We're hiring an experienced designer to join us in Boulder, CO.
Trail Run Project Logo

Mount Tallac

 21 votes
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Tahoe National Forest
  5. Fallen Leaf Lake
Google Map

Length

9.9 Miles 16.0 Kilometers

70%

Runnable

Elevation

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

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

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

— Mark Bradley
GPX File — Driving Directions

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.
Features: Birding — Fall Colors — Lake — Swimming — Views — Wildlife
Dogs: Leashed

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

Apr 15, 2018: Multiple agencies continue Tahoe Basin prescribed fire operations

Apr 8, 2018: Forest Service announces recreation area opening dates for 2018

Apr 8, 2018: Prescribed fire operations continue in multiple locations around Tahoe Basin

You & this Featured Run


Rate Quality


   Clear Rating

Rate Difficulty

Get On-Trail Navigation

Send to Phone
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

  4.7 from 21 votes

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#120

Overall
  4.7 from 21 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#16

in California

#120

Overall
364 Views Last Month
4,960 Since Oct 26, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
6%
6%
31%
56%
0%
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
View from Mt Tallac Trail.
View from Mt Tallac Trail.
 3
Mt Tallac Trail
Mt Tallac Trail
 4

0 Comments

Nearby Runs

Snow covered Eagle Falls Trail near the Bayview Trail junction
11.1 mi 17.9 km
Fontanillis Lake Loop
 3
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Eagle Lake, looking southwest at surrounding unnamed peaks (8499, 8197). Mostly frozen but slowly thawing.
1.9 mi 3.1 km
Eagle Lake Out and Back
 6
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Flooded forest after significant warm rainfall, below the Cascade Viewpoint and above Highway 50
3.3 mi 5.4 km
Horsetail Falls
 9
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Ralston, Tamarack, and Echo Lakes from Ralston Peak summit.
5.8 mi 9.3 km
Ralston Peak
 8
South Lake Tahoe, CA

Nearby Gems

gem

Ropi Lake

1
South Lake Tahoe, CA
gem

Rubicon Point Lighthouse

2
Tahoma, CA
gem

Lower Glen Alpine Falls

1
South Lake Tahoe, CA
gem

Vikingsholm

4
South Lake Tahoe, CA

Trail Run Project is part of the REI Co-op family,
where a life outdoors is a life well lived.

Shop REI Running