If you’re anything like us, you’re hanging onto and enjoying every last day of summer. There are tons of great hikes to do all around the lake, and still plenty of time to get them in before summer ends. Here are a few of our favorite hikes:
Lake Winnemucca – Starting off of the Carson Pass and via the Pacific Crest Trail, Lake Winnemucca is easily one of the most beautiful lakes to hike in the area. Winnemucca is a quiet and peaceful 5.1 mile hike round trip that brings you across blooming wildflower fields and up a 629ft elevation gain to a mountain lake where snow is still visible.
Granite Lake & Maggie’s Peaks – This 3.6 mile round trip trail begins just before you reach Emerald Bay in the Bayview Campground area. You’ll make a short walk through the campground and keep right to start the trail that will take you up to Granite Lake and Maggie’s Peaks. It’s a bit of an incline, but the views are very worth it.
Silver Lake – Another beautiful trail off Carson Pass that will have you exploring the lake and country-side, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers. Numerous campgrounds and lodges surround the area, many of which were built in the 1920s and earlier.
Donner Pass Old Railroad Tunnel – A historical hike up to an old abandoned railroad tunnel that was completed in August 1867 and abandoned in 1993. Here you will experience some of Tahoe’s rich history by walking through a railroad tunnel that is almost frozen in time. There is also a historic “China wall” that was built to help prop up the tracks, and it still stands today.
Eagle Rock Hiking Trail – A short but sweet 0.7 mile trail that will take you up to a great view of the Lake, as well as the chance to see wildlife. This trail is good for all skill levels and is dog-friendly. It’s even a great spot to snowshoe in winter!
Blog by Cooper Stanley