View of Desolation Valley and Crystal Range from Mount Tallac

Mt. Tallac, with an elevation of above 9,700 feet, is a dominant Sierra Nevada mountain peak and part of the magnificent scenery that surrounds Lake Tahoe. It is located on the Californian side of the lake, south of Emerald Bay. From the Mt. Tallac Trailhead the mountaintop is about 5 hiking miles away. After some initial climbing, the trail first follows the crest of a morainal ridge with views of Fallen Leaf Lake and continues on to Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake. From there, it takes another 2.5 miles of hiking and climbing to the top. The trail goes through open forest, shrub-covered terrain and over rocky slopes. Watch your steps over the rough rocks near the top before you start taking in the 360° panorama view including Lake Tahoe and the peaks of the Carson Range. The view to the west (see picture) crosses Desolation Valley with its many lakes towards the Crystal Range.

Reference and further reading
“Mt. Tallac” on pages 166 and 167 in Mike White's hiking guide Afoot & Afield • Reno-Tahoe • A comprehensive hiking guide. Wilderness Press, Berkeley, California, 2nd printing November 2008.