Between Mount Tallac and Fallen Leaf Lake

There are different starting points to hike and climb Mount Tallac in the Sierra Nevada, California. To get a nice view of surrounding lakes and beaches, one does not need to climb all the way to the top. On the trail from the “official” Mt. Tallac trailhead south of the Tallac Historic Site one reaches a vista point after about one mile. First, the trail follows a forested trough and then continues on a local ridge. Halfway between the trailhead and Floating Island Lake is an area through which a fire was burning some years ago. Charcoal-colored tree trunks can still be seen, but manzanitas are as green as you expect them to be. These places along the trail offer nice views of the deep steel-blue surface of Fallen Leaf Lake and beyond to Lake Tahoe and the Carson Range. Turn around, and the steep mountain side of Mt. Tallac is right in front of you. Most parts of the mountain are still covered with snow in early June—not uncommon this high up in the Sierra.

Getting to the Mt. Tallac Trailhead
From the intersection of Highway 89 and 50 in South Lake Tahoe, drive north on 89. Pass by Camp Richardson, Fallen Leaf Road and Cathedral Road. Then turn left at the Mt. Talloc Trailhead sign and follow the direction as posted by further signs. Trailhead parking is limited. Notice that the BlueGO Nifty 50 Trolley drives and stops nearby and can connect you with many other Lake Tahoe sites and parking spots.