Lake Tahoe Hikes With Kids

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Lake Tahoe offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for families with kids. From gentle, paved paths to more challenging uphill treks, there are plenty of options to explore the stunning natural beauty of this alpine lake. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more adventurous hike, this guide will help you discover the best Lake Tahoe hikes with kids.

Best Hiking Trails for Kids in South Lake Tahoe

1. Pope-Baldwin Bike Path

  • Length: Approximately 6.8 miles out and back
  • Features: Paved, smooth, and wheelchair accessible. Suitable for strollers.
  • Highlights: Passes through evergreen forests, offers picnic tables and benches, and provides access to Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach.
  • Location: Park at Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Visitor Center Road, State Route 89 North, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-543-2674.

2. Eagle Falls Trail

  • Length: About one mile out and back
  • Features: Gentle slope, suitable for beginners and young kids.
  • Highlights: Features two beautiful waterfalls and offers a scenic hike through rocky peaks and forests.
  • Location: Follow Highway 89 North approximately eight miles from South Lake Tahoe to the Eagle Falls picnic area to reach the trailhead. Parking fees apply.

3. Angora Lakes Trail

  • Length: Approximately one mile out and back
  • Features: Uphill hike with a sandy trail and some rocky spots.
  • Highlights: Offers a dramatic view, a sandy beach, and historic Angora Lakes Resort with boat rentals and a famous lemonade stand.
  • Location: Angora Lakes Resort, Angora Ridge Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-541-2092.

4. Vikingsholm Trail

  • Length: Approximately two miles out and back
  • Features: Steep and downhill, with a 500-foot drop in elevation.
  • Highlights: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, and Fannette Island, as well as tours of Vikingsholm Castle.
  • Location: Vikingsholm Trail, Highway 89 South, Emerald Bay, CA 96142.
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Other Kid-Friendly Trails in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Hikes With Kids

1. Glenshire Lake Trail

  • Length: 1-mile loop
  • Features: Short, scenic hike around a small lake
  • Location: From downtown Truckee, drive east on Donner Pass Road. Turn right at Glenshire Drive and continue 5 miles to the Glenshire clubhouse parking lot.

2. Martis Creek Lake

  • Length: 2 miles out and back
  • Features: Flat walk along the creek with no elevation gain
  • Location: From downtown Truckee, drive east on Brockway Road from Donner Pass Road. At the junction with SR 267, turn right. After the airport, turn right into the lot marked Wildlife Viewing Area.

3. Tahoe Meadows, Mt. Rose Highway

  • Length: Just over 1-mile loop
  • Features: Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with three bridges crossing over streams
  • Location: From the junction of highways 28 and 431 in Incline Village, drive east on 431 (the Mt. Rose Highway) 7.7 miles to the right-side parking lot.

4. East Peak Trail

  • Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip
  • Features: Gentle hike with a 400-foot elevation gain
  • Highlights: Offers stunning views of the Tahoe basin and the Carson Valley
  • Location: In South Lake Tahoe, two blocks before the Stateline casinos, is the Heavenly Village Gondola Center. Parking is in back.

5. Leaf Dam

  • Length: Half-mile stroll
  • Features: Gentle walk alongside the lake and through woods
  • Highlights: Features a dam built in 1934 and a bridge across the spillway
  • Location: Driving north on Highway 89 from South Lake Tahoe, turn left after 3 miles at Fallen Leaf Lake Road. A half-mile down, turn right at the campground, then veer left for day visitors.
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Preparing for Hiking with Kids in Lake Tahoe

  1. Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
  2. Choose Suitable Trails: Select trails with gentle slopes and accessible terrain.
  3. Set a Comfortable Pace: Take frequent breaks and allow kids to enjoy and connect with nature.
  4. Check Trail Conditions: Verify trail conditions and any necessary permits before heading out.
  5. Educate and Engage: Teach kids about the environment, wildlife, and local history to make the experience more engaging and educational.

By following these tips and exploring the diverse hiking trails around Lake Tahoe, you can create unforgettable memories and foster a love for the outdoors in your kids.

References

  1. SFGate. (2023). These Lake Tahoe hiking trails are ideal for kids and families. Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/lake-tahoe-hiking-trails-18086287.php
  2. Tahoe.com. (2016). 10 Great Lake Tahoe Hikes for Kids. Retrieved from https://tahoe.com/articles/10-great-lake-tahoe-hikes-kids
  3. Northstar California. (2023). Discover the Best Kid Friendly Hikes in North Lake Tahoe. Retrieved from https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/travel-guide/family-friendly-trails-lake-tahoe.aspx
  4. Visit El Dorado. (n.d.). A Family Adventure: Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in South Lake Tahoe. Retrieved from https://visit-eldorado.com/a-family-adventure-kid-friendly-hiking-trails-in-south-lake-tahoe/
  5. AllTrails. (n.d.). Best Kid Friendly Trails in South Lake Tahoe. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/south-lake-tahoe/kids

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