#1 Emerald Bay Hiking Trail: Maggie’s Peak
For being one of the shorter Tahoe hiking trails at only 4-miles round-trip, Maggie’s Peak packs a scenic punch. If you take on this relentless climb, your reward will be gorgeous views over Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, and Fallen Leaf Lake.
Starting from the Bayview campground in Emerald Bay, you’ll encounter thigh-burning switchbacks almost immediately on this trail. But don’t give up! After three-quarters of a mile, there is a stunning view of Emerald Bay. You’ll also have an uninterrupted view of Fannette Island as you catch your breath.
If you decide to continue and do the full trail, you’ll wind your way towards sparkling Granite Lake after which point you’ll encounter the steepest ascent, but at this point you’re almost to the top!
What to love about this trail: Maggie’s Peak is rocky and quite wide. The view towards Lake Tahoe is breathtaking, and it’s tempting to just hang out on the summit facing it for as long as possible. But, if you climb around the boulders away from Lake Tahoe, you can get a peek into Desolation Wilderness. Once you’ve soaked in the views, the jaunt back to the initial Emerald Bay viewpoint and Bayview Campground is a breeze.
Insider Tip: There are only a handful of parking spots at the trailhead in the Bayview Campground, so plan to arrive before 8 am in the summer or get dropped off.
#2 Emerald Bay Hiking Trail: Lakeside Rubicon
You don’t always have to climb a mountain to embrace the beauty of Lake Tahoe. For a lake-side alternative, consider the Rubicon Trail to visit Vikingsholm, walk along the side of Emerald Bay, and discover the picturesque coves on the way to D.L Bliss State Park.
From the Emerald Bay Lookout, you make your way down the wide, sweeping switchbacks down to the water. Make the short detour over to Vikingsholm for a touch of history before taking the lakeside trail along Emerald Bay. Aptly named, the crystal clear water of Emerald Bay sparkled in turquoise and green.
Once you make it to the open lake, the trail takes you by a series of darling little coves framed by evergreens and feature deep blue water. Next to Lake Tahoe, you will slowly increase elevation until you lose sight of the lake altogether. Keep an eye out for picturesque rocks to take photos from as you gain elevation. Coming out of the trees, you will see rocky cliffs that eventually lead to the blissful sandy beaches of Bliss State Park. Clocking in at roughly 6 miles, this trail is sure to win your heart.
Insider Tip: As a point-to-point trail, it’s challenging to figure out where to park the cars. Both endpoints charge a fee for extended parking and have limited spots, so make a plan before you go! Ideally, you would get dropped off at the Emerald Bay State Park Lookout while those with you relax at the Bliss State Beaches. Don’t expect to be alone, especially in summer.
#3 Lake Tahoe Hiking Trail: Bayview Trail
This is one of the best Lake Tahoe hiking trails, and one of the best hikes near San Francisco. It’s well worth a day trip up to Lake Tahoe to do the Bayview trail.
Located in the Desolation Wilderness, you’ll find the trailhead at the back end of the Bayview Campground. A permit is required even for day hikers, but you can pick one up at the trailhead. If you planned on staying overnight you would have to purchase ahead of time.
The Bayview Trail and the Cascade Falls Trail begin at this trailhead – go right for the Bayview Trail.
This is an out and back trail rated moderate/difficult and at just under 5 miles it intersects the Tahoe Rim Trail. For a quick hike you can take the trail for a mile until you get to Granite Lake which still offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.
You can continue above Granite Lake on more switchbacks and after 2.7 miles you’ll intersect the Eagle Falls Trail. Continue on for another bit and you’ll come to a fork where you can either go right for Velma Lake or left for Dick’s Lake.
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You can make the trip as long as you would like but it’s a good idea to have a map with you and some navigational skills as there are so many spur trails you can take.
Insider Tip: The mosquitos can also be terrible here so make sure to bring your bug spray!
#4 Lake Tahoe View: Bonsai Rock
In the water on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, sits a granite boulder with a few small trees (that resemble Japanese bonsai trees) on top, called Bonsai Rock, This large rock sitting in the middle of a sheltered swimming cove, offers beautiful views, especially at sunset and is one of the most photographed places in this area of Lake Tahoe.
Bonsai Rock is also a great swimming spot. There is no beach here, but the location offers easy water access to kayakers, boaters, or paddleboarders.
There’s also no official marked trail to Bonsai Rock and no designated parking area, but it’s a relatively easy place to find. It is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe about 20 miles from Carson City and halfway between Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe.
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How to get there: From Stateline, take US-50 E and NV-28. There is a paved pullout on the southbound side of Highway 28, about 1 mile south of Sand Harbor. There is a parking area big enough for few cars. From here, there is a short trail to Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe. Despite the lack of trail markings, the path is clearly visible and well-trodden. Impossible to miss it. It will take you 10-15 minutes to descend. It’s an easy and short hike.
Insider Tip: Be careful on the stones when wet. Wear shoes with good grippy soles.
#5 Lake Tahoe Hiking Trail: Tunnel Creek Trail to Historic Incline Railway Bullwheel
From the Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village, you’ll hike 2.5 miles and climb 900 feet to the intersection with the Incline Flume Trail. You’ll then hike along the Incline Flume Trail for about a mile to a spur trail that will take you to the historic Incline Railway Bullwheel. After exploring the historic remains, retrace your steps to the Tunnel Creek Trail and continue uphill for 1/3 of a mile to the site of the West Portal Tunnel before heading back down the Tunnel Creek Trail to the parking lot near the Tunnel Creek Cafe. Total hiking distance will be about 8 miles.
Insider Tip: Check snow levels before planning to do this trail. Dress in warm layers and sturdy hiking boots.
#6 Lake Tahoe Hiking Trail: East Shore Trail from Tunnel Creek to Sand Harbor
Another great Incline village hike.
Explore the East Shore Trail from Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park, a distance of 2.7 miles one-way. Once you reach Sand Harbor, you can visit the Sand Harbor Tahoe Nevada Visitor Center, walk around the boardwalk that encircles the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare outdoor theater and find a spot to each lunch near the beach. On the way back to Tunnel Creek, you can opt to take a side trip out onto the Harbor Overlook viewpoint rocks for some fantastic views. The total distance equals a little over six miles.
Insider Tip: Dress in warm layers and bring $2 for the Sand Harbor State Park walk-in fee.
#7 Lake Tahoe Hiking Trail: Spooner Summit South to South Camp Peak
Climb along the Tahoe Rim Trail to magnificent Lake Tahoe views from South Camp Peak. This is a moderately strenuous 1,700+ foot climb over 5.1 miles from the Spooner Summit South Trailhead (7,146 feet) to the bench on South Camp Peak (8,866 feet). Return along the same trail. This is a 10.2 mile round trip hike.
How to get there: If driving from areas south of Tahoe, you’ll get into the area on the 80 East and 50 East (to Douglas County) highways. The Spooner Summit is just off of Highway 50. Parking is free. There are also restrooms in the parking lot near the trailhead.
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