A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Carnelian Bay, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Classic Hike Route

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Fall Colors
moderate
16.3 mi
+2,042 ft
Spooner Lake to Tunnel Creek Station

Classic Hike Route

Spooner Lake to Tunnel Creek Station

Fall Colors
moderate
13.07 mi
+1,343 ft
Stanford Rock Trail to the Bench

Classic Hike Route

Stanford Rock Trail to the Bench

Birding
moderate
11.85 mi
+1,993 ft
Shirley Canyon Trail

Classic Hike Route

Shirley Canyon Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.57 mi
+1,933 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
62.44 mi
+10,993 ft
PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Lake
moderate
37.42 mi
+5,788 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Lakeside Trail

Hike Route

Lakeside Trail

Lake
easy
1.29 mi
+27 ft
Twin Crags Viewpoint via Tahoe Rim Trail

Hike Route

Twin Crags Viewpoint via Tahoe Rim Trail

Lake
easy
1.35 mi
+563 ft
Martis Creek Trail

Hike Route

Martis Creek Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.9 mi
+47 ft
Incline Fitness Trail

Hike Route

Incline Fitness Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
0.85 mi
+43 ft
Monkey Rock

Hike Route

Monkey Rock

Lake
easy
2.22 mi
+473 ft
Secret Cove + Chimney Beach Loop

Hike Route

Secret Cove + Chimney Beach Loop

Lake
easy
1.93 mi
+304 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

TRT: Tahoe City to Brockway Summit

Hike Route

TRT: Tahoe City to Brockway Summit

Dogs Allowed
extreme
18.98 mi
+3,327 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail

Dogs Allowed
extreme
256.97 mi
+51,973 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail: Brockway Summit to Mt. Rose / Tahoe Meadows

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Brockway Summit to Mt. Rose / Tahoe Meadows

Views
extreme
20.51 mi
+4,814 ft
Great Trail Epic Course 2017

Hike Route

Great Trail Epic Course 2017

strenuous
22.29 mi
+2,975 ft
TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Classic Hike Route

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Fall Colors
moderate
16.3 mi
+2,042 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Wildflowers
extreme
18.19 mi
+1,614 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Hike Route

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Views
easy
9.46 mi
+413 ft
Shirley Canyon Trail

Classic Hike Route

Shirley Canyon Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.57 mi
+1,933 ft
Mt. Rose Summit Trail

Hike Route

Mt. Rose Summit Trail

Views
strenuous
9.8 mi
+2,283 ft
Mt. Judah Loop

Hike Route

Mt. Judah Loop

Lake
moderate
5.5 mi
+1,351 ft
Whites - Thomas - Dry Pond Loop

Hike Route

Whites - Thomas - Dry Pond Loop

River/Creek
moderate
5.58 mi
+1,054 ft
Warren Lake Trail to Frog Lake Cliffs

Hike Route

Warren Lake Trail to Frog Lake Cliffs

Lake
moderate
9.53 mi
+1,697 ft