" sections to this hike..it's all up in one direction and all down in the other. A few other notes....make sure to bring plenty of water and some food, and get there as early as you can as the small parking lot fills early.

The map location on trip advisor is not right, it's actually here: http://goo.gl/maps/2pXra.

We didn't have a lot of time before dark, so we hiked in for about an hour before turning around and even for that short time there are beautiful views. We saw lots of chipmunks, squirrels and birds. I would love to go back in the morning and spend a day to see the rest of the trail that other reviewers have talked about.

This is probably the best one-day hike in the Tahoe Basin. I am 58 and in decent shape, and it took me 4 hours up and 3 hours coming back down. The views at the top are beyond description, and if you only want to hike for an hour, there are beautiful lakes and views within the first hour of hiking up. A lot of locals hike up with their dogs. There is a lot of scree and loose rocks in the middle third of the hike. Dress in layers because there are marked temperature changes as the altitude changes and the sun comes up.
Make sure you bring water and some treats for the very chubby and very friendly chipmunks at the summit.

This is a reasonably tough walk although I did see many children completing it, more likely for above 10yrs. The ground is extremely rough, you are waling on rocks nearly all the way - I rolled my ankle heavily twice and must have tripped 50 times.
Make sure you take food and water and some sugar lollies as you need the energy lift as you get near the top. On that point, you keep thinking you are nearly there and then there is another - does that about 3 times.
The reward is the discovery of some small lakes hidden in the woods, the views as you walk both glimpses of Lake Tahoe the trail. The big reward is when you get to the top - one of the best views you will see - especially on a nice day.
It took around 3 hours up with small breaks and 2.5 down.

Good walk through the woods and along beach. Stop at visitors center near the wildlife refuge swamp.

We still enjoyed it by parking outside of the area and walking down to the beach! Beautiful and peaceful!

The climb begins right away and essentially never stops (you gain 3000 ft of elevation in 5 miles). About a mile in you are treated to fantastic views of Fallen Leaf Lake and at a mile and a half you pass the most delightful little mountain lake. Be prepared for wind at the top for sure. It was pretty windy in several places on the route. As all the guidebooks and USFS websites tell you, be prepared for all kinds of weather.

It took our group most of the day to complete this beautiful hike but the views from the top are stunning. We went in early October and it was brisk, but sunny. We all definitely got a good workout in!

Great hike...I didn't go all the way up...and didn't reach the snowline...but the trail along the ridge provides fantastic views of Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. Very nice!

We have taken the hike up to Mt. Tallac. For us (ages 73 and 74) I would rate it difficult, particularly in the part where you take 1 step up and slide back 2 or 3 steps. But we did make it to the top and the view was spectacular! Do it if you can!

Do not attempt unless you are in decent shape. The trail is strenuous with lots of elevation gain... obviously. The view from the top is amazing. Our hike down was made even more exciting with a thunder and lightening storm. I would recommend starting this hike early in the morning to avoid the afternoon T storms.

Five miles up, five miles down. My brother and I (both of at least average fitness in mid-twenties) started this slightly later than expected, around 3:30pm. We passed several other hikers coming down who all mentioned they had started first thing in the morning, roughly five hours prior to us. We got to the top and witnessed some gorgeous sunset views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area, probably a view not often seen due to the length of the hike. Very cold up at the top, unshielded from the winds and cooler air. We flew down the trail in an attempt to beat the darkness, but ultimately we had to resort to our cell phone flashlight to finish the last part. Took us 4.5 hours roundtrip.

2300+ feet elevation, a very steep mid-section with no shade, no water available, but WOW, what views! Desolation Wilderness, multiple lakes, and a bird's eye view of Lake Tahoe from the summit. Engouraged: start early to beat the mid-day heat and crowds.

Love bike riding on this trail with my teens and friends. The trees are just beautiful and the temperature is usually very comfortable

This is place must see by anybody that live in our beautiful country
Amazing views, moderate climbing, trees are supernatural and big , summer is the dream weather

This was a nice trail for the sights, but the trail was very rocky. We took our dogs and it was too much by the end for them. The trail overlooks Fallen Leaf lake which was very nice and had a lake you could hike to on the trail, but just to rough going for our purpose. 6 miles round trip.

This is a nice hike with a moderate change in elevation change. The trail is well marked. It winds up and along the ridge line above Fallen Leaf Lake. Nice views and lots of birds along the way. We hit snow as we left the lake ridge. Made our way through the snow and stopped for lunch at Cathedral Lake. Beautiful hike to this point and decided to turn around due to the amount of snow on the ground and the incoming weather.

As it was much easier to follow our footsteps back we made it down the mountain quickly.

I recommend this hike and rate it easy to moderate with nice vistas. We look forward to returning and finishing the hike when we can see the trail.

