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Eagle Lake Trail

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California · 3 min read

Distance
2 mi
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through October
Est. Time
1.5-2.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Eagle Lake, a clear cirque lake in the Desolation Wilderness above Emerald Bay
  • Eagle Falls waterfall visible on the approach below the lake
  • Short distance makes the alpine lake accessible to most hikers
  • Views back toward Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay on the return
  • Gateway to the Desolation Wilderness for longer backcountry trips
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Overview

The Eagle Lake Trail is the most popular short hike in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, climbing 400 feet in 1.0 mile to a clear cirque lake above Emerald Bay. Eagle Falls drops in a series of cascades below the lake, visible from the trail. The lake itself sits in a granite bowl at the edge of the Desolation Wilderness with views back toward Lake Tahoe on the return. For a 2-mile round trip, the scenery-to-effort ratio is as good as it gets in the Sierra.

A free self-issue Desolation Wilderness permit is required at the trailhead (as of 2026). Dogs are welcome on leash. Day use parking fee applies.

The Route

Miles 0 to 0.4: Eagle Falls. From the trailhead on US-89, the trail crosses a footbridge above Eagle Falls before beginning the climb. The waterfall drops through a granite gorge and is most dramatic in June during snowmelt. A short spur leads closer to the falls.

Miles 0.4 to 1.0: Granite ascent to Eagle Lake. The trail climbs the granite staircase above the falls on well-maintained rock steps. The gradient is consistent but not steep. The Desolation Wilderness boundary is crossed partway up; the self-issue permit should be filled out before entering. Eagle Lake appears at the top of the granite shelf, ringed by granite walls and subalpine forest.

Eagle Lake. The lake is clear and cold, with granite slabs along the west shore for swimming and sitting. Views from the east shore look back toward Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake below. The lake is a turnaround point for the out-and-back.

Return. Descend the same route. The Eagle Falls view is different on the return and worth a second look.

When to Hike

June for Eagle Falls at its peak flow. Snow may linger above the lake into early June in most years.

July and August for swimming. The trailhead is at its most crowded during this window.

September and October for the best combination of manageable crowds and dry, clear conditions. Fall color in the willows and aspens near the lakeshore appears in late September.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. Sunscreen for the exposed granite above the falls. Sandals or water shoes if planning to swim at the lake.

Trailhead Access

US-89 on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, 9 miles north of South Lake Tahoe and directly adjacent to the Emerald Bay viewpoints. The Eagle Falls/Eagle Lake trailhead is well signed. Day use parking fee applies (as of 2026). Arrive before 8:30 a.m. on summer weekends or plan on a long walk from overflow parking on US-89.

Nearby

The Fallen Leaf Lake Loop and Glen Alpine Trail are accessible from the south shore. The Emerald Bay Overlook Trail is immediately adjacent on US-89. See the full Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the lake and wilderness boundary.

Trailhead Parking

Eagle Falls Trailhead on US-89, 9 miles north of South Lake Tahoe near Emerald Bay. Day use fee (as of 2026). Fills by 9 a.m. on summer weekends. Roadside overflow parking is limited.

← Back to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eagle Lake Trail in Desolation Wilderness?
Eagle Lake sits just inside the Desolation Wilderness boundary. A free self-issue wilderness permit is technically required at the trailhead even for day use (as of 2026). The permit box is at the trailhead and takes about 2 minutes to complete. Overnight visitors need an advance reservation through Recreation.gov.
How crowded is the Eagle Lake Trail?
Eagle Lake Trail is among the most crowded short hikes in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Eagle Falls trailhead parking area regularly fills by 9:00 a.m. on summer weekends. Arriving before 8:00 a.m. on weekends is practical. Midweek visits in July and August, or shoulder season trips in June and October, are considerably less crowded.
Is Eagle Lake good for swimming?
Yes. Eagle Lake is a popular swimming destination in July and August when the water warms to tolerable temperatures. The lake is clear and cold year-round, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding granite basin. Water temperatures peak in late July and August. The lake is accessible enough for families but cold enough that extended swimming requires some cold tolerance.