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Glen Alpine Trail

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California · 3 min read

Distance
6.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,200 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Est. Time
3.5-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Glen Alpine Springs, a 19th-century resort area with historic stone foundations visible on the trail
  • Access to Grass Lake and Susie Lake in the Desolation Wilderness
  • Historic wagon road alignment through old-growth forest on the lower section
  • One of the quieter entry points to the Desolation Wilderness from the south shore
  • Good wildflower meadows along Glen Alpine Creek in July
lakehistoric sitewildflowersviews

Overview

The Glen Alpine Trail follows a historic 19th-century wagon road into the Desolation Wilderness, passing the ruins of Glen Alpine Springs resort before climbing to Grass Lake and Susie Lake in the Sierra Nevada high country. The 6.5-mile round trip is one of the more historically interesting approaches to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit's wilderness, combining forest walking, creek meadows, and granite lake destinations.

A free self-issue Desolation Wilderness permit is required at the trailhead (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Glen Alpine Springs historic section. From the trailhead at the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, the trail follows the original wagon road alignment through old-growth Jeffrey pine and white fir forest along Glen Alpine Creek. Stone foundations of the historic resort buildings are visible beside the creek in the first mile. The creek is accessible at several points and provides a water source for the approach.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Wilderness entry and Grass Lake. The trail enters the Desolation Wilderness and steepens slightly as the valley narrows. Grass Lake appears at mile 2.5, a shallow subalpine lake ringed with sedge meadow and lodgepole pine. The lake is a good turnaround for hikers who want a moderate rather than full-distance outing.

Miles 2.5 to 3.25: Susie Lake. The trail continues climbing from Grass Lake over a rocky section to reach Susie Lake, the deeper and more scenic of the two destinations. Susie Lake sits in a granite bowl with good camping sites on the northwest shore. The view from the outlet rocks looks back down the drainage toward the Tahoe Basin.

Return. Retrace the route back to the trailhead.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September after seasonal snow clears from the upper trail.

September for the best conditions: drier trails, lower crowds, and improved overnight permit availability.

Early July can have wet meadow conditions near Grass Lake from residual snowmelt.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Glen Alpine Creek provides water in the lower section (treat before drinking). Bear canister required for overnight stays (as of 2026). See our bear canister guide.

Trailhead Access

Fallen Leaf Lake Road to its southern end, accessed from US-89 about 3 miles south of South Lake Tahoe via the Fallen Leaf Lake turnoff. The road is paved to the trailhead parking area. From South Lake Tahoe town center, allow 20 minutes.

Nearby

The Fallen Leaf Lake Loop circles the lake adjacent to the trailhead. The Mount Tallac Trail climbs above the same Fallen Leaf area. Follow Leave No Trace principles through the historic and wilderness sections of this trail.

Trailhead Parking

Glen Alpine Trailhead at the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, south of South Lake Tahoe. Paved pullout, about 20 vehicles. No fee. Self-issue Desolation Wilderness permit at trailhead.

← Back to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glen Alpine Springs?
Glen Alpine Springs was a resort and health spa developed in the late 19th century, reached by wagon road from Fallen Leaf Lake. The area was developed around natural mineral springs thought to have medicinal properties. The resort operated from the 1870s through the early 20th century. Today, stone foundations of the buildings remain visible along the lower trail, and the historic road alignment is still the hiking route. The area is on the National Register of Historic Places.
What lakes can I reach on the Glen Alpine Trail?
The main destinations from the Glen Alpine Trail are Grass Lake (about mile 2.5) and Susie Lake (about mile 3.0-3.5), both inside the Desolation Wilderness. Both lakes have good fishing and camping with overnight permits (as of 2026). Heather Lake and Lake Aloha are accessible on longer routes from the same trail system, extending the trip for backpackers.
Is the Glen Alpine Trail less crowded than the Eagle Lake Trail?
Generally yes. The Glen Alpine trailhead is at the end of Fallen Leaf Lake Road rather than directly on US-89, which means it sees less impulse traffic from drive-by visitors. The approach through the historic resort ruins and the slightly longer distance to the wilderness also mean the trail attracts more intentional hikers. Summer weekends can still be busy, but not at the level of the Eagle Falls corridor.