Very scenic but tough hike to nearly 10,000 feet. Round trip, including 30 minute lunch at summit and some brief photo ops, was 6:15. That's with my 19-year old athlete/son and committed "peak bagger" as a rabbit. So a more relaxed hike would be at 7 hours. That's not insignificant with the altitude. We saw folks in SANDALS and flat sneakers heading up the trail head on our return at 2:00. I don't know what they were thinking. Leave early (we were out at 7:30) and you've got the approach to yourself. The hike, as many others have reviewed, is scenic and pretty tame to Cathedral Lake. From there, the pitch steepens and the trail becomes very rocky...you can't lose focus or you'll turn an ankle. Views the whole way up are stunning. Beware the false summits...you'll think you're there and another hour will pass before you even get close. Towards the top, some extremely steep drop offs will quicken your pulse and at the summit, you'll really feel like you've pulled off a truly tough climb. Descending is easier from a cardiovascular/fitness standpoint but MUCH tougher on the legs. If you do not hike regularly and are doing this as a something-to-do-on-my-Lake-Tahoe-vacation thing, I would line up a massage the next day. Lactic acid will not care about your other vacation plans. You WILL be sore the next 3-4 days. But it was totally worth it. Find a good hiking staff (I got lucky to find a 4-foot a piece of tough deadwood about 1/2 mile in) or bring trekking poles (especially for the descent) and bring at least 4L of water in summer. That's TWO bladders inside a CamelBak. Don't be an idiot and think you can tough it out. You're at high altitude in a dry, alpine desert environment.

Hike to the top is impossible at 6/7/2017 due to a lot of snow. Hike to floating island lake is perfect, towards cathedral lake very very hard because you have no clue where the path is because of all the snow! With good gps it is managable! Views are mesmerizing from the half frozen cathedral lake. Onwards to the top is covered in 3-6 fit of snow and very dangerous. We met some people who tried but were not succesfull!

I just finished perhaps my most difficult hike ever, to Mt. Tallac. Yet I also have to say it was a real rush! And the views were awe inspiring. I actually found it to be a spiritual experience. When you see the marvelous sights of nature, it's hard not to be moved.

What made it so difficult?
1. It was very long. It took me 8 hours to travel the 11 miles of the hike.
2. The trail was very rocky and at any given moment the rocks underneath you could shift and leave you unstable.
3. The incline was significant. Elevation at the Trailhead: 6,480' and then at the Summit: 9,735'.
4. During the spring there is a glacial bowl that is covered in snow. The snow field blocks the trail, so you have to improvise. Think of some way to get up there.
5. Additionally during spring as the snow melts, it often creates a stream in the trails. That can make the trail a bit unstable and even dampen your shoes.

What made it so awe inspiring?
Before you get very far at all, you are on a ridge that gives you a remarkable view of Fallen Leaf Lake. Then 1.6 miles into the hike and you are at Floating Island Lake, 2.3 miles to Cathedral Lake and
4.8 miles to Mt. Tallac summit assuming the trail is available. Incredible views persist along the entire route to the summit of this peak, which dominates the SW shore of Lake Tahoe. The summit affords without question the best panorama in the Tahoe Sierra.

As first time hikers, hubby and I decided to make the most of our short trip at Lake Tahoe and took on the challenge of Mt Tallac hike. It took us 4 hrs to reach the top and about 3 to descend, for a total of 10.5mi. We spent about 45min at the top so the whole trip was 8hrs. I would recommend bringing 2 bottles of water per person, some fruits and sandwiches to snack on at the top. We went in Sept so the weather was perfect! It was breezy and sunny so make sure u have lots of sunblock and a hat. On our way, we met a couple and the wife was celebrating her 70th birthday...so there's some encouragement for other amateur hikers! It was difficult but doable! Happy hiking!

Ok, I give this 5 stars cause the views are amazing and if you want a challenging trail this is it. It is about 5.7mi to the top bu the last 3/4 mile or so, the trail disappeared and basically hiking on skree and boulders so not for the faint of heart and have to be real comfortable on your feet. However, even getting up to this point is still an amazing hike, but the trail is kinda rocky throughout so again only for those who are good on uneven terrain

I hike out here often and I love it. There are tons of trails most of which lead to a lake. I was out there last weekend and the trail out to Suzy lake was still pretty flooded from all the snow melt.

Glad to have finally checked this one off! Definitely, one of the harder summits in the Tahoe area to conquer.

Want a wonderful days full of ever better views? Hike the Tallac Trail! Spring Summer or Fall, terrific and each one different.

A very tough hike, especially on the front side...most don't make it, but floating island and Cathedral lake are worth it. ...Steep rocky stairs will kill your knees. ...not for beginners
Spectacular views, worth the bragging rights

We hiked in a group of 4 (27 year-olds). We started the trail at 8 am and it took us about 8 hours round trip. We are from Miami, FL and were not used to the elevation, but it was totally attainable. There are plenty of fellow hikers to keep you motivated to the top. I suggest bringing a lot of water and snacks with you. There is a relatively well-paved trail almost the entire way up; it is very rocky so I suggest taking appropriate footwear. It was not an easy hike, but when you reach the summit, the views make your strain worth the while.

