Mt. Tallac Hike

The summit of Mt. Tallac rises majestically above the Lake Tahoe area (elevation 9,700 ft.). The strenuous hike to the summit provides a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the Desolation Wilderness. There are two routes to the summit. The more direct root begins at the Mt. Tallac Trailhead, the second (slightly longer, but more gradual) begins at the Glen Alpine Trailhead. Following the second route, the first part of the hike to Gilmore Lake is moderate, but from there the trail climbs steeply to the summit of Mt. Tallac; overall, this route is 6 miles in distance with an elevation gain of 3,200 ft.

Click on any thumbnail picture for a larger image.

This map shows the two routes up to the Mt. Tallac summit. The more direct route from the Mt. Tallac Trailhead is 5 miles (elevation gain 3,250 ft.). The 6 mile route from the Glen Alpine Trailhead via Gilmore Lake is a more gradual climb.

Left: Gilmore Lake. Right: View back toward Gilmore Lake and Jack's Peak from the trail to Mt. Tallac.

Views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the city of South Lake Tahoe from the summit of Mt. Tallac.

The large population of chipmonks at the summit are incredibly tame. So accustomed to eating "people food", they are easily coaxed onto your lap for a tasty morsel.