9/20/2023 0 Comments Fallen leaf lake hikes![]() ![]() The actual summit (the very top) was infested with flies when we were there, so we chose to hang out right below with expansive views of Lake Tahoe.Įach of the campgrounds listed below are typically open from mid-May through mid-October and are a bit off the beaten path from the busyness of the main Lake Tahoe area. The summit area is quite large so even if there are other groups up there, you can find a place to sit and take in the views. The trail gets pretty rocky at the very top, but the terrain never gets too technical. Here you have one last steep push to the summit. After a bit of hiking, you’ll reach a junction. You’ll gradually make your way up through a series of alpine meadows. We hiked in mid-July and the wildflowers were going off! If you need a break, this is another good place to refuel. Here you’ll also get your first views of Desolation Wilderness. Tallac!Įventually, you’ll reach the top of the tallus field and the trail will flatten out a bit. I thought, “well we are almost there.” Turns out, this is a false summit and is not Mt. When you are hiking up the rocky slopes, you’ll see a peak above you. This is the toughest part of the trail.ĭon’t be fooled. After the lake, you’ll begin to work your way through the Cathedral Bowl and will gain 2,000 vertical feet in just 2.4 miles. Your first point of interest is Floating Island Lake (1.6 miles), followed by Cathedral Lake (2.3 miles)Ĭathedral Lake is a great place to take a short break and refill on water if you brought a filter. Luckily you aren’t in the trees for too long and quickly into your hike, you’ll have views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. As soon as you leave the parking lot, you begin hiking up. Tallac hike at sunrise (highly recommended) when the trail was quiet and cool. Overnight permits are subject to quota and must be issued at the Visitor Center or Forest Service Ranger Stations. Looking to do more than just day hike? If you’re interested in staying overnight in the Desolation Wilderness you will need a permit. Tallac trailhead, you can self-issue a required wilderness permit for day hikes. ![]() Tallac Day-Use Permitsĭo you need a permit to day hike Mt. After Cathedral Lake the trail gets more strenuous & steep. The stretch of trail from the trailhead to Cathedral Lake is great for beginners. If you aren’t sure you can make it all the way to the summit, you can hike 1.7 miles (one-way) to Floating Island Lake or also 2.3 miles (one-way) to Cathedral Lake. Parts of the trail are rocky and can be tiring on your feet. Make sure you wear supportive hiking footwear. You’ll want to be prepared with the important day hiking essentials, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and snacks. We saw people who were very unprepared, carrying little water, no backpack, and wearing poor footwear. We were coming down around 11am and it was uncomfortably hot. I recommend starting at or before sunrise to beat the heat (and the crowds). Tallac is a challenging hike! There is no shade on the steepest part of the ascent, and it can be VERY hot. If you want to carry less water on the beginning portion of the hike, you can pack a water filter and refill at one of the lakes. Cathedral Lake is the last water source on the Mt. There is a small running creek right after the start of the hike and two small lakes that you pass on the way up. You should pack plenty of water (at least 3 liters) and snacks for the hike. What to know before you go Cell phone serviceĬell phone service is limited at the trailhead, so if you are meeting friends make sure everyone knows where to meet and has directions ahead of time. For more safety tips on hiking with dogs, check out this post. Bring hiking booties to help protect their paws and be aware that these rocks can also be very hot underfoot in the summer. Sharp talus & granite can be difficult for inexperienced pups. It’s important to understand the conditions of the trail though. Once you are heading east on this paved road, follow the signs to “Tallac Trailhead.” If you are coming from the south, it is a left turn about 3/4 mile past the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center. Take Highway 89 to the Camp Shelly/Tallac City Camps turn-off. If you are coming from the north, this is first right turn after Spring Creek Road (just after the “25 MPH” right-hand curve). Tallac Trailhead is located east of South Lake Tahoe near Fallen Leaf Lake. ![]()
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