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Mount Tallac Trail

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, California · 3 min read

Distance
9.4 mi
Elevation Gain
3,300 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through October
Est. Time
6-8 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 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

  • 9,735-foot summit with one of the most expansive Lake Tahoe panoramas in the basin
  • Passes Cathedral Lake and Floating Island Lake on the ascent through granite terrain
  • Views from the summit span Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the Sierra Nevada crest
  • Route passes through the Desolation Wilderness on the upper section
  • Cross-shaped snowfield on the north face visible from South Lake Tahoe into late summer
summitlakeviewswildflowers

Overview

Mount Tallac rises to 9,735 feet above the south shore of Lake Tahoe, and its summit view, spanning the full length of the lake with Fallen Leaf Lake below and the Sierra Nevada crest to the south, is one of the defining Sierra experiences accessible as a day hike. The 9.4-mile round trip gains 3,300 feet through granite, subalpine forest, and two cirque lakes before reaching the exposed summit ridge. This is the signature summit hike of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

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

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Trailhead to Floating Island Lake. From the Baldwin Beach Road trailhead, the trail climbs immediately through Jeffrey pine and white fir forest above Fallen Leaf Lake. The gradient is sustained but manageable. Floating Island Lake appears at about mile 2.0, a small tarn set in a granite bowl. This is where the Desolation Wilderness permit is required. Many day hikers take a break here before the harder upper section.

Miles 2.0 to 3.5: Cathedral Lake. The trail continues ascending through increasingly open granite terrain to Cathedral Lake, a larger and more dramatic cirque lake at around 8,400 feet. The lake is clear and cold. Tallac's summit is visible above, and the cross-shaped snowfield on the north face stands out until midsummer. The descent to the lake and the rocky approach above it require some careful footing on loose talus.

Miles 3.5 to 4.7: Cathedral Lake to Summit. The final 1,200 feet of gain to the 9,735-foot summit is the hardest section of the route, climbing steep switchbacks and boulder terrain to the summit plateau. The ridge is exposed to wind; a wind layer is useful even in summer. The summit provides 360-degree views: Lake Tahoe fills the basin to the north and east, Fallen Leaf Lake sits directly below, and the Desolation Wilderness peaks and lakes spread to the west.

Return. Retrace the ascent route. The descent from the summit to Cathedral Lake requires care on loose rock; trekking poles are helpful.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September is the core season after the upper trail clears snow. August is the most reliable month for a snow-free summit.

September brings cooler temperatures, improved afternoon storm risk management, and fewer crowds at the trailhead. Fall color on the slopes appears by late September.

Avoid afternoon starts in July and August. Thunderstorms develop over the summit from roughly 1:00 p.m. onward on unstable days.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water. The alpine terrain above Cathedral Lake has no reliable water. Pack lunch, sunscreen, and a warm layer for the exposed summit. Trekking poles help on the rocky descent. Bring the Desolation Wilderness permit paperwork if reserving overnight.

Trailhead Access

Baldwin Beach Road south of South Lake Tahoe off US-89. Turn at the Fallen Leaf Lake/Mount Tallac sign. The parking area is about 2 miles from US-89 on a paved road. Trailhead fills by 8:00 a.m. on summer weekends. Consider arriving by 6:30 a.m. for reliable parking.

Nearby

The Eagle Lake Trail and Fallen Leaf Lake Loop are accessible from the same south shore area. The Velma Lakes Trail enters the Desolation Wilderness from a different angle. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the Desolation Wilderness. See our checking conditions guide before any strenuous summit attempt.

Trailhead Parking

Mount Tallac Trailhead off Baldwin Beach Road, south of South Lake Tahoe near Fallen Leaf Lake. Paved lot, limited to about 30 vehicles. Fills early on summer weekends. No fee. Self-issue Desolation Wilderness permit required at trailhead.

← Back to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required for Mount Tallac?
A free self-issue Desolation Wilderness permit is required for all visitors entering the wilderness above the lower trailhead section. Day use permits are available at the trailhead registration box. No advance reservation is required for day use (as of 2026). Overnight visitors must have a reservation permit from Recreation.gov, with a quota in effect from late June through Labor Day.
How hard is Mount Tallac?
Mount Tallac is rated strenuous. The 9.4-mile round trip gains 3,300 feet, with the steepest terrain on the upper ridge between Cathedral Lake and the summit. The trail is well-maintained but rocky on the upper section and exposed to afternoon thunderstorms. Most fit hikers complete it in 6 to 8 hours. An early start (before 7 a.m.) is strongly recommended to summit before afternoon storms build.
When does the Mount Tallac trail become snow-free?
The lower trail from the trailhead to Floating Island Lake (roughly the first 2 miles) typically clears by mid-June. The upper section above Cathedral Lake can hold snow through early July in average years and into mid-July in heavy snow years. The summit snowfield on the north face may persist through August. Check current conditions with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit before planning a summit attempt.