Family-Friendly Hikes

No time to take that epic hike? Check out some of Lake Tahoe’s best short-distance, mostly family-friendly meanders.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center, South Lake Tahoe

The Rainbow Trail is a short loop that offers wildlife sightings, interpretive signs and a streamside viewing chamber showcasing trout and, in the fall, spawning kokanee salmon.

Fallen Leaf Lake, South Lake Tahoe

Several meandering trails around Tahoe's neighbor lake are accessible via Fallen Leaf Campground or from Fallen Leaf, Cathedral or Angora Ridge roads.

Balancing Rock Nature Trail, Tahoma

Located in D.L. Bliss State Park, this easy half-mile path takes visitors to see the Balancing Rock, a 130-ton formation resting precariously atop a boulder below.

Tahoe Meadows, Mt. Rose Highway

A 1.3-milelong, handicap-accessible loop circles an alpine meadow and provides interpretive signs and boardwalks.

Martis Creek Wildlife Area, Truckee

This dog-friendly route runs through a wetland area, along the willow-lined banks of Martis Creek.

Spooner Lake, East Shore

Lush meadows, shimmering aspen groves and wildfl owers are highlights of this 2-mile loop.

Rubicon Trail, South Lake Tahoe

The hike from the trailhead in D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Point is just over 3 miles (or 4.4 miles if you extend the hike to Vikingsholm) with dramatic views of The Lake hundreds of feet below. Use the Nifty Fifty Trolley to shuttle.

Eagle Rock, Tahoe Pines

Well-marked and wellworn paths lead you on a 15-minute hike up the impressive outcropping of volcanic rock to great West Shore vistas.

Stateline Fire Lookout, Crystal Bay

This short trail travels uphill to a lookout with panoramic lake views and interpretive signs detailing North Shore history.

Eagle Lake, South Lake Tahoe

Starting across from Emerald Bay, this 2-mile round-trip hike includes a bit of both steep and flat and crosses Eagle Falls on a footbridge.

Paige Meadows, Tahoe City

A series of interconnected meadows, all within view of Twin Peaks, are lined with quaking aspens, wildflowers and a variety of wildlife. Mark your tracks; it's known as the Bermuda Triangle of Tahoe!

Lift-Accessed Hikes

In summer, Kirkwood lifts and Heavenly, Squaw Valley and Northstar-at-Tahoe gondolas allow access to summits where you can enjoy easy ridgetop hikes.