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Bayview Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bayview Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Steep trail with Emerald Bay views & access to Granite Lake, Maggie's Peaks & Desolation Wilderness.
What runners say about Bayview Trailhead
“Bayview to Cascade Falls - Beautiful trail but a bit difficult as you have to go through an "obstacle course" and jump over large rocks and cross narrow paths.”
Recommend for sunrise/sunset hike as it's a short 3/4mi in and another 3/4mi out. Seems heavily tracked although I've only seen three people out there for my sunset hike. My favorite part was hanging out on a rock and sitting there with some folks but definitely go to the waterfall. About the hike, it's not strenuous.
Starting point for trails leading to Desolation Wilderness. Caution: $10 parking fee will be collected; the former campground is operated by Vista Recreation, a for profit private company. If you get lucky you might find parking on the side of the road.
Bayview to Cascade Falls - Beautiful trail but a bit difficult as you have to go through an "obstacle course" and jump over large rocks and cross narrow paths. But the views are amazing and well worth the hike. Having a hiking pole will make the hike/climb a bit easier and help balancing as you jump over rocks.
My kids made the "desolation/granite lake" trail and were happy they powered thru the steep start. Lake was beautiful and they enjoyed swimming and the views.
Trail conditions & character
“Bayview to Cascade Falls - Beautiful trail but a bit difficult as you have to go through an "obstacle course" and jump over large rocks and cross narrow paths.”
“The parking at Inspiration Point and Emerald Bay State Park Lookout fill up during busy times, but Bayview has a huge parking lot and parking is $12.”
“The hike up to the trail is easy to moderate depending on endurance and strength in order to be able to climb up and down steep rocks.”
“It's flat for the first 5 mins or so and then becomes rocky and risky at the corners.”
“It's flat for the first 5 mins or so and then becomes rocky and risky at the corners.”
Plan your run at Bayview Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(530) 543-2600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near South Lake Tahoe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Taylor Creek Boardwalk
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Rubicon Trailhead North
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Washoe Meadows State Park
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Undeveloped valley woodland & meadows offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing & river fishing.