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Hiking Near Mesa Vista, 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.

Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Classic Hike Route

Ebbetts Pass to Carson Pass

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
27.74 mi
+4,818 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
Lovers Leap Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Lovers Leap Out-and-Back

Family Friendly
moderate
2.37 mi
+489 ft
Maggie's Peak

Classic Hike Route

Maggie's Peak

Family Friendly
strenuous
3.97 mi
+1,772 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
TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Classic Hike Route

TRT: Barker Pass to Tahoe City

Fall Colors
moderate
16.3 mi
+2,042 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.

Meiss Family Cabin

Hike Route

Meiss Family Cabin

Less Crowded
easy
2.82 mi
+322 ft
Echo Lakes Trail

Hike Route

Echo Lakes Trail

Lake
easy
2.55 mi
+260 ft
Lam Watah Nature Trail

Hike Route

Lam Watah Nature Trail

Lake
easy
2.27 mi
+59 ft
Castle Rock Loop

Hike Route

Castle Rock Loop

Less Crowded
easy
2.76 mi
+568 ft
Tahoe Keys Beach Trail

Hike Route

Tahoe Keys Beach Trail

Lake
easy
0.59 mi
+0 ft
Cathedral Lake

Hike Route

Cathedral Lake

Lake
moderate
2.44 mi
+1,200 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.

Tahoe Rim Trail: Kingsbury South to Big Meadow

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Kingsbury South to Big Meadow

Dogs Allowed
moderate
21.92 mi
+3,632 ft
Star Lake Loop

Hike Route

Star Lake Loop

Lake
extreme
21.69 mi
+3,708 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail

Dogs Allowed
extreme
256.97 mi
+51,973 ft
Freel Peak via High Meadows

Hike Route

Freel Peak via High Meadows

Lake
extreme
19.52 mi
+4,518 ft
Kingsbury to Star Lake on the Tahoe Rim

Hike Route

Kingsbury to Star Lake on the Tahoe Rim

Birding
strenuous
17.66 mi
+2,728 ft
Tahoe Rim Trail: Big Meadow To Echo Lake

Hike Route

Tahoe Rim Trail: Big Meadow To Echo Lake

Dogs Allowed
extreme
17.59 mi
+3,356 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.

Freel Peak via Horse Meadows

Hike Route

Freel Peak via Horse Meadows

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.4 mi
+2,696 ft
Big Meadow Trailhead to Dardanelles Lake

Hike Route

Big Meadow Trailhead to Dardanelles Lake

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
7.73 mi
+1,429 ft
Daggetts Loop and Castle Rock

Hike Route

Daggetts Loop and Castle Rock

Views
moderate
7.29 mi
+1,516 ft
Winnemucca Lake and Elephant's Back

Hike Route

Winnemucca Lake and Elephant's Back

Lake
strenuous
6.87 mi
+1,308 ft
Genoa Loop

Hike Route

Genoa Loop

Dogs Allowed
strenuous
8 mi
+1,778 ft
Round Top Loop

Hike Route

Round Top Loop

Birding
strenuous
6.58 mi
+2,280 ft