Can you die without walking? Travel to American National Parks (12) Enjoy spectacular views of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains Lake Tahoe Mount Tarack Day Hiking
Written by Sayaka Kato
Lake Tahoe is a locally popular resort located about four hours from San Francisco and two hours from the state capital, Sacramento. Lake Tahoe, which spans California and Nevada, is very large and can be broadly divided into "South" and "North".
Two-thirds of the lake (shoreline) belong to California, but the Nevada side is legal to gamble, so there are many hotels and casinos on the Nevada side, and casino lovers deliberately prefer to stay in the Nevada side.
The beautiful, clear lake is a very popular resort all year round, surrounded by nature, where there are plenty of water activities, hiking, mountain biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Once you've entered the trail, you'll be able to see a real natural environment. There are many spots along the lake that look like beaches, and many people visit in the summer instead of the sea.
table of contents
Introducing recommended hiking trails in Lake Tahoe Mount Tarack
Lake Tahoe basics
Lake Tahoe is 35km long, 19km wide, and 49,624 hectares (Lake Tahoe 500km2; Lake Biwa, the largest area in Japan, is approximately 670km2). The coastline is 116km long. There are many backpackers who go around Lake Tahoe. It is 501m deepest, the deepest lake in North America and the 10th deepest lake in the world. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful lake known for its high transparency.
This time we will introduce the MT. Tallac hiking trail in the South Lake Tahoe area on the California side. This trail has a significant distance and altitude difference when you reach the summit, and is a trail for intermediate to advanced players, but there are many lakes and scenic spots along the way, so if you're not very confident in walking, you can go to the view spot along the way and turn back to adjust the length and level.
By the time you arrive at the summit, you will be able to enjoy views of three beautiful lakes besides Lake Tahoe. The second half is a truly spectacular trail with a view of the majestic mountains of Sierra Nevada.
MT. Tallac Trail Data
- Distance: 10.2 miles round trip (16.32km)
- Trailhead elevation: 6,450 feet (1,966m)
- MT. Tallac Elevation: 9,738 ft (2,968 m)
- Elevation difference: 3,290 feet (approx. 1002m)
- Course time: 5 to 7 hours round trip (including summit break)
How to get to Lake Tahoe Mt. Tarack Trailhead
Address: Mt. Tarack Trailhead, 96150 California, South Lake Tahoe. Parking available.
Transportation: Approximately 4 hours from San Francisco by car, and about 2 hours from the state capital, Sacramento.
Note: Since this is not a national park, there is no admission fee, but this trail requires a free self-permit, so when entering the mountain you will need to write your name and contact information in a notebook set up at the trailhead. However, there are times when it is not necessary depending on the season, so check the message boards installed at the trailhead. (If you are staying in a tent while on the trail, there is a fee. You will need to obtain permission in advance.
Good things to carry on hiking
- Drinks (More in the summer, about 3-4 liters)
- Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature, especially on the summit, it can be cold on cold days when there is wind. Be sure to prepare fleece or something similar.
- Trekking shoes
- Hats The second half is almost no shade so you will need a hat.
- sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks and more for eating while hiking
- If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
- Rain gear (It will not rain mostly in California from April to October, but in the unlikely event, it will be windproof and cold weather again)
- Other normal hiking equipment
Lake Tahoe Mt. Tarack Hiking Guide
Trailhead
There is a parking lot, but some people use the popular hiking trail Plut Camper, so cars are already parked all the time, and since it is not a very large parking space, we recommend that you go early before the car fills up. In my case, more than half had been filled up by the time it was before 8am. There is no toilet, so be sure to complete it in advance. There is no place to collect water, so bring plenty of water, especially in the summer (I think it's best to have at least 3 liters).
Self-permit is a necessary trail, but it was unnecessary in June when I went.
Finally the hike is set off!
The first half is accompanied by gentle slopes and flat trails, making it very easy to walk. After about 20 minutes of walking, you will see a Fallen leaf lake on your left. It's still in the morning, so it's quiet and sacred, and it's truly beautiful. You can also see Lake Tahoe at the back of Fallen Leaf Lake, so two beautiful lakes will welcome you first.
Then, as you continue further, on your right you can see today's destination, MT. Tallac, elevation: 9,738 ft (2,968 m), in a far distance. lol
I decided to go that far, and I felt a bit more spirited.
In the first half, we often walked through the trees, and there was shade, the temperature was not too hot or too cold, so it was just right.
There are few slopes and it goes smoothly.
On your right you will see the stream of Tallac Creek. The water sigh feels great again. .
Continue further, about 45 minutes after the trailhead, you will see another lake, FlootingIsland Lake, on your right. It's a morning, so thanks to the lack of wind, it's truly Mirror Lake!
The surrounding scenery is reflected on the surface of the lake, making it truly mysterious. There were also parents and children of the mallard duck at the time. A moment of soothing to the heartwarming sight. There is no one there, so you can enjoy yourself and the great outdoors.
The vibrant snow plants that reproduce in beautiful air also show off their faces.
After 30 minutes you will see another different lake, Cathedral Lake. It was about 1 hour and 20 minutes after the trailhead.
We took a break here and headed out again. If you would like a short hiking trail, it would be a good idea to turn back at this point.
Well, after passing this lake, a full-scale slope begins.
The trail is becoming more rocky and rocky, but the spectacular view continues from here, so let's do our best.
A zigzag road has begun, and snow remains in places. (Photo at the end of June)
Once you climb a rocky zigzag path and reach a flat spot, there will be many places where the trails are difficult to find, so if possible, it will be quite smooth to download the GPS first.
If you don't have GPS, proceed carefully, and if you feel like you're confused, go back to a place with a solid trail and take a closer look at the surrounding area.
Before you know it, you can see the beautiful mountains of Sierra Nevada, where your eyes have become the same. There is a lot of snow left on the summit.
The slope continues until the end, but we continue further and we finally arrive at the summit of Mt. Tallac within about 3.5 hours from the trailhead.
The slope is particularly strong and the altitude is high, so you can feel a strain on your body, but you can take a leisurely rest and go there.
You can see the spectacular view that connects the blue of the sky and the blue of the lake. On the other side is the Sierra Nevada mountains and lakes.
This beautiful and stunning view is not a rare sight, so after climbing, you will feel satisfied and soothed by the stunning views of the great nature.
The peak is high and there is a wind that will make your body cool, so you should never forget to bring some fleece or other cold weather clothing. Don't forget, even if you want to relax, don't forget.
There are also squirrels who picked up a treat. There is no photo, but I also encountered a marmot on the summit.
After a relaxing trip, go back the same path.
We returned to the trailhead in about two and a half hours. A hiking route for intermediate to advanced players. It's not an easy course, but it's a trail worth climbing with a spectacular view.
Notes regarding the spread of COVID-19
As of September 2020, 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.
