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Mount Tallac

 4.8 (32)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Tahoe National Forest
  5. Fallen Leaf Lake
Google Map

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 24 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

Sep 13, 2018: Be Ember Aware Year Round

Sep 11, 2018: Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Nevada Beach

Sep 10, 2018: Forest Service to host public tour for Meeks Bay Restoration Project

You & This Featured Run


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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

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 32 votes

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#91

Overall
  4.8 from 32 votes
5 Star
84%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#10

in California

#91

Overall
992 Views Last Month
10,047 Since Oct 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
4%
4%
29%
54%
11%
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

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