Best Hikes for Fall Color in Lake Tahoe

Spots of wonderous yellow and red splash the landscape around Lake Tahoe in October. Groves of quaking aspens, willows, cottonwoods, and meadow grasses provide Sierra color. Here are some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe to take in the autumn show.

Family friendly for all ages, and easy to access the Taylor Creek Visitor Center’s Rainbow Trail on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is popular in the fall with humans and local black bears who come for the Kokanee salmon run in Taylor Creek.

Fallen Leaf Lake is graced with large aspen groves that provide a magical fall wonderland. On the north end of the lake near Fallen Leaf Lake Campground the Moraine Trail is a 2.1 mile out and back trail with views of Mount Tallac.

Spooner Lake to Marlette Lake, located at the intersection of U.S. State Route 28 and U.S. 50. Spooner Lake has over 50 miles of hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails. Take the moderate 5-mile-hike to Marlette Lake for a fall aspen show.

Hope Valley is known throughout California for its fall display. Located in the least populated county in California, Alpine, but a short drive from South Lake Tahoe, the valley is popular with photographers and hikers. Multiple trails crisscross the valley. For a challenging day try the Hope Valley to Big Meadow route. A point-to-point or out and back option, the trail offers elevation gains and amazing views.