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Routes
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United States
California
El Dorado County

Meyers

The best walks and hikes around Meyers

4.9

(93)

1,452

hikers

82

hikes

Hiking around Meyers offers access to the Sierra Nevada mountains, characterized by high-elevation terrain, dense forests, and granite peaks. The region serves as a gateway to the Desolation Wilderness, Eldorado National Forest, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Hikers can explore a network of trails leading to clear alpine lakes such as Echo Lakes and Angora Lakes. The area provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities, including sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.

Best hiking trails…

Last updated: May 12, 2026

5.0

(5)

88

hikers

#1.

Pacific Crest Trail: Echo Lake to Lake of the Woods

17.0km

05:11

490m

460m

Embark on a challenging hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from Echo Lake to Lake of the Woods, a difficult route covering 10.6 miles (17.0 km). You will gain 1597…

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Hard

5.0

(3)

54

hikers

12.8km

04:01

460m

190m

Embark on the Lake Aloha Trail, a moderate hike that takes you through the stunning Desolation Wilderness. This 8.0-mile (12.8 km) route features diverse terrain, transitioning from lush forests to…

Moderate
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4.5

(2)

21

hikers

Embark on a challenging 18.0-mile (28.9 km) hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail, climbing 2948 feet (899 metres) from Big Meadow to Echo Lake. This difficult route typically takes around…

Hard

15

hikers

4.22km

01:08

50m

60m

The Echo Lakes Trail offers an easy hiking experience, covering 2.6 miles (4.2 km) with a gentle 179 feet (55 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this…

Easy

8

hikers

Embark on an easy hike from Big Meadow, traversing varied terrain that begins with a pleasant walk before you cross Highway 89. The route then gently climbs through a rocky…

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Alex
October 14, 2025, Echo Summit

Sitting at 7,377 feet above sea level, Echo Summit is a California State Historic Landmark, marking the high-altitude training site of the 1968 Olympics. There is a large parking area available, along with a trailhead for both the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Jamie Kinchsular
September 8, 2025, Big Meadow

Recommend full suspension for Xmas Valley. Four alternate routes. Very engaging, fun, physical, at times technical ride. A stop at Scott's Lake is beautiful, Dardanelles Lake stunning.

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A little hike a bike but stunning lunch stop

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The Tahoe Rim Trail that is also the iconic Pacific Crest Trail in this section, the view of Lower Echo Lake is just breathtaking and a provides picture postcard scenery. Take your time, stop here and there and embrace this alpine paradise.

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Hop on or off the PCT to view several alpine lakes. Along the route you will find Lake Aloha, Lake of The Woods, and American Lake among many others. If you're heading back to Fallen Leaf, take a right at this point.

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This is the highest point near the Echo Lake trailhead, offering great views. You'll need to hike west along the shore of Lower Echo Lake, then start climbing into the hills, in order to get a better vista.

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Lisa
August 26, 2023, Lake Aloha

The stark relief of Lake Aloha's rocky shore, offset by the occasional evergreen tree, is objectively beautiful. It's also shallow enough to be a (relatively) warm swimming spot in good weather.

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Big Meadow Trailhead is a good spot to access Mr Toad's Wild Ride. It's pretty common to tackle this trail by shuttling with a friend, but you can turn it into a loop if you have the time and energy for a long day in the saddle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Meyers area?

Yes, there are several options suitable for families. A great choice is the Angora Lakes — Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit trail, which is a short 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk to two beautiful alpine lakes. It's a popular and rewarding outing for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on the trails around Meyers?

Many trails in the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin are dog-friendly, but regulations can vary. Dogs are generally required to be on a leash. However, within the Desolation Wilderness, specific rules apply and may be stricter. Always check the regulations for the specific trail you plan to hike and ensure your dog is under control.

What's a good moderate hike with lake views?

For a rewarding hike with excellent scenery, consider the Big Meadow and Round Lake from Luther Pass Road trail. This 6.2-mile (10 km) route takes you through a beautiful meadow to the secluded Round Lake, offering a classic Sierra Nevada hiking experience.

I'm looking for a challenging day hike. What do you recommend?

For a strenuous but spectacular hike, the Echo Lakes, Lake of the Woods and Lake Aloha loop is an excellent choice. This 12.6-mile (20.2 km) loop in the Desolation Wilderness features significant elevation gain and rewards you with views of multiple stunning alpine lakes.

Do I need a permit to hike near Meyers?

Permits are required for both day hiking and overnight trips into the Desolation Wilderness, which is accessible from Meyers. For trails outside the wilderness area, such as those in the Eldorado National Forest or Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, permits are not typically required for day use. Always verify current requirements before you go.

Are there any hikes that are part of the Tahoe Rim Trail or Pacific Crest Trail?

Yes, you can easily access a section of these famous long-distance trails from near Meyers. The Tahoe Rim Trail – Pacific Crest Trail route offers a 5.8-mile (9.3 km) journey along a shared segment, providing expansive views characteristic of both iconic paths.

What is the best time of year to hike around Meyers?

The prime hiking season is from late spring to early fall, typically June through October, when the trails are mostly free of snow. Summer offers warm weather perfect for enjoying the alpine lakes. Fall brings fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors. Winter hiking is also possible on lower-elevation trails with snowshoes or cross-country skis.

How many hiking trails are available around Meyers?

There are over 60 curated hiking routes around Meyers accessible on komoot. The trail network covers a wide range of difficulties, from short lakeside walks to challenging ascents in the high Sierra, ensuring there's a trail for every type of hiker.

What do other hikers think of the trails in Meyers?

The hiking routes around Meyers are very highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning alpine scenery, the crystal-clear lakes, and the variety of trails available through the granite landscapes of the Sierra Nevada.

Are there any easy trails with good views of Echo Lakes?

Absolutely. The Lower Echo Lake viewpoints trail is a relatively flat 3.1-mile (5 km) hike that follows the shoreline, offering fantastic views of the lake and surrounding granite peaks without a major climb.

What kind of terrain should I expect on hikes near Meyers?

The terrain is typical of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Expect well-defined but often rocky dirt paths, granite slabs, and trails that wind through dense pine and fir forests. Many routes involve significant elevation changes as you climb into and out of lake basins and over mountain passes.

Where can I find hikes with waterfalls near Meyers?

While the area is more famous for its alpine lakes, several trails feature waterfalls, especially during the spring and early summer snowmelt. Trails leading from Fallen Leaf Lake towards Mount Tallac or within the Desolation Wilderness often cross seasonal creeks with cascades. The Glen Alpine Falls trailhead, a short drive from Meyers, is a popular starting point for waterfall viewing.

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Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitDesolation WildernessEldorado National ForestFolsom Lake State Recreation AreaSouth Lake TahoeCameron ParkColomaEl Dorado HillsGeorgetownAuburn Lake TrailsDiamond SpringsCold Springs

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