This was a challenging hike for 2- 50+ hikers. But we pushed on to the top.So glad I kept going. 4 hours up and 3 down.I was never so glad to see my car. Take lots of water. We ran out the last few miles.

Nice easy to moderate trek. Getting to the trailhead, we were surprised by groves of Quaking Aspen that shimmered like gold flames in the sunlight.

Uts a long long hike, but certainly you can do just a little bit of it to check the scenery if you don't have an entire day. It's a very challenging trail.

A short, slightly steep beginning up the crest of the first hill leads to stunning views of Fallen Leaf lake. I was surprised by 3 feet of snow still in May after just 10 minutes on the trail, but could follow most of the trail from previous experience and hikers that had tread before me. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

It's a killer on the knees going down, but you're rewarded with the most fantastic summit view. Take the hiking sticks, you'll be thankful you did! Trust me on this one.

I was with my 18 year old daughter, we had no idea if we could finish — due to snow (we did this hike in tennis shoes with no “gear”.
First, we are both in good shape - this was a difficult hike. Second, when they say there is snow - they aren’t lying! Third, even if you do not complete, the views even to the first lake are beautiful. I’ll try to attach pics.
A few tips: do not follow gps to trail head, it will take you to wrong place. Second, start early! With gps mishap, we did not start until 10am. Third, it’s easy to lose the trail. We got lost a few times. We didn’t finish until 630. It was a long, but incredible day.
Initially it’s just uphill hiking on a trail. Then you hit some snow, but it’s not a big deal. Then it’s all snow and hard to keep your footing. In the last mile or so you will hike up a very steep ridge. This was so difficult for us. The snow was too slick, so we had to climb the rocks. I found this terrifying. This quarter mile took us FOREVER. In fairness, others seemed to do it with no issues??
I recommend trying it, just go as far as you can - if you make it to the end WOW! Even if you don’t, there is plenty to experience and see along the way.
*Many pics won’t attach as they are too large, but here’s a few things you will see on the way up.

Amazing views even halfway in. Trail very rocky hiking shoes will save your feet. Described as " difficult " , it is. Peak over 9000 feet. In shape probably need 4-5hrs. No park fees. October no crowds. Couldnt finish but still great.

A great hike for experienced hikers. This is challenging but reveals great views of the lake and surrounding areas. It took two of us about 7 hours to complete the round trip.

The views are amazing and you definitely feel like you are rewarded for your effort and hard work. In order to make it to the top, give yourself time and leave early. Make sure you stop to enjoy the amazing views.

My husband wanted to hike to the summit of Mt. Tallac, and I wanted an enjoyable shorter hike and we both got what we wanted! There are three great places to relax at for a while with great scenery before turning around, besides the summit itself. One is an overlook of Tahoe and falling leaf lake. You'll know it when you get there, quite beautiful. No good picnic spots or relaxing spots here though. Second, there is a small serene and peaceful pond that I absolutely loved. A great place to put up a pack hammock and nap/read or to have your picnic. No picnic tables, but the rocks on the edge of the pond will provide enough of a view and seclusion to make up for it. The last little lake you get too is a great place to day camp while others in your group climb on to the summit. I hear from my husband that the summit views are worth the climb. Be sure to pack sunscreen for reapplying, wear good hiking boots or trail running shoes, lots of water and snacks/lunch. Little ones should be carried in a kiddo-pack for sure. Saw many trail runners here that day also. Enjoy!

makes for a nice walk near the lake, with several interesting museum pieces on the way, might make a reasonable after meal walk, the ponderosa pine are giving a lovely scent and the landscape is great.

If you are looking for a special experience that will get you away from the hordes around Emerald Bay (and make the scenery of those shorter hikes seem very average!) then this is the hike for you. It's a decent uphill climb, but not as difficult as Upper Yosemite falls for example. I recommend an early start so there will be less people to spoil your photos and the quiet, and parking will be easier. Take plenty of water and sunscreen, and pack brunch or lunch to eat on Mt Tallac. The scenery gets better as you get higher, but the view from Mt Tallac is only hinted as as you can't see the entire lake until you scramble up the final few metres. You will want to linger, this is the best view you can imagine. There are two lakes on the way, both very picturesque. After that the trail gets hot and exposed with a steep bit that has improved with the addition of a switchback. (This is up the slope after Cathedral lake - when you get to a fork in the middle of the steep slope it's left up the switchback Vs right up an unpleasantly steep trail, but they meet up again. The two real forks on the trail are both signposted.) After that there is a meadow section with some flowers - yes this trail really has it all! And it's relatively short so if you start early you will still have an afternoon to spend on other activities. Enjoy!

