On July 10, 2025, I took a short trip to Lake Tahoe to hike a 10 mile trail along Mount Tallac. According to the AllTrails app, the full hike is roughly, 10.5 miles uphill to the summit that takes roughly 7 hours to complete. I opted to stop slightly passed the last lake, Floating Island Lake. No shame in saying the hike wiped me out before I could reach the top. Here is what to know and note from my experience in completing half of Mount Tallac Trail:

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Mount Tallac Trailhead*

Before starting the hike, make sure to fill out the permit slip located at the Trailhead Information Board. Day-hikers can issue themselves a free day-permit. Fill out your information and attach the top half of the permit to your hiking pack, and insert the bottom half into the wooden box attached to the Trailhead Information Board — Don’t lose it!

The beginning of the trail is a nice incline for the first couple of minutes, then a straight walk along rocks on the cliffside, surrounded by views and trees. You’ll have plenty of shade throughout this entire hike (except the cliffside!)

From the cliffside view, you can see the very bottom of Lake Tahoe and the entirety of Fallen Leaf Lake. You can find some fallen trees and rocks to sit and lookout on. Be careful near the edge!

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Mount Tallac Trailhead ft. Jonah McMinn*
*Lake Tahoe (Left) Fallen Leaf Lake (Center)*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Fallen Leaf Lake*

After a not-so-steady walk through the cliffside, you enter the deep forest. There are many rocks and steep man-made steps to climb, so bring your walking sticks or find a slim branch for extra help! There are small streams you’ll pass by and neon-moss covered trees. There are sites all throughout the forest to stop and admire. Make sure you’re watching your step along the way.

The only animals I ran into were Chipmunks, Butterflies, a Garter Snake, and Fish. We saw no signs of Bears or Mountain Lions. This is a heavily hiked trail, which I’m sure drives these animals away (Unfortunately).

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Floating Island Lake*

The first lake you’ll pass by is slightly off trail, but you will spot it clear as day when you approach it. Floating Island Lake. There are fallen trees to sit on with a clear view of the lake. Bring Bug Spray! These mosquitos are no joke. The water is clear — you can spot tiny fish swimming by.

After you head back on trail and walk half a mile up, you will enter Butterfly heaven! The first butterfly I spotted was the Western Tiger Swallowtail. They are massive, beautiful, yellow butterflies. Everywhere! There were multiple swarming a few areas near the first lake. If you want to spot one, find the flowers!

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Western Tiger Swallowtail*

Now you might not be able to tell, but there are close to fifty butterflies, dragonflies, and bees in this one photo (below.) At one point, you will ascend directly up the side of this hill and come to this very spot. Take a break and drink some water. Know your limits. This is the best spot to take a breather. You have a clear view and are inches away from a family of gorgeous insects flying around vibrant flowers — What a site!

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Ascending Mount Tallac*

After the Butterfly hill, I went off-trail to get a good look at the view. You can follow the trail passed the butterfly hill where you’ll hike in between a few boulders. You’ll come to an open area atop that hill with the forest to your right and the skyline to your left. Go left for the view! Leave the trail and head up toward the top of that hill. You’ll find a clear path to the edge of a cliff — Be careful! There is a smooth rock you can sit on and eat any snacks you packed. And remember your directions! Luckily, the original trail path is clearly marked, don’t be worried about losing it.

For snacks, we double layered our bags to mask the smell. Double ziploc if possible. And always pick up after yourself.

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Cliff’s Edge ft. Jonah McMinn*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Cliff’s Edge*

It’s time to head back into the forest! Find your way safely back to the trail and continue hiking. Not long after you will reach the second lake, Cathedral Lake. This is a very small, but breath-taking spot. Though the rocks in the distance look small, they are rather large and fun to climb. This is a prime spot for hikers to take their break before ascending the hardest part of this 10 mile journey. You have chipmunks, butterflies, dragonflies, and bees in unison on the shoreline. You have plenty of fallen trees and rocks to sit and hang out on here. I brought my mini folding chair that fits perfectly in my hiking backpack. I sat in shallow water and ate my snacks while the chipmunks begged for food (Do not feed the animals).

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Cathedral Lake*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | View of Cathedral Lake ft. Desiree De La Cruz*

Continuing on from the lake, it’s directly uphill! Be cautious of your step — You’ll be climbing steep rocks. The best part is, the view keeps getting better the higher you go! This is where we decided to go a little further and call it a day.

You’ll pass a ton of man-made steps to help you tread the mountain on the way up. It get’s strenuous, so remember to take breaks and drink water! You climb a ton of elevation in a short time at this point, so focus on your breathing on the way up. And take lots of pictures! Here are a few I took at the upcoming lookout points and other surroundings.

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Man-Made Stairs*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Top of the Mountain*

*RAW image taken by Jonah McMinn | July 10, 2025 | Mount Tallac Hillside*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | Mount Tallac Hillside*

*RAW image taken by Leiah Marie Miller | July 10, 2025 | California Tortoiseshell Butterfly*

We called it a day here after realizing the trail was switchback-ing the rest of the way up. It was hot and we were out of energy for the day. By the time we exited the trailhead, it had been 5 hours and over 6 miles hiked. I’d love to go back someday and finish the hike. It was a beautiful experience and definitely one of the harder hikes for me.

Mount Tallac Trailhead

Mirrors on the Wall

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