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Looking for the best backpacking in South Lake Tahoe? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around South Lake Tahoe. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top backpacking spots in and near South Lake Tahoe
Cold Creek and Monument Pass Trail to Monument Pass
Monument Pass, Freel Peak, and Mr. Toads Wild Ride via Tahoe Rim Trail
Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
Get ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the v...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to the Velma Lakes in Desolation Wilderness
4.5 mi / 880 ft gain
The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Dicks Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Lake Aloha from Cascade Lake
22.36 mi / 5207 ft gain
Dicks Lake, Gilmore Lake, and Lake Aloha from Cascade Lake is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Tahoma, California.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes
10.16 mi / 2316 ft gain
Bayview Trail to Velma Lakes is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, and Eagle Lake Loop
11.65 mi / 2756 ft gain
Granite Lake, Dick's Lake, Velma Lake, and Eagle Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness
8.66 mi / 1919 ft gain
The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...
Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness
7.96 mi / 1496 ft gain
Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...
Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness
11 mi / 1600 ft gain
This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...
South Lake Tahoe, California
12.11 mi / 2064 ft gain
Glen Alpine Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near South Lake Tahoe, California.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Fontanillis & Dicks Lake
10.4 mi / 1921 ft gain
Bring bear cans for bears, and be aware that rattlesnakes and mosquitos are also common on the trail. Fontanillis and Dicks Lakes provide secluded campsites and great fishing. Campsites are on the north shore of Dicks Lake and at either end of Fontanillis Lake. Make sure you have proper permits i...
South Lake Tahoe, California
Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead
9.18 mi / 2251 ft gain
Hiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...
Hike or Backpack to Clyde Lake
14.8 mi / 2847 ft gain
The Clyde Lake Trail is perfect for fly fishing, wildflower spotting, and enjoying changing forest scenery. If you hike this trail early in the season, there is an ice cave just before you reach Lake Heather. This trail also connects to Rockbound Pass and Emerald Bay.