We didn't intend to make it to the top, to lake Mt Tallac, but we did do the first part of the trail to the first lake.
The first part was through the trees, climbing up until we could see the views of "Fallen leaf lake".
We then continued up till we got to the first small lake. A very beautiful place.
The way up was not easy for me as there were lots of small stones that made you really concentrate on where you were going. Huffing and puffing i finally reached the first little lake.
The way down was a little easier and the views of fallen leaf lake were very beautiful. You also had to take care.
It took us about an hour and a half to reach the first lake but we did not walk fast as it was mostly uphill and with lots of stones on the way.

Great hike up the Mt. Tallac trail head along the trail west of Fallen Leaf Lake on the ridge. It was a wonderful hike, we turned around at Cathedral Lake due to limited time on the trail. We are novice hikers in our middle 60's, my wife and I loved the trip but had not planned well enough to make the summit...it was still a wonderful beautiful trip with view of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, and Fallen Leaf Lake...wonderful day, easy parking at trail head.

This was rated number one on trip advisor so we thought we would go for it. We left feeling pretty disappointed. I am not a hiker so was put off by the talk of it being very strenuous. I did struggle a little and decided to let my husband go ahead someway after cathedral lake. He carried on for quite a while but even he gave up and returned before reaching the summit and he is reasonably fit. The problem was the ground under foot. For virtually all the hike it is rough stones and cobbles which are difficult to walk on for long periods especially up hill. You constantly slip and struggle for grip. What's also frustrating is that beyond the pretty earlier lake views there is not a great deal to see after this as you head up to the summit. We have been on many hikes and this was probably the least interesting of them all. A man I was talking to at the lake lived in Tahoe during the summer and had completed the whole hike a couple of times and he said to me ' to be honest it's not really worth the climb and difficult conditions just for the view at the top'
The lakes views are nice but simply not worth the tortuous difficult walk on cobbles - just our opinion as others clearly enjoyed it
There are many other ways and option to get stunning lake views in Tahoe

My husband and I have been hiking this trail every year for almost 20 years. It is definitely one of our favorites for the views of Lake Tahoe. Although I would consider this a strenuous trail, if you are acclimated, bring lots of water and a good lunch it is well worth the effort. It is best done in early summer or fall when it is not too hot. Besides the view, there are usually marmots along the way which can be very entertaining.

I went on Labor Day weekend and started at 1:30pm. The trailhead is located about a mile off the main highway, just look for the turnoff marked with a sign. Please note that there are no services at the trailhead such as restrooms or water. This can be a surprisingly difficult hike, so I would recommend sturdy shoes and plenty of water. The trail is 5 miles to the summit with an elevation gain of 3200 feet. The trail is well marked, but rocky in sections, so be careful not to turn an ankle on a loose rock. I would not recommend sandals. For your efforts to reach the summit, you are rewarded with some spectacular views along the way, even within the first 20 minutes on the trail. As a bonus, you will have cell coverage on parts of the trail and at the top, so you can post photos of your adventure in real-time.

I am a runner and in overall good health, it took me 2.5 hours to reach the summit at a moderate pace with occasional photo stops. I consumed almost 64 ounces of water (about 2 Gatorade bottles) on a 75 degree day. The trail passes next to several small (and beautiful) lakes along the trail, so it is possible to filter water and even go for a swim. Floating Island Lake is at mile 1.5 and Cathedral Lake at mile 3. In fact, there were lots of hikers that just went to the first lake and stayed there.

There is a particularly steep and difficult section between miles 3-4 where you climb loose gravel straight up the hill, which is then followed by several challenging switchbacks. This can be quite daunting, but it levels out one you reach the ridge line. At the summit, you will have an unparalleled 360 view of the Tahoe region with views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Gillmore Lake, just to name a few. I would recommend a rest/photo break at the summit, then head back down trail and taking a longer meal/rest break at Cathedral Lake. If you thought the trail was difficult heading up between miles 3-4, it is equally difficult on the legs coming back down, so Cathedral Lake is the perfect place to take a rest on the way down.

Overall, this is a great hike that is surprisingly easy to reach from anywhere in the Tahoe Basin. As noted, it can be challenging, so I would suggest knowing your own physical limits. Also, please come prepared with adequate water, food, extra clothing, and flashlights (at least have a flashlight app installed on your phone).

Lastly, there were at least a dozen hikers with dogs on the trail. =) Most had stopped at the first lake, however, I did see a few coming down from the summit. My only suggestion if that if you planning to take your pooch, please be sure that your dogs paws are prepared for the rocks and gravel on the trail.

I am a 59 year old woman who hiked this trail with my 24 year old daughter. This hike is strenuous and not for everyone. Bring snacks and plenty of water and expect to take some breaks to catch your breath. Get an early morning start before the sun gets too hot and enjoy the scenery along the way. We spent about an hour at the top of Mt. Tallac looking down on Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake, eat your snacks and take lots of photos. In some respects the hike down seemed more difficult especially in the areas of loose gravel. If this hike is on your bucket list, then I say, "Go For It!" You will be happy you did it.

