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Mt. Tallac Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 333 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 29 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mt. Tallac 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.
What runners say about Mt. Tallac Trailhead
“The hike itself is absolutely beautiful, taking you past multiple lakes and through lovely alpine trees, with plenty of shady spots to rest.”
“As you near the summit, the trail can get a bit tricky to follow since it's not always well-marked, but you can look for rock cairns left by fellow hikers to guide your way.”
This is a challenging hike, but if you make it to the top, you are awarded with a once in a lifetime 360° view of Tahoe and surrounding area! Get there early if you want to reach the peak! It took us 3.5 hours to reach the top, where we spent an hour eating lunch and enjoying the views.
I found this trail on All Trails and it was just as hard as everyone says on the app. This trail is rocky from start to end. Top three things to complete this trail; food, water and pace. The elevation is a steady climb until cathedral lake and it really amps up. I recommend starting at 7am.
The Mt. Tallac trail is an amazing trail to hike in Lake Tahoe. It isn't easy, about 4.5 miles from the trail head to the summit with about 3,300 feet of elevation gain. The second half of the trail is mostly all rock and is very steep in parts.
We're a family of hikers (including our kids that summited Half Dome with us when they were 7 & 8 in Aug 2021 and will do it again Aug 2022) so this review will not be indicative of average family hiking.
Trail conditions & character
“There are also expansive 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe and the rest of the basin, as well as several smaller lakes that you'll pass on the way up.”
“Parking is easy and appears to be expanding, and if the main lot is full, you can park along the right-hand side of the road as you enter.”
“Lost my way a bit later on, even with the AllTrails map loaded on my watch, and ended up with 11 miles round trip with 3500 ft elevation gain.”
“Moderately hard due to rocky sections and some steep trails.”
“Lost my way a bit later on, even with the AllTrails map loaded on my watch, and ended up with 11 miles round trip with 3500 ft elevation gain.”
Plan your run at Mt. Tallac 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
- Distance29 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- 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.
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Bayview Trailhead
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Washoe Meadows State Park
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