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Mount Tallac

 4.8 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Tahoe National Forest
  5. Fallen Leaf Lake
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9.9 Miles 16.0 Kilometers


70%

Runnable

3,266' 996 m

Ascent

-3,266' -996 m

Descent

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

9,712' 2,960 m

High

6,446' 1,965 m

Low

Shared By Mark Bradley

Conditions

All Clear 30 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“An excellent run with lots of variety and stunning views.”

— Mark Bradley
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

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

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.

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.

Runner Notes

Extra care should be taken at the summit and on the scree field section, as there are a lot of jagged rocks.

Description

The trail is well-marked and fairly obvious except for at the very top.

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! The views from the summit are definitely worth stopping to take in.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Office

Dec 6, 2018: Tips for a safe winter/holiday season

Nov 29, 2018: Widespread prescribed fire operations to continue at Lake Tahoe

You & This Featured Run


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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Nov 12, 2018
Bryce Kerscher
Solid run. Should be called Mount Tallus, watch your ankles basically the entire route. 9.9mi
Sep 23, 2018
Chris Leonetti
Oct 1, 2016
Candy Almquist
Beautiful! Next time will do entire hike! 4mi
Aug 13, 2016
Heidi Badger
Absolutely gorgeous run! Lots of elevation. 3.2mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 38 votes

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#76

Overall
  4.8 from 38 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#7

in California

#76

Overall
316 Views Last Month
12,000 Since Oct 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
3%
6%
31%
53%
8%
Add a Photo

Photos

Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac
Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac
 6
Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake from Mount Tallac
Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake from Mount Tallac
 3
Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating Island Lake
Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating…
 3
Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
 3
Stunning views from Mt. Tallac.
Stunning views from Mt. Tallac.
 3
Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.
Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.
 3

1 Comment

Sort by: Oldest
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Chris Leonetti
Sacramento, CA
Chris Leonetti   Sacramento, CA
Nice one. Sep 24, 2018

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