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Mount Tallac

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.8 (64)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Tahoe National Forest
  5. Fallen Leaf Lake
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“An excellent hike with lots of variety and stunning views. ”

Mark Bradley
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9.9

Miles

16.0

KM

Out and Back

9,712' 2,960 m

High

6,446' 1,965 m

Low

3,266' 996 m

Up

3,266' 996 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly The first half of the trail is relatively tame with great views, and it passes by two ponds that are great for swimming.

Overview

The route follows a ridge along the west side of Fallen Leaf Lake, before wrapping around to reach the summit of Mt. Tallac from the south. The trail offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the nearby peaks, a variety of terrain, and two swimming opportunities in small ponds along the way. The trail is well-marked and fairly obvious except for at the very top.

Need to Know

The second half of the trail offers very little shade. A day-use permit is required and can be picked up for free from the box at the trailhead.

Description

Pick up your permit at the trailhead, and follow the trail along the ridge by Fallen Leaf Lake, enjoying the views of Lake Tahoe and Mt Tallac. The trail will pass Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake, which offer good opportunities for taking breaks and soaking your feet (or whole body!)

After Cathedral Lake, the trail turns west and becomes more exposed. Watch your footing on the switchbacks winding up the scree field, and enjoy the views of Jack's Peak and the surrounding area when you top-out.

The remainder of the trail winds through alpine meadows and eventually ends at the summit. If you stop at the top for lunch, you're sure to make some furry friends, so watch your food and don't feed them! The views from the summit are definitely worth stopping to take in.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Office

Shared By:

Mark Bradley
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 64 votes

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#123

Overall
  4.8 from 64 votes
5 Star
83%
4 Star
16%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#14

in California

#123

Overall
28 Views Last Month
20,689 Since Oct 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
5%
9%
81%
5%
Add a Photo

Photos

Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac
Oct 28, 2015 near South L…, CA
Top of Mount Tallac. One of my all-time favorites. Spectacular view I think it's the best in the Tahoe basin
Aug 8, 2019 near South L…, CA
Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating Island Lake
Aug 26, 2017 near South L…, CA
For the love of Sierra Nevada
Oct 7, 2018 near South L…, CA
Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake from Mount Tallac
Aug 26, 2017 near South L…, CA
Descending Mt. Tallac toward Gilmore Lake; Jacks Peak, Dicks Peak, and the Desolation Wilderness in the distance.
Jun 14, 2016 near South L…, CA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 1, 2025
joshua burdette
Oct 9, 2022
Ice Man
Oct 1, 2022
Scott Meyer
Sep 3, 2022
Kelley C
Aug 10, 2022
Charlie Scharfen
terrain- dirt, gravel, boulders. Pushed hard going up. Time- 4:26 not including stops 5:12 with stops. Had 2.5 L water. 3.5 safer in hotter weather 9.9mi — 5h 12m
Sep 20, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 20, 2020
Doug Jones
Tough trail. Great views but difficult surface. 90 percent scree and rocks. 9.9mi
Oct 12, 2020
Jason Hinkle

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