We were not able to make it to the summit due to the last switchback being covered with snow still. Great hike nonetheless. Not for the faint of heart though, definitely some work getting even to the point we did. As with most hikes in this area, incredible views and unforgettable vistas.

We had planned on hiking farther up than we did, but were hiking in April and we hit a lot of snow that we weren't prepared for. That said, the views and scenery are fantastic. We plan to come back.

This is a beautiful but VERY challenging hike even for a fairly avid runner. We started at 7am and made the peak at around 10am. Coming down was a bit easier but still took 2.5 hours. It was pretty windy and cold at the top for July.

This hike is beautiful for the experienced hiker. A little challenging at times; especially at the top. Well worth the strugglevasvthe views are the best in Tahoe.

I was unable to summit the top due to an injury, but my 10 year old son made it and loved it. It is a strenuous hike, but anyone in shape can do it. No technical skills needed, just some good lungs and strong legs. Go for it!

We did the shorter 1.7 mile hike to a small mountain lake. Rated easy to moderate but we found parts somewhat challenging because of sharp rocks that we found hard to traverse. Our lab's feet didn't tolerate it very well. The view of Fallen Lake and Lake Tahoe made it all worthwhile.

My husband and I hiked this trail in early October on a sunny 65 degree (seriously couldn't have asked for better weather)! It took us around 6 hours (roundtrip).

This was a really wonderful hike with incredible views of the Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail is rather rocky, so I recommend wearing hiking boots (although I did see people in tennis shoes). We started at the Mt. Tallac trailhead, hiked up to the summit and then went back down the same way, which I believe is about 9.5 miles. You pass 2 lakes on your way up - Floating Island Lake and Stream Crossing, so there's plenty to see. Bring lunch and enjoy it at the summit - there's tons of rocks for your to lie back and rest your feet before heading back down.

If you are planning to hike to the top of Mt. Tallac, be in pretty good shape before you arrive. I also recommend starting your hike from the trailhead at the back side of Fallen Leaf lake and taking that trail to the top. Hiking the front side of Mt. Tallac (lake Tahoe side) is strenuous. Also, altitude plays a part. Better to try and acclimate for a day or two before attempting this if possible. The elevation gain is around 3300 feet, and the air is thin up there.With this in mind, you should be fine and the view from the top is amazing, you can see all of Lake Tahoe as well as the smaller lakes. Happy Trails

Pretty strenuous trail, not for everyone -- several thousand tough feet of elevation gain -- but you will not believe the views from the summit! Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, the Desolation Wilderness all spread out before you in a 360 degree panorama.

Although we did not attempt the summit, we did go as far as Cathedral Lake and were not disappointed with everything we saw and experienced along the way. We were fortunate to find a place to park right near the trailhead. Parking can be very difficult and we had to leave this hike for a weekday becuz we could not find parking on the weekend. There were no permits available which was the case at other trails.

We really enjoyed a couple of hours here, there are some interesting houses to see and views of the lake are great.

It was GORGEOUS. The top did not come easy. It took us 7 hours with many short and 2 long breaks. Very dry time of year so bring so much water. Not a technical climb but one that requires endurance and the right mind. So beautiful at the top with a great view of Tahoe, but it is a very scenic hike the entire way. You will need to fill out a permit when you get there, they are at the trail head. Bring a pen for this, the one there was dead. The trail head is located in an area directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach. Once you turn into there, keep going in until you see signs for Mt. Tallac trail head. Good luck!

My friend and I went for a hike in mid-November. Some parts of the trail were covered by snow, but it didn't affect the hike that much. Although we only made it to above Cathedral Lake due to late start, we indulged in the beautiful scenery along the way. It's a full day hike so start early. Don't forget to bring water and snacks. It's not an easy hike. Highly recommend for people who are into outdoor activities.

First of all, the reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is simply because this was my first time climbing a "real" mountain, so I have nothing to compare it to. That being said, this was a beautiful hike with breathtaking views. Those who are not in at least moderate/decent physical condition (you don't have to be a super athlete) will likely not find this enjoyable, as it is roughly 10 miles round trip, and took my group about 6 hours, give or take, to complete. To make things easier on yourself, wear layers, pack light (with plenty of food and water), make frequent stops to rest, and wear good hiking boots, as much of the trail is over rocks, not dirt (especially toward the summit). The view from the summit is absolutely gorgeous, with views of almost the entirety of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. Best time to go is probably late summer/early fall when there is little to no snow.

This is the highest mouintain you can climb around Lake Tahoe and it's worth the effort. You should be physically fit but as soon as you reach the top, the views are spectacular. You can see lots of chipmunks on the way up and with a little luck you even see blackbears. Enjoy!

