While Lake Tahoe's popular trails like Eagle Falls and Mount Tallac attract crowds of hikers, the region is home to numerous lesser-known paths that offer equally spectacular views with more solitude. This guide reveals some of Tahoe's hidden hiking gems for those looking to venture beyond the well-trodden routes.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
This short but rewarding hike near Incline Village leads to a granite outcropping with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe's north shore. The trail begins near the Tunnel Creek Café and follows an old fire road before branching onto a narrower path through fragrant Jeffrey pines.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Starting from the Brockway Summit Trailhead, this trail offers a quieter alternative to the popular Tahoe Rim Trail sections nearby. The path winds through forests of pine and fir before reaching a historic fire lookout with 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
While Chimney Beach itself is well-known, many visitors don't continue north along the shoreline trail to discover the even more secluded Secret Harbor. This coastal path offers continuous views of Tahoe's famously clear waters against a backdrop of smooth granite boulders.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
This strenuous route to the summit of Genoa Peak begins in the community of Glenbrook and sees far fewer hikers than other summit trails around Tahoe. The effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the Carson Valley to the east and Lake Tahoe to the west.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
While Angora Lakes is typically accessed via a short hike from the Angora Ridge Road, this alternative route from Fallen Leaf Lake offers a more immersive forest experience with a fraction of the visitors.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Located near Luther Pass, this loop trail visits two alpine lakes while avoiding the crowds heading to nearby Scotts Lake. The path traverses meadows bursting with wildflowers in early summer and offers views of Stevens Peak and Red Lake Peak.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
While Ellis Peak can be reached via several routes, this approach from Barker Pass is less traveled than others. The trail follows a section of the Pacific Crest Trail before branching off toward the summit, which offers one of the best 360-degree views in the Tahoe Basin.
Highlights:
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
True to its name, Lost Lake remains one of Tahoe's best-kept secrets. Located near Sugar Pine Point State Park, this small alpine lake sits in a granite basin surrounded by forest. The unmarked trailhead helps keep visitation low.
Highlights:
By venturing beyond Tahoe's well-known trails, you'll discover a more intimate side of this magnificent region while helping to reduce the impact of overtourism on popular routes.