Tahoe isn’t just a paradise for humans, the dogs are pretty happy too. And why not? For the most part, they don’t have to deal with nasty pests (the unmentionables – ticks, and fleas) and there are miles of trails to roam with their humans, pet-friendly dining options, and hotels that welcome them with open arms and treats.
Here is a round-up of some of the best places to hike your human in Lake Tahoe. We offer a range just in case your human is a little out of shape and not quite up to the altitude. Also, make sure they do their part and pack it in and out. As the Take Care Tahoe campaign says, “If it’s your dog, then it’s your doody.” It’s smart to bring water and snacks for both you and your dog. Even some hikes with water sources can dry up toward the end of summer.
Photos courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe.
South Shore
Fallen Leaf Lakey
Fallen Leaf Lake is a twofer with a hike and swim option included. Starting from Fallen Leaf Lake Campground there are trails on the east and west sides of the lake. Parking is available in pullout areas and along Fallen Leaf Lake Road. There is also a parking lot across Highway 89 at the Taylor Creek Visitors Center and further down the road at the Taylor Creek Sno-Park. In the fall, you can catch the salmon run up Taylor Creek, which empties out of Fallen Leaf Lake. This is also a favorite for Tahoe’s black bears so make sure your pup is on leash to prevent any unwanted encounters.
Insider Tip: This area is also home to several large Aspen groves which makes it a great place to see some Sierra fall color.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a way to get some serious dog energy out and take in expansive views of Lake Tahoe. The Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector offers a 1,351-foot elevation gain, over 6.4 miles on its out-and-back route. For an extra bonus you also pass a waterfall. Springtime is when the waterfall is at its most spectacular flow.
Lam Watch Nature Trail to Nevada Beach
Lam Watch Nature Trail to Nevada Beach this is an easy trail with meadow views ending at one of the prettiest beaches on South Shore – Nevada Beach. This also connects with the area’s multi-use paved trail which currently extends to Round Hill Pines Beach. This is a popular spot for locals to walk their dogs so expect plenty of company.
West Shore
Barker Pass to Twin Peaks
Barker Pass to Twin Peaks, or less, you don’t have to go the full out and back, 11.2 miles to get some amazing views. The trek offers lake views to the east and south and views into Desolation Wilderness. July through August is usually a peak time to catch the wildflower bloom, this varies depending on the previous winter season. The trailhead is off Highway 89 on Blackwood Canyon Road.
Insider Tip: Blackwood Canyon Road is also a great option in winter for dog sledding, don’t forget to purchase a Sno-Park Permit.
Rubicon Peak Trail
Rubicon Peak Trail is a climb. At 3.5 miles out and back and a 2,152-foot elevation gain it’s a quad burner. It is a rocky climb so if your dog has sensitive paws you might want to bring booties.
Blackwood Creek Trail
Blackwood Creek Trail near Homewood is a mostly flat 3.1 mile loop with shade and access to water. This is a great trail for older dogs for whom a stroll in the woods is just the right speed. Also known as the Gnome Hike Trail, for the numerous Gnome statutes that have proliferated in the forest.
North Shore
For some unfettered fully enclosed dog time check out “Tahoe Unleashed” Dog Park in Tahoe Vista. It offers options for small and large dogs as well as one acre of play for dogs of all sizes called “The Outback.” The park closes in the winter when snow prevents access to the enclosure gates. Tahoe City also has an enclosed dog park located next to Conners Field.
Paige Meadows Loop
Paige Meadows Loop is a 5.2-mile trail near Tahoe City popular with the doggy crowd. Part of the Tahoe National Forest, the area is crisscrossed with trails and offers excellent wildflower viewing in the summer.
Incline Flume and Tyrolean Downhill Trail
Incline Flume and Tyrolean Downhill Trail out of Incline Village features several water crossings and shade which keeps the pups happy. Plus, plenty of trail markers to stay on track. The trailhead doesn’t have much parking but there is more across Highway 431 and uphill from the trailhead.
Burton Creek State Park, located outside of Tahoe City has six miles of unpaved roads to explore and dogs are allowed on all the fire roads. The Burton Creek State Park Road, Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop is a 3.9-mile route that winds through the forest before coming to a bench with expansive views of Lake Tahoe.
Dog Safety Tips
Tahoe is full of wildlife. Mountain lions, porcupines, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and even mule deer frequent the area. A dog with a face full of porcupine quills, and no, they don’t shoot their quills, that’s a myth, but they do release them on contact, or a tangle with a coyote or bear is never good. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a good resource for dos and don’ts. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, can occur unexpectedly depending on conditions and can be harmful to people and pets. California lists all HAB reports on mywaterquality.com.gov, Nevada on ndep.nv.gov and it’s always good advice to avoid waters that are discolored or have foam, scums, or mats that are green or blueish-green, brown or red.
