Mt. Tallac
LET’S GO!
Up to date itinerary & things you should know.
October 2 - 5, 2026
In two weeks we’ll be headed back to the granite playground of South Lake Tahoe, where towering peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and endless Sierra views are calling our names. Mt. Tallac is our target but we’ve done the traditional route. This year we’re taking a new angle, a new trail, something that most people won’t do. This year we’ll conquer the summit via the Glen Alpine Trail, a quieter, less travelled route to Mt.Tallac. It packs a punch but every step brings you closer to views that make it all worthwhile. So grab your hiking boots, fill that water bottle, and embrace the challenge… because the mountains aren't asking if you're ready—they're asking if you're coming. And the answer is… LET'S GO!
But first, read this! Here’s what you’ll need to know about lodging, communications, important info about the trail and the daily to plan to help you plan, pack and prepare for this years RADventure!
Trip Itinerary & Overview
Lodging - Gondola Vista was a hit last year so why change a good thing? We’re staying at Gondola Vista once again. See below for more on our lodging situation, address, check-in time, etc.
Communication - We will communicate using the “Mt Tallac ‘26” group text we’ve been using for the training hikes, etc. Cell service is good throughout South Lake Tahoe and from the summit of Mt. Tallac
Food/Meals - Everyone likes to eat and what we did last year worked well. We have a couple shared “Group-meals” planned and “BYO-meals”. Similar to last year, I’ll keep track of the shared meal costs for the trip, split between everyone and ask for reimbursement after the trip.
The shared “Group-meals” are Friday night after the sunset hike. Base Camp Pizza and salads are on the menu. We will also have groceries for Sunday FUNday Mimosa breakfast at the condo and a few other staples (house snacks, etc).
The “BYO-meals” or “On Your Own-meals” are Saturday - morning pre-hike breakfast, Mt. Tallac hike lunch/snacks and post-hike lunch/dinner. Also, Sunday FUNday lunch at the beach and Monday morning departure day.
“BYO-Drinks” - We all have various tastes when it comes to drinks/beer/cocktails. If you’d like to bring drinks, please do. There will be coolers to put them in to help save space in the refrigerator.
Weather- Our trip is a little too far out for a 10-day forecast. South Lake Tahoe temps look to be in the high 60’s to low 70’s and low temps of high 30’s to low 40’s for the next 10 days with no rain in the forecast, but that can change quickly. I’ll keep you posted on the forecast.
The Daily Plan-
Friday October 2 - Arrival & Sunset Hike - We are scheduled to arrive in South Lake Tahoe on Friday afternoon. Check-in at our Gondola Vista condo (click for directions) is 4PM. We’ll get settled and leave the condo at about 6pm for a short sunset hike. Keep your fingers crossed for an epic Tahoe sunset.
Dinner - A group dinner is planned at the condo after the sunset hike. Pizza and salad from Base Camp Pizza are on the menu. We’ll eat, hang out and prep for Saturdays hike.
Saturday October 3 - Mt. Tallac Hike - We’ll plan to leave the condo at 6:00am to get to the trailhead by about 6:40 am. We’ll get parked and hit the trail. Our trail begins at the Glen Alpine Trail, a beautiful, familiar location you’ve been on a few of our hikes in SLT. The trail is about 9.5 miles with about 3,100’ of total elevation gain. I anticipate the hike to take about 7-ish hours. See below for more info about the trail.
I’m sure everyone will be ready to eat and celebrate with a few “soda’s”. We’ll head to one of our favorites, Lake Tahoe AleWorx at the ‘Y’ for food and drinks. Click here for directions.
Sunday October 4 - Sunday FUNday - You can’t go to Lake Tahoe without enjoying the lake and surrounding beaches. But first you can’t start a Sunday FUNday without Mimosa Brunch! After brunch we’ll pack our beach chairs, sun shades, coolers and paddle boards, we’re headed to the lake. Luckily Tahoe has many beach options to choose from. I haven’t narrowed it down, but there will be a beach, sunshine🤞🏼, cold drinks and a place to SUP.
Monday October 5 - Check out - Unfortunately, all good things come to an end but they don’t have to. Check out is 10am. There’s still time to enjoy SLT. Make the most of your day and travel home safe! Planning for 2027 starts soon!
Lodging
Lodging -
Everyone enjoyed the accommodations last year so we’re running in back! We will share a condo at Gondola Vista in South Lake Tahoe (30 Lake Parkway, South Lake Tahoe CA). Located steps from the Heavenly Ski Resort Gondola and the state line shops, less than one mile from the lake's sandy shores and just minutes from both forest land and the area's favorite restaurants, it's the perfect home base for our RADventure.
The six bedroom condo is booked and ready to go! I‘ll send the unit number and door combo in the group text when I receive it.
Thank you all for making the booking process easy and reimbursing us for the rooms. The room reservations are as follows:
1st Floor Bedroom, King Bed #1 - Tollefson’s
1st Floor Bedroom, Queen Bed #2 - Lebow
2nd Floor Bedroom, Primary #3 - Wilson’s
3rd Floor Bedroom, King Bed #4 - Frew’s
3rd Floor Bedroom w/ Bath #5 - DiTullio’s
3rd Flood Bedroom, Queen Bed #6 - Lane’s
Parking - Gondola Vista allows only four cars to park at the condo, two in the garage and two in front of the garage. Please try to carpool if possible. We’ll park four of the smaller cars at the condo. Additional cars will park off site. We’ll sort out parking details when we arrive.
