Fall Hiking in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for an exceptionally mild and gorgeous autumn. The Beautiful Aspens change to their bright yellow and the Maple’s to their bright red, creating an intense, fiery canvas surrounding our blue lake. Pair this with the 65 degree weather and you’ll have a perfect fall. This is a great time to put on those hiking shoes and head to the hills. We often have many special deals on rentals during the fall and it can be an excellent time to purchase the perfect mountain property.  You can search available listings and rentals in the links below.

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Here are a few hikes for every level that we love.

Beginner:

We were just up at the Crystal Bay Fire Lookout with a group of friends. If you haven’t been there yet you need to do yourself the favor and make it soon. It is about a  ½ mile walk on a paved road (uphill). Many of the group were not locals and therefore not used to the elevation but still everyone made it, including my 79 year old mother.There is a trail around the top with historical facts and others signs that tell you what you are looking at. Plan on spending an hour on top just to relax and fully take it in. There are toilets ( no water ) at the top. My first time up we brought along our dogs and met several other dog lovers along the way. We spent our time with a picnic dinner and bottle of wine. Plan on making this part of your Tahoe experience soon.How do you get there? Follow Tahoe Blvd. (HWY 28) west from Incline Village towards Kings Beach. Once you reach Crystal Bay, turn right (north) onto Reservoir Drive. A quarter-mile later (at the fire station and water tower), turn right onto Lakeview and continue about a mile (stay left at each fork) to the gate/trailhead for the overlook. When you see a narrow fork do take that. It will bend back around and take you to the gate. If you avoid turning onto Tuscarora you should be able to find the Forest Service road ok.

Intermediate:

We love Tunnel Creek! Within just a few minutes of hiking you will be met by an incredible view. We must admit, this hike can be a bit strenuous but you don’t have to reach a summit to enjoy the lake view. How do you get there? Just east of Incline Village at the intersection of Highway 28 and Ponderosa Ranch Road, just beyond — you guessed it — the now-dark Ponderosa Ranch. Park on Hwy 28 on the lake side, cross the street to tunnel creek road. At the end of the street you will see a fire road, follow that. Please note: Though this is a popular hiking area, it is private property.

The meadows at Mt. Rose are also a great place to hike.  The trails here range from flat to steep and are absolutely beautiful right now.

Advanced:

Mount Rose Summit is the way to go if you’d like to spend the day on the mountain. This advanced hike is a roughly 5-mile, 2,000 feet hike from the trailhead, through some wonderful scenery, including a gorgeous waterfall. At 10,776', this is not a hike for the faint of heart. Be sure to take plenty of water and the appropriate clothing as the climate can change quickly in the mountains. How do you get there? From Tahoe Blvd, east Incline Village, Follow Mt. Rose Hwy (SR431) past the meadows to the very top of the mountain. The parking lot will be on your left. Park here and you will see the train head as well as bathrooms and maps w history.

Have fun and be safe!!