Can you die without walking? Trip to American National Parks (29) Paradise Trail Swimming in the Lake Tahoe Area Superb Hiking Trail
Written by Sayaka Kato
Paradise trail swimming in the lake
This time, we'll be introducing a hiking route in the Lake Tahoe area for the first time in a while.
Lake Tahoe is famous for being very popular locally. This is an outdoor mecca in a resort area where you can enjoy hiking and water activities in the summer, and skiing and other winter activities in the winter.
Lake Tahoe itself is a very beautiful lake, but countless hiking trails spread around it, continuing to fascinate hikers.
This time we'd like to introduce the hiking trail at Glen Alpine Loop in South Lake Tahoe.
This trail is a hiking route where you can discover beautiful lakes, including Lake Aloha, Heather Lake, and Susie Lake, as well as majestic scenery.
table of contents
South Lake Tahoe Glen Alpine Loop hiking information
Trail data
- For intermediate and above
- Trailhead elevation: 1814m
- Round trip: Approx. 21km (13.5 miles)
- Height difference: Approx. 697m (2,290 ft)
- Course time: 7 to 10 hours round trip (including breaks)
The routes we introduce are trails for healthy intermediate and advanced players, but the length and level can be adjusted by adjusting the distance of the hike.
Good things to carry on hiking
As with all your belongings, just like before, prepare the same equipment as a typical American hike.
- Drinks (3 liters or more are recommended in the summer)
- Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature
- hat
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and more for eating while hiking
- If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
- Other things you would prefer to use as a normal hiking equipment (if you're going to swim, it's convenient to have a swimsuit or sandals)
Access to the trailhead (drive to the trailhead)
Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Put this in your GPS and you'll reach the trailhead.
For information: You will have to drive on a gravel road for the few kilometers before the trailhead, so we recommend 4WD. Of course it's fine even if it's not a 4WD vehicle, but the road conditions are not good and the roads may become narrower, so take your time.
There are several hiking routes that extend from the trailhead here, so the parking lot is filled quickly, especially during the summer. I was able to park when I arrived around 9am on a weekday at the end of June. There were also several cars parked on the streets around. There is a toilet.
Normally, I would recommend a route that goes counterclockwise from the trailhead, but this time I will write about a clockwise route. (You can use either route)
As soon as you return to the entrance to the parking lot, the bridge will appear. Lily Lake is on his right.
Cross the bridge and go a little further, and the trail starts on the right. There are markers on the way to the Tamarak Trail. Today we will enter from the Tamarack Trail and head towards Zuha Tamarack Lake (Map 2).
(The first few kilometers of this clockwise route are unmaintained trails, with poor footing and narrow trails, so we recommend downloading the route in advance using GPS or other means.)
As you continue to climb, the stone trail gradually begins and the steep slope continues. . This area requires physical strength, but looking back, you can see the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe and the Folenreef Lake just before it.
We take a break and continue further. It was a beautiful time for alpine plants.
If you continue further, you will see a landmark for the Tamarack Lake branch. Heading towards Tamarack Lake.
First, let's stop by Tamarack Lake (Map 2) among the many lakes.
As we headed towards Tamarack Lake, we came across a beautiful, clear lake at the end.
And there are very few people there, and it is almost private.
I took a dip, thinking there was no reason not to swim in front of such a beautiful lake.
It is a truly precious space that can blend into the great outdoors. Perfect activity on hot summer days. It's especially perfect for a break during hiking. I would definitely recommend those who love swimming. When swimming, it is helpful to bring sandals, water activity shoes, and a small towel that doesn't make you feel like a piece of luggage.
After a dip, take a break, head back down the trail. Return to the fork you entered and continue towards Lake Aloha, which is the direction you are heading.
There will also be a fork along the way, but today's halfway point and the highlight is Lake Aloha. Whenever you see a marker, always head towards Rei Kualoha.
There are many large and small lakes everywhere, so I was able to discuss where it would depend on my physical strength and time for the day, but I wanted to see and swim in the range of possible areas, so I decided to stop by Lake Lucille (Map 3) just before Lake Aloha.
It is located deep to the right of the trail travel direction, so be careful not to overlook the entrance and head right at the fork (enter Margery Trail). I continued down the trail and found myself in sight.
Lake Lucille (Map 3)
There's no one here either. It's a space just for ourselves and nature. You will rest in a quiet space surrounded by nature and in a beautiful, crystal clear water.
Of course I swam here too.
After enjoying the quiet time, you will return to the main trail that took you to the original Lake Aloha. On the way back you can also see a slightly smaller Lake Margery along the Margery Trail.
This one is also the best.
There's no one there.
I would have liked to swim if I wasn't in a hurry, but I haven't reached the halfway point yet so I'll move on.
Return to the main trail and continue a little further, you will finally be able to see Lake Aloha on your left.
Compared to the other lakes on the trail, the lake is by far larger and sparkling, emerald green, and is truly beautiful.
There are many rest areas on the lakeside, so you can find your favorite spot and have lunch time to take a break.
Many people were swimming and enjoying the sun in the lake. We also saw the people camping with tents on the lakeside.
Perfect place on hot days. It's an oasis that appears in the mountains.
In August, the melting of the snow will decrease and the water will decrease, so depending on the year, I think May to July is the best season with a large amount of water.
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it is a place that you can't reach unless you walk on your own, so it's not an easy sight to see. That's also good. Even though there are many people, the lake itself is large, so you can easily find a quiet place or a place to rest.
This location has a very unpleasant atmosphere in Japan. I'll take a leisurely break here and move on once I've recovered. It's still a halfway point, so I'll have to continue walking steadily after this.
Walk along Lake Aloha to the left, then enter and continue down the route and you will see another lake, Heather Lake (Map 4), on your right. The view from here is also amazing.
The mountains surround the lake, and the surface of the lake reflects glitteringly in the sunlight, making it very beautiful.
No matter which lake is beautiful. The words always come out. It's really luxurious to be able to see such a lake on a single hike.
If you go further down, you will see Susie Lake (Map 5) in the back to the left.
This is what happens when you follow the trail and approach the lake. This is also a big lake.
I also felt like I wanted to swim here, but due to time constraints, I decided to move on.
It's a very quiet space with only birds and wind. Some people camped on the lakeside, but it would be great if they could camp in a place like this.
I leave Susie Lake (Map 5) imagining that the starry sky is probably beautiful.
This Susie Lake will be the last of today's trail and all that will take you all to the trailhead.
With so many beautiful places to spend time on hiking, this trail requires time, so in the summer months of June to August, the sun is long the day, so you can spend your time hiking from morning to night.
It's great to start hiking early in the morning and spend all your time on the lake or other places. I swam in two lakes and took several breaks, which took me a total of nine hours. Let's have plenty of time.
I returned to the trailhead safely.
It's not a short day trip, but it's a wonderful trail with spectacular views and beautiful lakes that you won't see unless you walk around. Why not go on a hike with us one day? There are also many other paradises that are difficult to get to on a regular tour, and that are difficult to get to unless you are local.
Notes regarding the spread of COVID-19
As of February 2022, various countries are likely to experience a variety of situations, including entry restrictions due to the strengthening of quarantine systems, restrictions on admission to national parks, and restrictions on travel within the country. These conditions may change without notice, so when traveling, be sure to obtain local information such as embassies and consulates of each country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' overseas safety website (infectious disease risk information) and national park websites, and check the information about the transfer location, the countries where you plan to travel, and the area around the destinations you plan to visit before making any effort to plan and take reasonable steps.
Kato Sayaka
Leave your California hiking and travel plans to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.