Also, South Lake Tahoe is bear country so PLEASE be aware what you leave in your vehicles. Don’t leave any “treats” or “good smells” in your vehicles. Bears know how to get into cars and throw a party that you won’t be happy about.
Mt. Tallac Trail Details
Gilmore Lake & Mt. Tallac Loop Hike
Desolation Wilderness | South Lake Tahoe, California
If you're looking for one of the most rewarding day hikes in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Gilmore Lake & Mt. Tallac Loop belongs at the top of your list. This challenging loop combines pristine alpine lakes, granite slabs, wildflower meadows, panoramic ridgelines, and one of the most iconic summit views overlooking Lake Tahoe. Instead of taking the traditional out-and-back route to Mt. Tallac, this loop adds the peaceful beauty of Gilmore Lake while creating a more scenic and varied adventure.
Hike Stats
Distance: 9.3 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,170 feet
Highest Elevation: 9,735 feet (Mt. Tallac Summit)
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 6–8 hours
Trail Type: Loop
The Route
Starting from the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake, the trail climbs gradually through pine forests, granite outcroppings, and seasonal creeks before reaching the crystal-clear waters of Gilmore Lake. This peaceful alpine lake is the perfect place for a quick snack or water break before tackling the steeper climb ahead.
Beyond Gilmore Lake, the trail becomes noticeably more challenging as it ascends rocky switchbacks toward Mt. Tallac's southwest ridge. The trees begin to disappear, revealing sweeping views across Desolation Wilderness and countless alpine lakes.
The final push to the summit is steep, rocky, and exposed, but every step is rewarded with one of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramas in the Sierra Nevada. From the summit, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of:
Lake Tahoe
Fallen Leaf Lake
Lake Aloha
Desolation Wilderness
Pyramid Peak
The Crystal Range
After soaking in the views, descend via the shorter but steep Mid-Mt. Tallac Trail with massive views including Desolation Wilderness, Hwy 89 corridor and the mountains surrounding South Lake Tahoe, before returning to the trailhead.
Trail Difficulty
Don't let the relatively short mileage fool you.
This hike packs over 3,100 feet of elevation gain into less than 10 miles, with much of the climbing occurring above 8,000 feet. The climb from Gilmore Lake to the summit is steep and rocky, requiring solid fitness and careful footing. The descent from Mt. Tallac, although shorter, is steep and can be tough on the knees.
This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike.
What Makes This Hike Special
Two completely different routes in one hike
Beautiful Gilmore Lake with fewer crowds
Massive granite landscapes
One of the best summit views in all of Lake Tahoe
Endless photo opportunities from start to finish
Pro Tips
✔ We’re going to start early (before 7:00 AM) to avoid afternoon heat on exposed slopes. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sun shirt) is recommended.
✔ Bring at least 2–3 liters of water. Water is available at Gilmore Lake. I will have a water filter to pump water, if necessary.
✔Pack trail snacks. Think high calorie foods (PB&J, calorie dense “protein” bars, trail mix, etc.) and something that might provide you quick energy such as Skratch Energy Chews, Honey Stingers Energy Chews or GU gels. And don’t forget your favorite electrolytes!
✔ This trail is very rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must.
✔ Trekking poles make both the steep climb and descent much easier.
✔ The summit is exposed with very little shade. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.
✔ Weather changes quickly above 9,000 feet. Plan to dress in layers.
Who Should Hike It?
This loop is ideal for hikers looking to experience the very best of Desolation Wilderness in a single day. The Gilmore Lake & Mt. Tallac Loop delivers an unforgettable alpine adventure with some of the finest scenery in the Sierra Nevada.
You'll trade a little extra effort for quieter trails, a stunning alpine lake, and one of the most scenic summit routes anywhere around Lake Tahoe. LET’S GOOO!
Training Hikes
This hike is challenging and completely attainable and the views from the top…some of the BEST in the Tahoe Basin. At just over 9 miles, it’s not the longest hike and we won’t hike above 10,000’ like we did at Mt. Rose but we are hiking above 6,500’ elevation and this trail has some climb so it’s best to be prepared. We’ve got one training hike left. JOIN US on Sunday September 20th at 8am for an 8.5 mile hike with some climb. It’ll be a great trail to hike with the gear you plan to hike Mt. Tallac with. It’s also a great time to try out those trekking poles! We hope to see you at the trailhead.
Sept 20 - Toro Regional Park Ollason Loop’ 8.5 mi, 1800’. Meet at 8am just inside the Toro Park main gate in the large gravel lot on your right just past the kiosk.
Sept 26 - Toro Regional Park Toyon Trail to the Peace Sign, 5.5 miles, 750’. Meet at 8am just inside the Toro Park main gate in the large gravel lot on your right just past the kiosk.
Oct 3 - South Lake Tahoe Mt. Tallac vis Glen Alpine Loop 9.3 mi, 3100' LET’S GOOOO!!
