Mt. Tallac

Hike Stats:

Length: 9.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 3,255 ft

Trailhead:  6,480 ft

Summit:  9,735 ft

  

Best time to visit: July to early September.


What to bring: Water, water and some extra water. Also bring good hiking boots, or an ankle brace. For some reason every time I’ve done this hike, I’ve twisted my ankle on my way down.


Parking: Free


Restrooms: None at the parking or throughout the trail. The closest restrooms are at Camp Shelly.


Are dogs allowed?: Yes. This hikes is recommended for big athletic dogs like German Shepherds, Labradors and Border Collies.

Mount Tallac


Description: Mount Tallac could be considered the best hike of the entire Lake Tahoe region. The views from the summit have the power to overwhelm your senses and to overshadow all the hardships endured by this tough hike. The trail is characterized for its initial ascent through a wooded section, passing two small lakes. This wooded section of the trail is not hard and provides you with a comfortable shade, which you will definitely need on the way back. Cathedral Lake marks the spot where the mountain ascent begins. Here you will kiss the protection of the forrest good bye, and will start a steep climb up the switchbacks. Once you get on top of the saddle of the mountain, the trail becomes expose and very hot. Eventually, you will reach a junction in the trail where to the right is Tallac’s summit. Another 0.2 miles of steep climbing over sharp rocks gets you to the summit. Then you can sit back and enjoy the views.