Top Trails: Lake Tahoe
59 Must-Do Hikes for Everyone
Discover classic destinations and lesser-known jewels of the Lake Tahoe area through 59 incomparable hikes.
Lake Tahoe, the jewel of the Sierra Nevada, holds magic for anyone wishing to explore its surroundings: the splendid backcountry on the north side; the sedate western side; the picturesque and popular areas on the south side, including Desolation Wilderness and D. L. Bliss and Emerald Bay state parks; and the relatively undeveloped eastern side.
Follow award-winning author Mike White across some of the most awe-inspiring terrain on Earth. Top Trails: Lake Tahoe describes 59 can’t-miss routes for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists. From an easy 2-mile amble along lakeshore cliffs to an overnight trek on the crest of the Carson Range, you’ll experience the best of this beautiful region in eastern California and western Nevada. Explore the famed Rubicon Trail, Donner Pass, highlights of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, and more.
Inside you’ll find:
- 59 favorite routes for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists
- Detailed maps and elevation profiles
- Trailhead directions and “don’t get lost” milestones
- Key at-a-glance information, including trail length, difficulty, features, and facilities
- Expert trail commentary
Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll to entertain the kids or a challenging full-day adventure, there’s a path for you near Lake Tahoe. For readers ready to hit the trail, this is the guide to have, and for armchair travelers, it’s 59 journeys into wonder.
Mike White was raised in the southeast suburbs of Portland, Oregon, in the shadow of Mount Hood (whenever the Pacific Northwest skies cleared enough to allow such things as shadows). As a teenager, Mike began hiking, backpacking, and climbing in the Cascades of Oregon and Washington and then honed his outdoor skills while attending Seattle Pacific University. After acquiring a BA in political science, Mike and his wife, Robin, relocated to Reno, Nevada, where he discovered the joys of exploring the Sierra Nevada.
After leaving his last “real” job, Mike began a full-time writing career. He is the author or coauthor of 24 outdoor guidebooks, including Top Trails: Northern California’s Redwood Coast and Top Trails: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Along with many other books for Wilderness Press, he has written seven guides for University of Nevada Press and one for University Press of Colorado. He has also written articles for Sunset, Backpacker, and the Reno Gazette-Journal. A former community college instructor, Mike still resides in Reno with his wife, Robin. Their two sons, David and Stephen, also live in the area.