Mount Tallac

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Trail

9.9 mile 16.0 kilometer out and back
70% Runnable
Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 3,266' 996 m
Descent: -3,266' -996 m
High: 9,712' 2,960 m
Low: 6,446' 1,965 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 12% (7°)
Max Grade: 45% (24°)

Dogs

Leashed

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Map Key

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Trail shared by Mark Bradley

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

— Mark Bradley

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

May 8, 2019: Forest Service continues effort to eliminate invasive plant populations from Tahoe Basin

May 7, 2019: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt Unit seeks Desolation Wilderness volunteers

May 6, 2019: Prescribed fire operations may continue near Tahoe City

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Check-Ins

Nov 12, 2018

Solid run. Should be called Mount Tallus, watch your ankles basically the entire route. 9.9mi

Sep 23, 2018

Oct 1, 2016

Beautiful! Next time will do entire hike! 4mi

Aug 13, 2016

Absolutely gorgeous run! Lots of elevation. 3.2mi

Trail Ratings

4.8 from 42 votes

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#81

Overall

4.8 from 42 votes

5 Star		88%
4 Star		10%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		2%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

#1

in Fallen Leaf Lake

#9

#81

270 Views Last Month

13,084 Since Oct 26, 2015

Difficult

Difficult

		0%
		3%
		5%
		29%
		55%
		8%

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Photos

Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac

Lake Tahoe from Mt. Tallac

Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake from Mount Tallac

Gilmore Lake and Susie Lake from Mount Tallac

Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating Island Lake

Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating…

Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake

Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake

Stunning views from Mt. Tallac.

Stunning views from Mt. Tallac.

Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.

Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.

View from Mt Tallac Trail.

View from Mt Tallac Trail.

Mt Tallac Trail

Mt Tallac Trail

Cliffs from Mt Tallac Trail.

Cliffs from Mt Tallac Trail.

Fallen Leaf Lake (on the right) and Lake Tahoe (in the background) from the Mount Tallac Trail

Fallen Leaf Lake (on the right) and Lake Tahoe…

Fallen Leaf Lake on a sunny summer day.

Fallen Leaf Lake on a sunny summer day.

Overlooking Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake

Overlooking Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake from Mount Tallac Trail on a sunny summer morning.

Fallen Leaf Lake from Mount Tallac Trail on a s…

Cathedral Lake

The last patches of snow on Mount Tallac

The last patches of snow on Mount Tallac

View from the summit of Mt. Tallac

View from the summit of Mt. Tallac

View from Mount Tallac Summit, early October after sunrise.

View from Mount Tallac Summit, early October af…

Wildflowers on Mt Tallac Trail

Wildflowers on Mt Tallac Trail

Mt. Tallac reflected in Floating Island Lake.

Mt. Tallac reflected in Floating Island Lake.

Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake from just above Cathedral Lake.

Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake from just above…

Cathedral Lake

For the love of Sierra Nevada

For the love of Sierra Nevada

Descending Mt. Tallac toward Gilmore Lake; Jacks Peak, Dicks Peak, and the Desolation Wilderness in the distance.

Descending Mt. Tallac toward Gilmore Lake; Jack…

Summit of Mt. Tallac.

Summit of Mt. Tallac.

Hikers on Mt Tallac Trail

Hikers on Mt Tallac Trail

The most difficult stretch of the Mt Tallac Trail, heading straight up the wall of Cathedral Lake bowl.

The most difficult stretch of the Mt Tallac Tra…

1 Comment

Chris Leonetti
Sacramento, CA

Chris Leonetti Sacramento, CA

Nice one. Sep 24, 2018

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