Hiking in Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe

The south shore is a great jumping-off point for day treks into nearby Eldorado National Forest and Desolation Wilderness. Hike a couple of miles on the Pacific Crest Trail (Echo Summit, about 12 mi southwest of South Lake Tahoe off U.S. 50. 916/349-2109 or 888/728-7245. www.pcta.org). The Pacific Crest Trail leads into Desolation Wilderness (El Dorado National Forest Information Center. 530/644-6048. www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado), where you can pick up trails to gorgeous backcountry lakes and mountain peaks (bring a proper topographic map and compass, and carry water and food). Late May through early September, the easiest way to access Desolation Wilderness is via boat taxi ($9.50 one way) across Echo Lake from Echo Chalet (Echo Lakes Rd. off U.S. 50 near Echo Summit. 530/659-7207. www.echochalet.com).

Emerald Bay

Leave your car in the parking lot for Eagle Falls picnic area (near Vikingsholm; arrive early for a good spot), and head to Eagle Falls,a short but fairly steep walk-up canyon. You'll have a brilliant panorama of Emerald Bay from this spot, near the boundary of Desolation Wilderness. If you want a full-day's hike and you're in good shape, continue 5 mi, past Eagle Lake, to Upper and Middle Velma Lakes. You can pick up trail maps from the U.S. Forest Service at their Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in summer, or at park headquarters in South Lake Tahoe year-round.