Hiking Mount Tallac in a Day: Exploring South Lake Tahoe

As I was visiting Tahoe for a limited amount of time, I decided that I should probably do the best rated hike on AllTrails, (and also Tahoe’s highest peak), which is how I ended up hiking Mount Tallac. Hiking Mount Tallac was worth all of the trudging through snow, all of the thigh burns and all of the smushed bananas that ended up in my backpack. This is because the views of Tahoe from Mount Tallac’s summit are unparalleled.

Stats for Mount Tallac:

Distance: 10.2 Miles

Altitude: 9,735ft above sea level

Elevation Gain: 3,500ft

The Hike

The first 3 miles of Mount Tallac make you question if you’re on the right trail. It’s beautiful, but painstakingly easy. I wandered through tall pine trees and along scenic ridge lines until I reached a small alpine lake. It was here that I found a few men eating sandwiches with unrecognizable meat and where my roommate and I started wondering when this hike was going to get difficult.

Sure enough, a rocky staircase then led to a high-altitude meadow where the wind was so strong I was sure it would blow me away.

Then the switchbacks began, made up of my “favorite” thing to hike over – loose rock. There were intermittent patches of snow which broke up the switch backs and were actually fun to hike through. I imagine this wouldn’t have been fun if I wore sneakers, so bring hiking shoes.

Then, just when you think you hit the top…. false summit. At the top of the false summit, you will see where you need to go. Keep going and don’t give up, the real summit has some of the most amazing views I’ve ever seen while hiking.. especially if you go when there is still some snow on the mountains. I chilled on the summit for a while, eating trail mix, hanging out with the marmots and taking 5,089 photos.

Tips for Hiking Mount Tallac

Bring enough water and snacks (because snacks are life).
Pay attention to the trail when you get near the top. It’s easy to get lost here and you may have to look for cairns. The Alltrails app will definitely help if there’s snow. If you download the map for Mount Tallac, it is easy to see if you are off the trail.
Most of the trail at the top is loose rock, so I definitely recommend hiking shoes. Also, if there’s snow, water proof hiking shoes. This is my current pair that I’m absolutely in love with. If you don’t like high tops, I used to have these which were great.
Don’t be discouraged by the false summit. You will see it and think it’s the end of the hike, but once you reach it, you will see the real summit. Go all the way!