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Quick answer: Mount Tallac is a hard climb to a 9,735-foot summit, about 4.6 to 5 miles each way (9.2 to 10 miles round trip) from the Mt. Tallac Trailhead on Highway 89, across from Baldwin Beach. You need a free Desolation Wilderness day permit, which you fill out at the trailhead, and leashed dogs are welcome. Summer is the main season: the permit boxes are out from Memorial Day weekend through September 30, and there’s no drinking water at the trailhead, so carry plenty.
- Climbing Mt. Tallac Trail on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is exhilarating and provides breathtaking views.
- You’ll find the trailhead on Highway 89 between Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay, directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach.
- Hikers need a free Desolation Wilderness permit, even for a day hike, and in summer you fill it out at the trailhead.
- Floating Island Lake, known for its floating islands and wildlife, is a highlight along the trail.
If you’re one of the hikers looking for a challenge in Lake Tahoe, Mt.Tallac Trail is usually first on the list. This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it includes a lot of uphill climbing. However, the views from the summit are well worth the effort required to get there.
The climb up Mt. Tallac Trail is challenging, but it is also among the most exhilarating, according to hikers who have reviewed it. Mount Tallac, located on the southwest side of the lake, rises to 9,735 feet, and the Forest Service calls the climb strenuous.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking views of the region. Your tiredness will surely fade. So, if you’re looking for a challenge and an unforgettable experience, climbing Mount Tallac is definitely worth your while.
Getting to the Trailhead
To find its trailhead, you’ll need to drive Highway 89 between Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay, about three and a half miles northwest of the City of South Lake Tahoe. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach, turn down the dirt road, and follow it to the trailhead parking.
Visitors planning on climbing this trail should remember that Mount Tallac is in Desolation Wilderness, so even if it’s just a day hike, they need a wilderness permit. Day permits are free. In summer, you fill one out yourself at the box at the trailhead, and the Eldorado National Forest says the boxes are out from Memorial Day weekend through September 30. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit says permits are required year-round, so if you’re hiking outside summer, call them at 530-543-2600.
Mount Tallac from a viewing deck on the South Shore (August 2014). Photo: Bohao Zhao / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Route to Mt. Tallac Trail
To begin your adventure on Mt. Tallac Trail, you can follow the route as it gently ascends up a hill between Fallen Leaf Lake and Tallac’s northeastern side through sagebrush, fir, and pine woodland. As you hike along this path, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lake below and the towering peaks of Mt. Tallac above.
After hiking for about 1.7 miles, you will soon discover the serene Floating Island Lake. It is so named because of the huge floating islands that can be seen on its surface.
These islands are mats of vegetation detached from the shoreline and now floating freely on the water. The island is also home to waterfowl and other wildlife, and the lake is a good spot for birdwatching.
As you continue on the trail, you will come to an intersection where a side route leading to Fallen Leaf Lake splits off. After passing this intersection, you’ll arrive at Cathedral Lake, 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The Forest Service rates the trail up to this point easy to moderate, but beyond Cathedral Lake it becomes steep and strenuous as it climbs the front face of Mt. Tallac.
Mount Tallac South Lake Tahoe View
After the track winds around the large south shoulder of Mount Tallac, stunning vistas of the Desolation Wilderness appear, with Pyramid Peak and the Crystal Range dominating the skyline. These views provide an excellent opportunity to take a break, have some lunch, and simply enjoy being in such a beautiful place.
As you climb the talus (loose rock) slope, you begin to see the summit ridge coming into view. Eventually, the route turns back eastward and ascends steep talus to the top, about 4.6 to 5 miles from the trailhead. There’s no road to the summit, so the trail is the only way up.
From Tallac’s summit, there is no greater vantage point from which to see Lake Tahoe’s serene crystal clear waters and the surrounding Sierra mountain range.
Hikers on the rocky summit of Mount Tallac, with Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe below (August 2010). Photo: glenngould / CC BY 2.0 via Flickr
Dogs are Allowed
Before you embark on this exhilarating hike, it’s important to assess your fitness level. The steep ascent demands excellent physical condition, so make sure both you and your furry friend are up for the challenge.
Yes, you heard it right – this trail is dog-friendly!
Your four-legged companion is welcome to join you on this epic adventure. Just remember to keep them on a leash and closely monitor them for signs of overheating.
Tip: Dogs need to stay hydrated, too, so bring plenty of water for both of you.
When it comes to preparation, hydration is key. Bring an ample supply of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. Keep an eye on your dog’s water intake as well. Remember, there’s no drinking water at the trailhead, and there are no restrooms or trash service there in winter, so plan accordingly.
Learn more about the hiking permit here!
FAQs
Q: Where is the trailhead for Mt. Tallac Trail?
A: The trailhead is located on Highway 89 between Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay, directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and about three and a half miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe.
Q: Do I need a permit to hike Mount Tallac Trail?
A: Yes. Mount Tallac is in Desolation Wilderness, so you need a wilderness permit even for a day hike. Day permits are free, and in summer you fill one out at the trailhead.
Q: Is Mount Tallac Trail a challenging hike?
A: Yes. The Forest Service rates the summit trail difficult. It’s about 4.6 to 5 miles each way, and past Cathedral Lake it turns steep and strenuous.
Q: Can I bring my dog on Mt. Tallac Trail?
A: Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, but they need to be on a leash and closely monitored for signs of overheating.
Q: Are there facilities at the trailhead?
A: There’s no drinking water at the trailhead, and restrooms and trash service are closed in winter, so pack out your trash and bring plenty of water.
Q: Can you drive to the top of Mount Tallac?
A: No. There’s no road to the summit. The only way up is the trail, about 4.6 to 5 miles each way from the Mt. Tallac Trailhead.
Planning more time outdoors? See our guides to best hiking trails in Lake Tahoe and dog-friendly hiking trails in Lake Tahoe.
About the author: Sherry Boyer
Sherry Boyer has lived in the Reno/Tahoe region for seven years, and she and her husband spent decades visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year before they moved here. With extended family around the lake, they spend their free time hiking the trails, boating on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and fishing all over the area. Sherry writes Lake Tahoe Travel Tips to share the places they love with visitors.
