South Shore Trails

• Moraine Trail
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: 6,360'/6,410'
  • Mileage (one-way): 1 mile
    • Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead.
• Angora Lakes Trail
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: 7,200'/7,470'
  • Mileage (one-way): ½ mile to Angora Lakes
    • An easy ½ mile hike leads to two lakes framed by cliffs. Swimming and fishing are popular activities. Summers are crowded, so arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
• Tallac Historic Site
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Elevation: Flat
  • Mileage (one-way): .3 mile on Lake of the Sky Trail
    • Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and summer homes of turn-of-the-century Tahoe landowners. The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
• Echo Lakes Trail
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation: 7,420'/8,430'
  • Mileage (one-way): 2½ miles to NW corner of Upper Echo, 4 miles to Tamarack, 5 miles to Lucille and Margery, 5 miles to Lake of the Woods, 6 miles to Aloha
    • See a variety of alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. A longer hike leads you to one of the many lakes farther down the trail. A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. A wilderness permit is required.
• Glen Alpine Trail
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Elevation: 6,560'/9,735'
  • Mileage (one-way): 2 miles to Grass Lake, 4 miles to Susie, 5 miles to Heather, 6 miles to Aloha, 4½ miles to Half Moon, 5½ miles to Alta Morris, 6 miles to Tallac (strenuous)
    • Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, try the 2 mile hike to Grass Lake. Another hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three alpine lakes. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. If Mt. Tallac is your goal, the Glen Alpine Trail offers a more moderate approach. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. A wilderness permit is required.
• Clark Trail
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Elevation: 6,420'/7,470'
  • Mileage (one-way): 1.6 miles to Upper Angora
    • For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Parking  is located at the Glen Alpine Trailhead described in the previous hike. From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead.
• Mt. Tallac Trail
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Elevation: 6,480'/9,735'
  • Mileage (one-way): 1.7 miles to Floating Isle, 2½ miles to Cathedral, 5 miles to Tallac
    • Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located approximately 3½ miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required.