HIKING: JUNE 27, 2022
Mount Tallac Trail
Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, CA
Located in the Desolation Wilderness, this 10 + mile round trip hike is not for the faint of heart. The trail gains over 3,300+ feet in elevation, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.
- Length: 10.43 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,333 ft
- Route Type: Out & Back
- AllTrails: Route
- 3D Map: Map
- Photos: Flicker
- Video: YouTube
This is a strenuous hike with no shade. You will be hiking 3300+ feet in just 5 miles, so start early to avoid heat and to get the parking at the trailhead. At the trailhead parking lot, you will need to complete a wilderness permit, even for day-hiking.
As you hike, the trail winds through pine forests and gradually ascending to a ridge between Fallen Leaf Lake and Tallac. The trail continues along the ridge, offering stunning views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Tahoe’s south shore.
After about 1.5 miles, you will reach Floating Island Lake, named for its floating grass island. This peaceful spot is a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. There were many mosquitoes near the lake, so be sure to bring a mosquito net with you. Mosquitoes are often abundant in the area, depending on the time of year.
As you proceed beyond Floating Island Lake, you will come across a junction where a side trail branches off to Fallen Leaf Lake. Soon after, you will arrive at Cathedral Lake, the final water source along the trail and a great place to take a refreshing dip on a warm day.
The trail becomes steeper as you move beyond Cathedral Lake, with switchbacks leading up to a small shelf and then a broad bowl before reaching the south shoulder. The views of Lake Tahoe continue to improve the higher you climb.
After winding around Mount Tallac’s southern shoulder, the trail offers stunning views of the Desolation Wilderness and the Crystal Range and Pyramid Peak. As the trail continues eastward and approaches the summit ridge, it climbs up rocky talus to reach the summit.
The final segment of the climb to the summit is incredibly challenging. You must navigate through rocky terrain and large boulders. Once you reach summit, you will be treated to a stunning view of Lake Tahoe’s calm blue waters and the beautiful Sierra mountain range. From this vantage point, you can see all of Desolation Wilderness, alpine lakes, and the various coves and inlets along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.
After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, return to the trailhead by following the same trail back. You can always relax or take a dip in Cathedral Lake or Floating Island Lake while coming down.
This hike is very strenuous, especially with the sun out. It will be very hard to hike. Start early, preferably at 5 AM, so you can watch the sunrise at Fallen Leaf Lake. Carry plenty of water or a filter so that you can fill up at the lake.
Happy Hiking!
