PALISADES TAHOE HIKING TRAILS
Some of the most famous hikes in the region start right in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Visit our Hiking Palisades Tahoe page for trail status, a full list of all of our hiking trails, and tips for how to make the most of your hike!


VISIT Hiking Palisades TahoE PAGe
Valley view from a trail in between Resort at Squaw Creek and The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Valley view from a trail in between Resort at Squaw Creek and The Village at Palisades Tahoe

TOP HIKES IN NORTH LAKE TAHOE

North Lake Tahoe has some of the region's best hiking, and most of the trails are right in our backyard! Scroll through to read about our top Lake Tahoe hiking trails. 
Two hikers stand at the top of the popular Eagle Rock Trail with Lake Tahoe in the background
Two hikers stand at the top of the popular Eagle Rock Trail with Lake Tahoe in the background

Eagle Rock

Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation: 239' gain/loss
Directions to trailhead

If you're looking for a short hike with spectacular views, this is the hike for you. You'll ascend a steep but well-traveled trail to the top of Eagle Rock, where you'll have an incredible view of Lake Tahoe. Don't wander too close to the edge, as there is quite a large dropoff.
Two women sit at a bench overlook Lake Tahoe at the top of the Stateline Lookout Trail in Nevada
Two women sit at a bench overlook Lake Tahoe at the top of the Stateline Lookout Trail in Nevada

Stateline Lookout

Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation: 400' gain/loss
Directions to trailhead

Cross over into Nevada for a hike that is friendly for all skill levels. This 1.5 mile hike takes you up to a fire lookout with a stunning view of Lake Tahoe. This trail is a great option for families (and dogs are welcome, too!)
Two hikers and a dog at the edge of Shirley Lake during summer
Two hikers and a dog at the edge of Shirley Lake during summer
Shirley Canyon Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation: 2,109' gain/loss

This is one of Lake Tahoe's best half-day hikes. Hike alongside waterfalls (early summer season only), granite boulders, and the high alpine Shirley Lake. To access the trailhead, park in the main Olympic Valley parking lot and walk to the end of Shirley Canyon Road. This trail is marked, but remember the general rule is to keep the creek on your right and follow it up for about 2.5 miles until you come to giant granite rock slabs. You will cross over this section and continue up to Shirley Lake. Hike back down the way you came or continue to High Camp and ride the Aerial Tram down to the base for free. Check out our full guide to hiking Shirley Canyon.
View of Donner Lake from the Mt. Judah Trail in Truckee, California
View of Donner Lake from the Mt. Judah Trail in Truckee, California

Mt. Judah Loop

Distance: 4.8
Elevation: 1,220' gain/loss
Directions to trailhead

Climb to Donner Peak and enjoy the striking views of Mt. Rose, Truckee, Donner Lake, and Coldstream Canyon. The Mt. Judah Loop Trail starts on the Pacific Crest Trail and connects all the way to Olympic Valley via the Granite Chief trail for those looking for a longer hike.
View from the Monkey Rock Trail in Incline Village, Nevada with expansive views of Lake Tahoe
View from the Monkey Rock Trail in Incline Village, Nevada with expansive views of Lake Tahoe

Monkey Rock

Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 489' gain/loss
Directions to Trailhead

Starting off in Incline Village, the trail up to Monkey Rock is wide and well-maintained leading to outstanding views of Lake Tahoe's east shore. After taking in the vista and finding the rock that resembles a monkey's profile, head back down the way you came. You can extend the hike by continuing along the East Shore Trail and finding your way down to the shore at Hidden Beach.
Trail sign on the Pine Drop trail in North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, CA
Trail sign on the Pine Drop trail in North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, CA

Pinedrop Trail

Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation: 141' gain/loss
Directions to trailhead

Head to the North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista to access several hiking & biking trails, as well as a playground, sports fields, and a dog park. The Pinedrop Trail is an easy, beautiful option with a paved path if you'd like to accommodate a stroller or wheelchair.
General Hiking Tips


Summer Hiking Safety

During thunderstorms, stay away from ridge tops, tall trees, and large rock outcroppings as they can attract lightning strikes.Please respect Tahoe’s beautiful natural environment by observing all signs and staying on designated trails and roads. Do not cut switchbacks. Stay out of any construction or roped-off areas.No smoking, please. The fire danger in this area is very high during the summer.Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Many of the mountain trails traverse rugged terrain.Tahoe’s mountain environment is prone to sudden weather and temperature changes so please carry adequate clothing.Bring plenty of water (never drink directly from a stream) and a snack or energy bar.Always use sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses for protection from the high-altitude sun.Do not hike alone. It is fun and safer when done with a group.


Helpful Hiking Apps


Palisades Tahoe App - Download the Palisades Tahoe app to access summer hiking maps, track hiking performance, find your friends on hiking trails and more!AllTrails - Over 100,000 trail maps plus reviews and photos crowdsourced from hikers and bikers.Trailforks - Over 130,000 trails contributed by users and approved by local trail associations.

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