Life is a mountain.: Mt. Tallac

Mt. Tallac (9,739’), CA

9/7/2010

Mt. Tallac trail - 10 miles RT

Elevation gain – 3,245’

*Click to view large.

Grand vista at Mt.Tallac summit - 9,739'

Among the high peaks in Tahoe basin, Mt. Tallac may be considered as one of the most popular hikes. Mt. Tallac towers over Lake Tahoe and is located in Desolation Wilderness, which is a pristine wilderness of alpine lakes and mountains, and also known for the most used wilderness hike per acre in the nation. Mt. Tallac became my third peak to summit in Tahoe basin following Mt. Rose and Freel Peak. The hike to summit gains 900' for the first 1.5 miles and ascends 2,600’ for the last 3 miles with a scramble on talus rocks about 1/4 miles to the summit. The trail is well maintained although it's claimed as the most heavily used trail in the country. I happened to come across a group of volunteers from Conservation Corps working on the trail…they were re-routing some of the heavily used trail sections for maintenance. Mt. Tallac offers dramatic vistas all along – Fallen Leaf Lake, Cathedral Lake, Emerald Bay, Gilmore Lake, Susie Lake, Aloha Lake, Crystal Range and jaw-dropping view of Lake Tahoe from the summit. So, take time to enjoy the majestic wilderness and world-class views that Mt. Tallac offer as you trek.

How to get there:

Take HWY 89 from S. Lake Tahoe for Emerald Bay and make a left turn about 3/4 mile past the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center. Head east on this paved road, and follow the signs to "Mt. Tallac Trailhead". Wilderness permit is required for day-hike or overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness.

Trail begins easy and gradual about 1.5 miles and well-maintained. Vegetation along the trail is wild sage bush, Lodgepole, Whitebark pines and Red fir which are typically seen in high Sierras.

Mt. Tallac – 9,735’ comes into view above tree line. A “cross” in crevices on the face of the mountain below the summit can be seen in winter when it has snow.

Look back to east as you ascend and views open up…Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.

Conservation Corps crew working on trail maintenance. Mt. Tallac is one of the most heavily used trails in Desolation Wilderness and in the country.

Floating Island Lake and wildflower meadows.

Cathedral Lake and Cathedral Peak. Trail begins to get steep and rocky.

View of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Leak from the spur ridge. Monument Peak, Jobs Sister and Freel Peak are seen in background. Lots of talus rocks are seen as elevation gains.

View west is Crystal Range and Desolation Wilderness.

View south toward Crystal Range. Trail intersects down south with Gilmore Lake in Desolation. The sign points to Mt. Tallac.

Final scramble to the summit at 9,739'.

Spectacular view from the summit....feel the size of Lake Tahoe - HUGE! View north is Mt. Rose (10,776') on the other side of the lake. Emerald Bay is also seen down below to the left.