Fallen Leaf Lake
Cappie’s Scoop: This is a fun snow hike! Since this is a closed road covered in snow, it’s like a huge hiking trail! Mom can snowshoe and I can zoom around in the snow. We didn’t see many hoomans at all. I think most of them were sledding where we parked. Mom thinks we should bring a sled next time. Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!
Tips: This is a snowshoe we did in the winter when Fallen Leaf Road was closed. We snowshoed up the road a bit, through Fallen Leaf Campground and up to the lake for some amazing views! If you want to come back in the summer, you can standup paddleboard on this lake too!
Directions: From South Lake Tahoe, head south on US-50 for only a few miles and then turn right onto CA-89 N/Emerald Bay Rd. In 3.1 miles, turn left onto Fallen Leaf Rd and find a parking spot somewhere on the side of the road or in the few parking spots available. Keep in mind this is a popular spot to sled so go early to avoid crowds and a crowded parking lot.
| Mileage (round trip) | 2+ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Gain (in feet) | Negligible |
| Trailhead | 38.933057, -120.049637 |
| Hike Time (in hours) | 2-3 |
| Exposure | Sunny and Shady |
| Scenery | Mountain Views, Lake Views, Wildlife |
| Facilities | None at the trailhead. Vault toilets at the campground. Bring your own toilet paper. |
| Fees/Permits | None to park and none to camp. If you intend to build a fire in the provided fire rings at the campground, you will need a free CA campfire permit. You can obtain one by watching this short video online, https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit. |
| More Info | https://visitlaketahoe.com/hike/get-outside-and-get-moving-to-truly-appreciate-fallen-leaf-lake |
| Last Hiked | 2/21/2022 |
