Meiss Meadows Overlook
While most of the hiking traffic heads north from Echo Summit to Echo Lakes, take the less beaten path south toward Meiss Meadows for a chance to see abundant wildlife and, in the autumn, spectacular golden Aspen. Turn left into the Pacific Crest Trailhead parking lot at the top of Echo Summit on Highway 50. This out and back jaunt starts slow, but after crossing a foot bridge steadily climbs to the Meiss Meadows Overlook. Turning around here makes this a 5-mile roundtrip.
Difficulty: **
Best for: Wildlife, fall colors, road-trip relief

Pacific Crest Trail, I-80 to Donner Pass Road
Starting from a bustling Interstate 80 rest area hikers take a trip through geologic history on the Pacific Crest overlooking Donner Lake. The trail crosses Donner Pass Road 3.6 miles from the freeway, which makes for a nice turnaround. To shorten the 7-mile hike, set a shuttle vehicle in the Sugar Bowl Academy parking lot at the turnaround. From I-80 eastbound, exit at the rest area immediately following the Boreal exit.
Difficulty: **
Best for: Road-trip relief, children

Barker Pass to Twin Peaks
Incredible scenery and gentle, varied terrain make this out-and-back journey a half-day delight. Following the well-worn Pacific Crest Trail most of the way, a short side-trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail to Twin Peaks is a bonus for the adventurous peak bagger. A short talus scramble to the top provides an unforgettable bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe. From Highway 89, turn right on Blackwood Canyon Road 4.25 miles south of Tahoe City. Follow the road, veering left for 7.2 miles to the dirt Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim Trail parking lot. Hike is 12 miles roundtrip.
Difficulty: ***
Best for: Lake Tahoe views, peak baggers

Lake Aloha
Pick up a wilderness permit at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center for a truly spectacular night out under the stars in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. In the summertime, hitch a ferry ride across Echo Lake and hike 3.5 miles to the surreal shorelines of Lake Aloha. Camping available on the granite beaches or on the southeast end of the lake in the trees; no campfires permitted. Crowds dwindle in the fall, but when the ferry’s not running plan on adding five miles to the total trip.
Difficulty: ***
Best for: Overnight, alpine lakes

Horsetail Falls
Best seen in early summer when High Sierra snowmelt gushes down this granite slide, Horsetail Falls is certainly one of the most spectacular and easily accessible waterfalls in the Tahoe area. Park in the well-marked Pyramid Creek trailhead on the north side of Highway 50 (left for eastbound travelers) a mile or so east of Strawberry Lodge in the small village of Twin Bridges. Follow a single track trail through a small forest before emerging on the series of steep, granite slabs leading to a pool at the base of the falls which is the turnaround point, 3 miles roundtrip. Use extreme caution of wet rocks.
Difficulty: ***
Best for: Waterfalls, road-trip relief

Alpine Meadows to Five Lakes
This short, but strenuous climb leads to a collection of five pristine alpine lakes. The lakes make a great spot to cool off from the steep, dusty climb in mid-summer, but be careful on this trail in early summer before the snow has time to melt. From Highway 89, turn toward Alpine Meadows at the River Ranch. About two miles up, look for a pull off on the right hand side of the road.
Difficulty: ****
Best for: Alpine lakes, dogs

Mt. Tallac
Summiting this 9,735-foot giant is a feat worth celebrating. Fortunately, ambitious hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness at the top and vistas of Fallen Leaf Lake on the way up as well. Save seven hours to hike these 9.6 miles up and down. From Highway 89, turn onto Forest Service Road 13N06 directly across the highway from the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Center, follow signs to Tallac Trailhead and reach the trailhead approximately one mile from the highway.
Difficulty: *****
Best for: Peak baggers, Lake Tahoe views, dogs


Some of the information for Paige Meadows, Tahoe Meadows and Grass Lakes hikes was obtained from www.wildflowerhikes.com.

Comment below for a chance to win! Top
Want to know more about our commenting contest? Click here for details.