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Fallen Leaf Lake Loop

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California · 3 min read

Distance
6.5 mi
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Est. Time
3-4 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Fallen Leaf Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the Tahoe Basin at 6,337 feet
  • Old-growth Jeffrey pine and white fir along the lake's forested west shore
  • Views of Mount Tallac rising above the lake's southern end
  • Accessible from South Lake Tahoe without driving US-89 traffic
  • Quieter alternative to the heavily trafficked Eagle Lake trailhead
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Overview

Fallen Leaf Lake is one of the finest secondary lakes in the Tahoe Basin and sees a fraction of the crowds of Lake Tahoe's shoreline. The 6.5-mile loop circles the lake through old-growth Jeffrey pine and white fir forest, with intermittent shoreline views and the striking backdrop of Mount Tallac rising above the southern end. The trail is a good alternative to the heavily trafficked south shore US-89 corridor for visitors staying at Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit campgrounds or in South Lake Tahoe.

No permit required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: West shore. From the trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake Road, the trail follows the western shoreline south through old-growth Jeffrey pine and white fir. The forest here is mature and quiet, with minimal understory and filtered views of the lake through the trees. Several short spurs lead to the water's edge. Mount Tallac becomes increasingly prominent above the south end as the trail progresses.

Miles 2.5 to 3.5: South end and Glen Alpine Creek. The trail rounds the south end of the lake, crossing Glen Alpine Creek, which drains from the Desolation Wilderness above. The creek is a good water source (filtered). Mount Tallac's granite face towers above from this angle. The Glen Alpine Trail junction appears here; it continues up the drainage into the Desolation Wilderness fringe.

Miles 3.5 to 6.5: East shore return. The return follows the east shore north, with more direct lake views than the forested west side. The east side is sunnier and warmer, with several flat granite outcrops along the shore that make good rest spots. The Fallen Leaf Campground appears near the north end, and the trail returns to the trailhead area.

When to Hike

May and June for spring green and the freshest lake clarity. The loop opens earlier than higher-elevation trails.

July and August for swimming and the warmest lake temperatures. The trail is busier during peak season but not overcrowded by Tahoe standards.

September and October for fall color and minimal crowds. The aspens and willows near Glen Alpine Creek turn gold in early October.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Glen Alpine Creek provides a water source at the south end. Bring sun protection for the exposed east shore section.

Trailhead Access

Fallen Leaf Lake Road south of South Lake Tahoe, off US-89. Follow signs for Fallen Leaf Lake and the campground. The trailhead pullout is before the campground entrance.

Nearby

The Mount Tallac Trail departs from the same Fallen Leaf area. The Glen Alpine Trail continues up the drainage from the south end of the lake loop. See the full Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit guide for the complete trail picture. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the shoreline.

Trailhead Parking

Fallen Leaf Lake Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake Road, south of South Lake Tahoe off US-89. Paved pullout area. No fee. Space for 12-15 vehicles.

← Back to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fallen Leaf Lake part of Lake Tahoe?
Fallen Leaf Lake is a separate lake adjacent to but not connected to Lake Tahoe. It sits about 1 mile south of Tahoe's south shore, separated by a narrow strip of land. The lake drains into Taylor Creek, which flows into Lake Tahoe near the US-50 corridor. At 6,337 feet and roughly 2.5 miles long, Fallen Leaf is the second largest lake in the Tahoe Basin after Lake Tahoe itself.
Is there camping at Fallen Leaf Lake?
Yes. Fallen Leaf Campground (206 sites) is the largest campground in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and sits directly on the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. It has tent and RV sites, flush restrooms, and shower facilities. Reservations through Recreation.gov are strongly recommended for summer weekends (as of 2026). The campground is an excellent base for the lake loop and the Mount Tallac approach.
Can I swim in Fallen Leaf Lake?
Yes. Fallen Leaf Lake is used for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer. Several access points around the lake provide swimming entry. The water is cold through June; it warms to more comfortable temperatures in July and August. The lake has no sandy beach comparable to Lake Tahoe's shore, but rock and forest shoreline entry points are accessible from the trail.