Mt. Tallac Trailhead — Attraction in South Lake Tahoe

We're a family of hikers (including our kids that summited Half Dome with us when they were 7 & 8 in Aug 2021 and will do it again Aug 2022) so this review will not be indicative of average family hiking. However for kiddos that have a happy place out on the trail, this hike to both Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes was not bad at all...pretty moderate incline. Our entire group including a 1yr old made that trek with time resting at both lakes.

Parking during the week wasn't too bad, but had to park along the side of the road. I recommend hitting the trail earlier than 11am for parking and ample time to make it up to the summit. Based on parking signage, this must be an extremely popular hike on the weekends.

Once past Cathedral Lake up to the summit, the incline really begins. You're met with absolutely stunning views of both Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake as well as mountain wildflowers, but with unexpected altitude "sickness" (mild dizziness & had to focus to get a deep breath) for 3 of our crew of 4, the alpine first and rocky ridgeline were not able to be enjoyed as much as on other hikes. When we reached the Tallac summit, it was indeed beautiful (posted our panoramic pic) but the one person not affected by the altitude was the only one excited/ enjoying the view. The other 3 were glad to make it but pretty much ready to go back down, which is rare...one person (me) even took a nap in the summit which helped the dizzy feeling. (But "me" is also now technically 40.5 with 5 ACL reconstruction/medial meniscus repair surgeries on both knees, breast cancer survivor, recently healed broken big toe, and a destroyed thyroid...but a determinationto stay active and "use it or lose it.")

With a 10.29 mile RT hike to the summit and back and 3,162' of elevation gain (according to my tracker), this is a fantastic training hike to prepare for Half Dome that we're doing in 3 weeks...

Great hike, but be prepared for the elements to change if going late in the season.

I ran into many individuals who did not take it as seriously as they should have, and they did experience a significant amount of trouble with the hike.

The road to the trail head is currently closed to drive in, so you will have to park just off the main road or on the side of the main road as there are not many spots available and then walk about 15 min on paved road to the trailhead.

There are a good amount of rocks and uneven surfaces, so mind your steps for the initial part of the ascent.

As you gain altitude, the temperature gets cooler, and the snow gets deeper as you climb, so be sure to have proper attire for the cold weather, especially later in the day as the sun goes down.

Once you reach the top/end of the trail, you may want to continue hiking/climbing to get to the final summit. Just know that when going off the trail, the snow will get to be waist high at some points with uneven surface under the snow. This will also add a good amount of time(1-2 hours) to go this extra distance and get back down, so watch your time and the sun as it can be easy to get off route.

From the top and along the way, the views are spectacular of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the...

Hiking the Mt. Tallac trailhead is an incredibly challenging yet rewarding experience. From the very start, the trail demands a lot from hikers with its steep inclines and rocky terrain. The elevation gain is significant, and you'll definitely feel the burn in your legs as you ascend. The trail is well-marked, but the rugged path requires careful footing and plenty of stamina.

As you climb higher, the views become increasingly spectacular, offering glimpses of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness. The final push to the summit is particularly tough, with a steep and rocky scramble that tests your endurance and determination. However, reaching the top is worth every bit of effort. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking and provide a sense of accomplishment that makes the strenuous hike worthwhile.

Overall, the Mt. Tallac trailhead is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up for the challenge, it offers an unforgettable adventure and some of the most stunning vistas in the region. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a good pair of...