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Things to do Lake Tahoe Hiking

North Lake Tahoe Hiking Adventures

Lake Tahoe is surrounded by miles of breathtaking Sierra Nevada wilderness, making it a hiker’s paradise. Exploring the region on foot is one of the best ways to experience its untouched natural beauty, from towering peaks to hidden beaches and forest trails.

North Lake Tahoe hiking offers elevation gains that take you up into the clear blue skies at 10,000 feet or down to the lake’s edge around 6,200 feet. Spend a day soaking up the sun on the Five Lakes Trail, or follow the path to the stunning cascades of Shirley Canyon Waterfalls. Every turn reveals something new—secluded forests, alpine meadows, and native Sierra wildlife.

Whether you’re trekking the famous Tahoe Rim Trail or wandering near Tahoe City, the region offers thousands of acres of trails for every skill level. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and get ready to discover the incredible landscapes of North Lake Tahoe.

Ale Trail

Thinking of heading out for a hike? Reward yourself with a stop at trail’s end with the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail.

See Trail Map

Mountain Adventures

Set your sights high and see unique views whether it be scaling Tahoe Via Ferrata at Palisades Tahoe, testing your balance at Tahoe Tree Top Adventure Park, having an afternoon of bouldering or enjoying a guided hike.

Climb On

Hiking Trails

The best hiking trails in North Lake Tahoe range from easy strolls to steep switchbacks leading into the clouds.

Let's Hike

Hiking Trail Maps

Kids hiking through a meadow in Lake Tahoe

Couple hiking up a trail with their dog in Lake Tahoe

Interpretive Trails

Learn about the Lake Tahoe area flora and fauna, history and more by paying a visit to one of these fun educational spots.

North Tahoe Regional Park
The North Tahoe Regional Park located in Tahoe Vista features a 3/4 mile interpretive Sierra forest nature trail that educates visitors about the Lake Tahoe ecosystem.

Downtown Tahoe City, Fanny Bridge and Gatekeepers Museum
Take a walk along through town starting at Gatekeepers Museum and Fanny bridge, to Commons beach and read through the informative interpretive signs along the way.

North Lake Tahoe Visitors Center
Visit the center on your walk through town on the corner of route 89 and 28. The center contains interpretive panels, books and more information on the Tahoe area.

Tahoe East Shore Trail
There are over 20 interpretive panels lining the shore and the mountain side route of the Tahoe East Shore Trail. Each panel enables you to discover flora and fauna, cultural history, geology, how the trail was constructed, and maps to orient yourself. Nearest the North Lake Tahoe of Incline Village, this community lies about 45 minutes from downtown Reno. You can access the trail from Sand Harbor boat launch area. For information about trail access and other things to see and do in North Lake Tahoe, dial the Incline Village and Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau at (775) 832-1606.

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Looking for some information and travel tips? We’ve got you covered. Explore places to stay, things to do, and advice for getting here and getting around Lake Tahoe. You’ll find this and more to help you plan a vacation to Lake Tahoe in any season.

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