I grew up hiking this trail and it just never gets old. It feels like such an accomplishment when you make it to the top. I love the smells of nature, the beautiful scenery, and the cool mountain air. It is my favorite hike of all time!

Beautiful vistas and semi challenging terrain on this hike. Love the view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf together. I will take this one again when I'm back in the Tahoe area.

Lush trees and plants.
Blue lake views.Lots of hikers , bikers..
Will definitely recommend to visit.
Very relaxing atmosphere.

We were told this was a 9.4 mile hike that should take 3-6 hours. We are experienced hikers and it took us 7 hours. It seemed like 14 miles according to our iPhone health app. Perhaps we took the long trail behind the mountain instead of scrambling straight up. Regardless, the beginning has great views of Fallen Leaf Lake and the end has a great view of Lake Tahoe and the snow-covered mountains. The rest of the trail has little to no scenery, other than rocks. Definitely not worth it, unless you hike to Cathedral Lake and turn around.

It's all been said in the other revues. Go early. Go prepared.Know your ability.

July 28 @ 6a.m. Packed light. Salomon Trail Shoes. Camelback w/ 3litres of water. Protein bar and a banana.

I did this as a power hike/ trail run. Top to bottom with time at the top in less than four hours. Not much runnable terrain due to rocks and steeps but a good hands on knees pushed pace going up and a brisk pace down with running wherever practical.
While going up I passed about 30 people coming down as they had hiked up in the dark to see the sunrise.I believe they were guided as a group. I got to the top and had the whole place to myself, with the exception of a friendly marmot. The views are fantastic and being alone with yourself in that place just can't be described.
On the way down I saw at least 50 to 75 hikers coming up. Some were smiling, most were not. I got a sense many were not prepared for the suffering it takes to achieve the prize at the end. There seemed to always be a straggler in each group that was not having a fun day. However, all the dogs I saw seemed to be enjoying themselves.
If you live at sea level, as I do, there will be an effect from the altitude. It's real. Just slow down and your body will tell you how fast to go.

As many have noted, the views are fantastic from the top. Start early, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for some rocky, and somewhat steep sections

The Tallac historical estates are located by the lake. The location is beautiful and the estates and history quite interesting. In October the salmon are spawning. It's a nice walk to Taylor Creek and fascinating to see them. We took a picnic too.

A superb trail that has forests, lakes and high mountain views. Advisable to wait until July onwards so the upper mountain is clear of snow. A must-do when in Tahoe

This hike is hard, but rewarding. The distances on the maps and guides are misleading. The official distance round trip is 9.0 miles but varies depending on map and guide. But our different devices (gps, google maps- hike mode, fitbits) all showed the total distance RT was closer to15 miles!

They've done some trail redesign, but wouldn't account for such a discrepancy in distances. Whatever the truth on total distance, it's a long,hard hike to the top.
Be prepared, use boots (very rocky trail ) have plenty of liquids and a wind shell, it can get very windy on top.

Sand? Yup. Water? Yup EAGLES?? YUP!!! Anice walk in a gorgeous area, and some chance at spotting some pretty cool wildlife. Take the time to breathe deeply, relax and enjoy,

It was a all day trail. I huffed and puffed there while climbing hills and mountains. The views were beautiful on the way there. We passed like 4 lakes to get there. Once we got to the top if the Summit, the view was just breath taking. It was worth it!!

Tough trail, but the views are worth every minute spent on the hike. Bring plenty of water and high energy snacks (and a bathing suit for a dip in Cathedral Lake on your way back down) - you'll need them

Hiked to the summit today - from the trailhead was just under 5 miles. I read a review below where someone said that they clocked 16 miles from start to finish on their gps but unless he was lost or took a completely different route there his calculations are off. We did this in about 6.5 hours and if it were 16 miles it would have taken us much longer. So to be clear we started at the main trailhead. This trail is rated as difficult and I think that must be because if the rocks and boulders. Just make sure to wear good shoes or boots and take your time. Coming down was actually harder for me because of the rocks. The views on the way up and from the top are incredible. Wildlife is amazing. There's a sign that says bears are active right now. I haven't heard of anyone seeing a bear on this trail but one man who passed us said their group saw a young bear very near the trailhead. Take your time and stop for the views and have a snack by the lakes. You won't regret this hike! Oh, and bring trekking poles!

A tough and strenuous hike, start early in the morning and please take loads of water as it is a thirsty job. The scenery on the way up is beautiful. It's also tough on the knees coming down, lots of rubble so wear sturdy footwear.

Beautiful hike. Passed 3 lakes and swam in the 3rd one. There was snow on some parts of the trail but still hikeable in normal shoes. Great 360 view from the top. Passed a couple marmots and many chipmunks on the hike. Went on a Saturday and lots of other people (and dogs) were out as well, but not too crowded ever. Took about 8 hours round trip. Could go faster but be care with footing in some sections as there are loose rocks.

