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.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
(5)
88
hikers
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…
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…

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4.5
(2)
21
hikers
28.9km
08:35
900m
850m
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…
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…
8
hikers
6.08km
01:51
270m
120m
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…
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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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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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