Hike Lake Tahoe in spring

Tahoe locals call it the spring shoulder season; the snowpack around lake level virtually disappears, the slopes close one by one, and the flood of tourism dwindles to an inconsistent trickle.

It’s also the season when the lake takes on a surreal look as the sunshine combines with the snow-covered mountains to reveal a postcard-perfect, crisp, clear mountain panorama. Sunsets are especially showy as the shimmering, glassy water reflects the western sky with a fire-like glow… And, lodging prices tumble like loose granite down a steep embankment!

Yes, the spring shoulder season in Lake Tahoe is a gem that for the most part remains a secret. With sunny days hovering in the 70’s (though temperatures can be unpredictable), and most of the lower elevation hiking trails in pristine condition hikers can enjoy many of the more popular trails, i.e., crowded in the summer, virtually all to themselves.

Here are a couple of my favorite trails that you’ll find far-less-traveled, and probably far more enjoyable during shoulder season than during the peak summer months.

Rubicon Trail (not to be confused with the off-road vehicle trail by the same name)

This trail is a must-do for those who want to get an eye-full of the scenic beauty of the lake. The trail has easy-to-moderate up’s and downs, meandering along an undeveloped portion of Lake Tahoe's shoreline south for about 3 miles from Rubicon Point, around Emerald Point to Emerald Bay’s Vikingsholm Castle.

Mt. Tallac Trail

 Spectacular panoramic views make the strenuous hike to the summit is well worth the effort for the seasoned hiker. However novices shouldn’t despair, the first part of the trail to Floating Island (1.7 miles) and Cathedral Lake (2.5 miles) is moderate and can be enjoyed by a beginner-to-intermediate hiker in reasonable physical condition. Beyond this point the trail goes vertical and gets strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac (5 miles). A wilderness permit is required and can be obtained free from the US Forest Service Office.

Prey Meadows/Skunk Harbor

You can even bring the kids along for this one. This is a fairly easy stroll through a mixed conifer forest with filtered views of Lake Tahoe along the way. When you reach the fork in the trail, you can turn left and go to Prey Meadows which is blanketed with many varieties of wildflowers in the spring; or go right which leads you to Skunk Harbor, which despite its occasionally malodorous namesake is a pleasantly pine-scented, picturesque cove featuring clean, golden sand, turquoise water and unique granite formations.

This is a small sample of the many hiking trails easily accessible in Lake Tahoe during the shoulder season. Remember, particularly in the spring, weather conditions can change rapidly in the Tahoe Basin so call the forest service office ahead of time, and plan accordingly with the appropriate clothing and ample amounts of water.

Hiking in Lake Tahoe is fantastic year-round… but enjoy the solitude and unique sights of spring while you can!