This was the first time we have been here in the summer. It has a lot more water in the marsh area. We also saw a lot of different flowers and plants we do not see in the fall. However, after another year of drought the water in the stream was down so low that it was barely noticeable in some places. If you go in late September you can see the salmon.

We climbed Mt. Tallac by parking in the Glen Alpine trailhead and hiking to Gillmore Lake. While stopping once in a while to take pictures, rest, snack, and to enjoy the view, it took us about 3 hours to get to Lake Gillmore. That was a great view. There we stopped to have lunch, purify water, and rest before moving on. Mt. Tallac was another 1 1/2 hour climb higher than that and the steepest part. It says it was a strenuous hike, and it was! The views, wildflowers, and fresh mountain air were worth every step. The whole trip for us took about eight hours, starting around 9:30 and getting back around 7:00. Bring at least 3-4 liters of water each for two people! By having climbed the mountain, it made the views from the Gondola platform in South Lake Tahoe even more meaningful and fun!

Took Tallac trail with party of 11 today. Weather beautiful. Get started early; we parked in lot at 7:50 am and took last two slots. On exit, dozens of cars lined the road as far as a quarter mile from the parking lot. Bring hiking poles and do not wear shoes which will slip in snow! Just above Cathedral lake are three increasingly longer snow fields before the bowl - slippery in the AM, fun to slide down when slushy in the pm. At the bowl, can't see trail from below - few hikers in front of us so we had no clear direction. Four scaled a long, steep snow field on hands and knees - the rest of us crossed steep boulder field before finally finding trail. Up above, trail mostly covered in snow; since we hadn't taken route before we did about an hour of unnecessary detours. Turns out you have to basically hike straight up multiple snowfields until near the top, where the trail again becomes visible. Trail does go all the way to the top. Beatiful there today, lots of company. Remember to sign in! On the way down, slide down multiple slushy snow fields till you get to the bowl - then we took an AWESOME slide in the snow down the bowl - maybe 150 yards of fun. Made the hassles getting up worth it. Able to slide down parts of two lower snowfields as well. Many afternoon hikers turning around at the first snowfield. Several sections of trail have running water, but easy to step around in most places. Will go again after the melt!

*we did a 5.5 mile hike (up to Cathedral Lake and back)

Why do the Gondola when you can do this for free and have equally amazing views? Not only that but you get some great exercise and are one with nature.

I totally recommend this hike. The views are amazing and it's not too strenuous (for what we did). The views on the way back may be better than the way up actually. Fallen leaf lake, Lake Tahoe and Mt Tallac are all in your vantage point. Toss in the tranquility of being in peaceful nature and it's almost like heaven on earth.

I did the hike in chacos and my wife in running shoes FYI. Probably better with hiking shoes but it worked. Bring water as the high elevation and work out will make you quench for something.

The 5.5 mile trip we did took us about 3 hours (we stopped for 5-10 min to have a snack at Cathedral Lake)

This hike was one of the hardest I have ever embarked upon. Steep gradient, rocks, snow combined with heat make this a difficult hike. To compensate these at each level it gives incredible panoramic view of the lake Tahoe, Elizabeth lake and fallen leaf lake.
It kinda gives you a sense of accomplishment once you finish it. It took more than 9 hrs to complete this.

Excellent place for a trail run. First 2.5/3 are runnable. Elevation gain and uneven loose terrain made it difficult up to the last .75/.5 mile to move much faster than 3 to 4 mph. Up and down around 3 hours should be easy if you're in shape. Bring a gore Tex wind breaker as well as a shirt change for the top as the wind is cold.

Long, hard, but very butiful view all the way to the sumit. Take plenty of water... be in a good shape. And do it!

The Mt. Tallac Trail is an relatively easy trail for the area. The views are spectacular and the walk pretty easy even for a novice.

A great hike to go on! Spend the whole day and bring a lunch. Lots of places to stop and enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Awesome views from the top of the mountain, don't forget your camera. Becomes difficult to strenuous once you pass the second lake. Bring a walking stick and enjoy one of the best hikes in South Lake Tahoe. Head toward Camp Richardson and look for the Tallac Trailhead sign.

Did this over Labor Day weekend. As others say, start early. We did at 0530, about an hour before sun up. Show early so you can park as close to trail head as possible. At end of day as we were driving away, we saw cars parked all over the road in random places, over half mile away back towards the highway.
Bring 3 to 4 liters of water per person! There were a couple streams and of course the two lakes, if you want to filter/purify water along the way, but they're at the bottom half of the hike.
Fair amount of open/full sun too, bring a hat especially for top half of hike. Great views at top but recent fires this summer have brought in a bit of smoky skies.
Hard hike and not for beginners. Took about 10 hours round trip, which included 30-45 minutes hanging out up top. Don't need hike poles either. Well travelled trail, probably 200+ people out on a Saturday. Good luck!

