Lake Tahoe offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for families with young children. From easy, paved paths to more challenging trails with stunning views, there are plenty of options to explore the natural beauty of this iconic destination. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top Lake Tahoe hikes that are perfect for families.
Easy and Accessible Trails
Pope-Baldwin Bike Path
- Length: Approximately 6.8 miles out and back
- Features: Paved, smooth, and wheelchair-accessible. The trail meanders through evergreen forests and offers access to Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach.
- Contact: Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Visitor Center Road, State Route 89 North, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-543-2674.
Angora Lakes Trail
- Length: Approximately one mile out and back
- Features: A popular trail leading to two small lakes with a sandy beach and opportunities for cliff diving and swimming. The trail is generally easy but has some uphill sections.
- Contact: Angora Lakes Resort, Angora Ridge Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-541-2092.
Tallac Historic Site Trail
- Length: One mile out and back
- Features: An easy trail that takes you through a collection of historic buildings, including the grand Baldwin Estate. The trail offers interactive exhibits and vintage games for children.
- Contact: Tallac Historic Site, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Moderate Hikes with Stunning Views
Eagle Falls Trail
- Length: About one mile out and back
- Features: A gentle hike suitable for beginners and young children. The trail leads to two beautiful waterfalls.
- Contact: Eagle Falls picnic area, Highway 89 North, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Vikingsholm Trail
- Length: Approximately two miles out and back
- Features: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. The hike is steep and downhill, making it more suitable for older children.
- Contact: Harvey West parking lot at Emerald Bay State Park, Highway 89 South, Emerald Bay, CA 96142.
Echo Lakes Trail
- Length: 5 miles out and back
- Features: Provides spectacular views of the two glacially-carved lakes and the surrounding peaks. There is an option to cut the hike short by returning on the seasonal water taxi.
- Contact: Echo Lakes Trailhead, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Family-Friendly Trails in North Lake Tahoe
Glenshire Lake Trail
- Length: 1-mile loop
- Features: A short, scenic hike around a small lake, suitable for very young children.
- Contact: Glenshire subdivision, Truckee, CA 96161.
Martis Creek Lake
- Length: 2 miles out and back
- Features: A gentle walk along the creek with no elevation gain, suitable for families with young children.
- Contact: Martis Creek Lake, Truckee, CA 96161.
Tahoe Meadows Trail
- Length: 1-mile loop
- Features: A wheelchair-accessible trail through meadows and forested glades, suitable for families with strollers.
- Contact: Tahoe Meadows Trailhead, Incline Village, NV 89451.
Scenic Hikes with Gondola Access
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
- Length: 1.3 miles out and back
- Features: Offers easy to moderate trails with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The park has a waterfall and picnic areas.
- Contact: Van Sickle Bi-State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
East Peak Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip
- Features: A gentle hike with stunning views of the Tahoe basin and the Carson Valley. The trail is accessible via the Heavenly Gondola.
- Contact: Heavenly Gondola Center, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Shorter Strolls for Families
Rubicon Trail
- Length: Approximately 4.5 miles one way
- Features: A scenic hike with stunning lake views, lush forests, and the historic Vikingsholm Castle.
- Contact: Rubicon Trailhead, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Leaf Dam
- Length: Half-mile out and back
- Features: A gentle stroll alongside the lake and through cool woods, suitable for families with young children.
- Contact: Leaf Dam Trailhead, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Whether you’re looking for an easy, paved path or a more challenging hike with breathtaking views, Lake Tahoe has a variety of trails that are perfect for families with children. With a range of difficulty levels and unique features, these hikes offer something for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning destination.