Mount Tallac via Mount Tallac Trailhead
4.5 mi
Distance
1 hrs 51 min
Time
terrain
3,182 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail to Mount Tallac in Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
This trail goes by Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
🏔Mount Tallac Trailhead is approximately 20 mins from South Lake Tahoe. It is a 10.5 mile hike with over 3,000 ft of elevation gain. Along the way you will see 4 lakes including expansive views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. Also, you will see views of granite snow-capped peaks of the Desolation Wilderness. It’s hands down one of the best hikes in the Lake Tahoe area!
☀️Hiking Mount Tallac with breaks can take between 7 to 12 hours depending on your pace so make sure to leave time for daylight. The best time of year to hike this trail is between mid June to Sept due to snow. We hiked in mid June with temperatures of mid 70s and it was hot! So if you’re hitting this up in the summer, start early, right before sunrise.
📝 A self issue wilderness permit is required to enter Desolation Wilderness. Day hikers may pick up the permit at the self-service area. Overnight campers must obtain a permit in advance. Dogs are welcome but need to be on leash. You can backpack this area, but must obtain a permit at recreation.gov ahead of time.
🎒Bring trekking poles for balance for the boulder and scree fields, shoes for your pup to protect their precious paws, pack a sun shirt and hat since it is so exposed on this trail, and of course always bring your 10 essentials of hiking. There are a few streams and lakes along the way to filter water.
We do an in-depth review on our YouTube channel YouTube.com/HelenandTimTravel
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Public Tracks
Tallac descent, 16 Jul 2022
For the descent, I decided to try the old trail, which is unmaintained, eroded, treacherous and hard to follow in places. I don't recommend it; the new trail is much better.
Mt Tallac (10/12/19, 9:33:10AM)
Stayed at Fallen leaf campground which is very lovely. Mid October is the time to observe Kokanee Salmon which spawn in Taylor creek. Quick drive from the campground.
