Check out six of the best Alpine Lakes in the Tahoe region to jump in to! The Lake Tahoe region has many pristine alpine lakes to enjoy in the warm summer months besides the famous Lake Tahoe. Following is a list of short (and not so short) day hikes to get you to a quiet alpine lake in the mountains without an overnight trip. Though many of these lakes can make for great backpacking destinations as well.
Lake Margaret
Lake Margaret is a great, short day hike located in South Lake Tahoe near the Kirkwood ski area. The hike features beautiful wildflowers in spring and fall colors in autumn. Hiking to Lake Margaret is a moderate 2.5 mile walk that includes traversing granite slabs, forest, meadows, and crossing several streams (which may be high in springtime; use caution).
How to Get There:
The trailhead is located on the north side of Highway 88 between Kirkwood Inn and Caples Lake.
Lake Aloha
Lake Aloha is a large and breathtaking alpine lake with a long but rewarding hike through Desolation Wilderness. The hike features open granite slabs, alpine meadows and forests. It is a 6.2 mile hike to the lake, so 12.4 out and back. You can shave 3 miles off the trip by taking the boat taxi across Echo lake in the summer. Bring lots of water and a lunch!
How to Get There:
Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Echo Lakes Trailhead. For more information see the US Forest Service Website.
Eagle Lake, Velma Lakes
Eagle Lake is a short, 1-mile hike up man-made granite stairs located just above the famed Eagles Falls and Emerald Bay. This hike is strenuous because it is all up hill stairs but it is short and kid friendly. It is very heavily trafficked in the summer. Past Eagle lake are the three Velma lakes (called ‘the Velmas’ by locals) these are popular for day hiking and backpacking trips. Just 4.4 miles from the Eagle Lake trailhead (one way) to reach Middle Velma Lake, this can make for a great all day outing. The hike (to both Eagle and Velma Lakes) features open granite fields, towering peaks, and of course alpine lakes to cool off in.
How to Get There:
Take Highway 89 north approximately 8 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area on the left. There is a parking fee at this trailhead. Please be aware this is a very popular and congested area. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Eagle Falls Trailhead. For more information see the US Forest Service Website.
Lake Genevieve
Lake Genevieve is a great, low traffic day hike option on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Starting from Meeks Bay the trail follows Meeks Creek and features a beautiful meadow with wildflowers and then towering peaks and forest. The hike is 4.6 miles one way.
How to Get There:
Take Highway 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. Parking is located across the highway from the resort in a small dirt parking lot. This moderate hike takes you along the northern most part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trailhead. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Meeks Bay Trailhead. For more information see the US Forest Service Website.
Summit Lake
Summit Lake is a short 4-mile round trip hike along a relatively flat section of the PCT off of Donner Summit. The lake is nestled into the tall granite peaks and wooded forests of the Donner pass region. The lake is quiet and sees few visitors. It makes for a perfect day hike and swim in July and August. Don’t try to go too early or there will still be snow!
How to Get There:
The Summit Lake trail is 1.5 miles long. It begins at I-80 Westbound Rest Area, Section 8 and ends at Summit Lake, Section 4. For more information see the US Forest Service Website.
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