This trail, as well as many other places to visit are all in the same basic area. If you have a bicycle the entire south shore is loaded with bike trails including the oe from Camp Richardson area to the visitir center, etc. The beauty is incredble.

Honestly the view at the top wasn't nearly as cool as some of the views along the way to the top. There were a few ponds that were nestled on the trail and were just beautiful. But it's a pretty long hike, I think it took my wife and I about 4-5 hours to complete and we are in pretty good shape.

Very challenging hike but worth it. I think it was about 6 miles one way via the route we took. Awesome views and a rewarding summit!

We enjoyed this hike, We found out about it from the friendly folks at the Visitors center at Lake Tahoe.

Gorgeous views on this hike! We will definitely do it again next time we go to Tahoe. We are a bit older (57 and 63) but pretty fit, and it took us 2:45 up and 2:24 down. So just over 5 hrs hike time, plus a 40 minute lunch at top. Wasn't much faster coming down because it was rocky much of the way. We didn't have poles but saw lots of people with them.

This is a great hike for an experienced hiker. The views are spectacular all the way up and down. We made it up and down in 6 1/2 hours spending half an hour at the top savoring the views. The trail is rocky and steep at times, but manageable. This year there is crazy amount of bees on the trail and up at the top.

Hands down the best trail in the area. If you are in decent shape and love hikes with beautiful vistas, it is worth the time it takes to go. The 2-3 hour hike (one-way) can be broken into three sections: the first is up to Cathedral Lake and is a decent workout but is also the flattest section. The second part is extremely difficult, stopping every so often to catch your breath. The last third is on the backside of Mt Tallac and gives you beautiful views of Desolation Wilderness. You get to the top and then you realize why you put yourself through it. There was no snow in mid season this year, but last year we ran in to a patch blocking the trail in early July. But then again, last year was a crazy awesome year for snow. Stay safe!

Wonderful hike. We were with our 9 year old daughter so trip to summit wasn't in the cards but we went to Floating Island lake. Just beautiful! Saw many birds and wildflowers.

From the area outside the gate because of the area being closed from wildfires, it was a 12 mile hike. Definitely challenging. Make sure you bring enough water and snacks for along the way. Even with the smoke it was worth it.

go after the snow melts, that way the trail isn't blocked by snow. Go after June, but there may still be a little bit of snow near the top. Great views of 4 or 5 lakes.

Beautiful hike. I really suggest going as early as possible. I started the trail at 5:45am (need headlamp), and I didn't see anyone else until I reached the summit. On the way back dowm, Id guess I passed about 50-60 people. Bring trail shoes or light boots, because you are hiking/climbing over large rocks about 95% of the trail. Well worth the view, but just go into it knowing your gonna get quite the workout.

Amazing views at the summit point. We went there in October, the weather was perfect during fall. Started the hike pretty early in the morning , around 6am , and we completed it at around 3pm. I did it along with a friend, and I don't think we were in that good shape. The last 1 mile at the top was pretty hard, because of the altitude.
Total hike was about 11 miles round trip.

Would recommend starting this hike early in the morning.

Wow, what a hike! It took us 7.5 hours. The trail is moderate up to Cathedral Lake, and after that becomes quite difficult. The trail is really rocky up to the top and you literally are hiking only on rocks, no dirt trail. We thought it looks like what the planet Mars might look like! Great view, but a difficult hike.

Its easily at least a half-day affair, but the views are worth it. Pace yourself as it gets steep near the top. Makes you feel like the king of the world and the hike through the lower elevations is gorgeous.

We hiked on Friday 26th and were treated to mostly overcast skies. We started at 630am and reached the top at 930am. The views were beautiful. We had to hike around some snow near the top of the Rocky bowl area which in my opinion was the toughest part of the hike. My buddy and I are both 60 and very rigorous hike for us. My second time and much better when cloudy.

This is a tough hike but worth the views from the top of lake Tallac. Breathtaking at points. It’s just over 5 miles from the trailhead to the peak. The top 2 miles are pretty steep and rugged. We did it in running shoes. The top 2 miles are better done in hiking boots. Start before noon and much earlier if taking your time. Bring layers as it gets cold and windy up top. Snacks for the summit. We were sore for days after this hike with our teenager.

Great trail wth stunning views down onto Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail is fairly straightforward to start with but once you get out of the forest areas and onto the mountain side, it is fairly rocky and reasonably hard going. It wasn't too strenuous but our legs were getting tired as we approached the summit. It took us about 6.5 hours including a couple of stops for food. We didn't stop too long at the top as the heights and sheer drops don't make for the most relaxing stop, especially when the wind picks up but we did take a few stunning pictures and we also met some fellow hikers from various places around the world.

Whilst the way down was less strenuous, it did require more concentration and we did find the rocky terrain a little tedious by the time we got back down.

All in all, I would recommend this trail but be sure to take lots of water and snacks and of course good shoes as the terrain does require steady footing.