4.4 hr
Overview
This trail leads you through Desolation Wilderness across Mount Tallac. You pass a number of gorgeous lakes on the way there and get stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.<br><br>The trail starts ascending right from the trailhead. After half a mile, the forest opens up and you can get a good view of Fallen Leaf Lake on the left and Mount Tallac on the right. Most of the time, you'll be hiking over small loose rocks. At 1.8 miles, you'll arrive at Floating Island Lake. Depending on the time of day, you'll be able to see a magnificent reflection of the Mount Tallac ridge in the water.<br><br>Continue to ascend until you reach a junction that leads back down to Fallen Leaf Lake on the left. Keep right and shortly you'll reach Cathedral Lake. This is a good stop before you start the final ascent. At this point, the trail turns west and becomes more exposed, so look back every now and then to enjoy the view. Hike carefully as some sections of the trail will be more like boulder-hopping. <br><br>At 4.7 miles, you'll reach another junction. Continue to the right to reach the summit of Mount Tallac. Continue left to stay on this trail. <br><br>On the way down Mount Tallac to the west, you'll get stunning views of Pyramid Peak, Mount Price, and Echo Peak, as well as beautiful green meadows on either side of the trail with a great variety of wildflowers. When you ultimately reach Gilmore Lake, turn left and cross the small creek to follow the creek on the right until you reach the Pacific Crest Trail.
Trail Stats
10.4 km
924 m
2889 m
1964 m
—
Photos
Cathedral Lake
Cathedral Lake
Mt. Tallac reflected in Floating Island Lake.
Mt. Tallac reflected in Floating Island Lake.
Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake from just above Cathedral Lake.
Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake from just above Cathedral Lake.
Cathedral Lake
Cathedral Lake
Wildflowers on Mt Tallac Trail
Wildflowers on Mt Tallac Trail
The last patches of snow on Mount Tallac
The last patches of snow on Mount Tallac
Fallen Leaf Lake from Mount Tallac Trail on a sunny summer morning.
Fallen Leaf Lake from Mount Tallac Trail on a sunny summer morning.
A great variety of wildflowers on the meadows between Gilmore Lake and Mount Tallac
A great variety of wildflowers on the meadows between Gilmore Lake and Mount Tallac
Fallen Leaf Lake on a sunny summer day.
Fallen Leaf Lake on a sunny summer day.
Fallen Leaf Lake (on the right) and Lake Tahoe (in the background) from the Mount Tallac Trail
Fallen Leaf Lake (on the right) and Lake Tahoe (in the background) from the Mount Tallac Trail
The most difficult stretch of the Mt Tallac Trail, heading straight up the wall of Cathedral Lake bowl.
The most difficult stretch of the Mt Tallac Trail, heading straight up the wall of Cathedral Lake bowl.
Overlooking Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
Overlooking Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
Cliffs from Mt Tallac Trail.
Cliffs from Mt Tallac Trail.
Green meadows and Gilmore Lake in front of Mount Price.
Green meadows and Gilmore Lake in front of Mount Price.
Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.
Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.
View from Mt Tallac Trail.
View from Mt Tallac Trail.
Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
Panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake
Mt Tallac Trail
Mt Tallac Trail
Hikers on Mt Tallac Trail
Hikers on Mt Tallac Trail
Descending Mt. Tallac toward Gilmore Lake; Jacks Peak, Dicks Peak, and the Desolation Wilderness in the distance.
Descending Mt. Tallac toward Gilmore Lake; Jacks Peak, Dicks Peak, and the Desolation Wilderness in the distance.
Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating Island Lake
Amazing reflection of Mount Tallac in Floating Island Lake