Sierra Nevada
St. Francis of the Mountains: History of the Hidden Chapel at Fallen Leaf Lake
Tucked among the trees near Fallen Leaf Lake, St. Francis of the Mountains is one of those places that feels easy to miss and impossible to forget. The little chapel does not announce itself with size or grandeur. Instead, it draws people in with its quiet setting, rustic character, and deep ties to the early …...
Glen Alpine Trail: Guide to Hiking, Waterfalls and Wilderness Adventure
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe hike that gives you a little bit of everything, you would be hard-pressed to find an option better than the Glen Alpine Trail. This trail starts opposite of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lily Lake, quickly delivers waterfalls and serene creek scenery, passes through the historic Glen …...
Glen Alpine Falls in South Lake Tahoe: How to Visit, What to Expect, and Why It’s Worth the Drive
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe waterfall that feels dramatic without requiring a long hike, Glen Alpine Falls is one of the easiest waterfall-stops in the basin. Nestled near Fallen Leaf Lake at the edge of Desolation Wilderness, this wide, rushing cascade delivers granite scenery, spring runoff, and that classic Tahoe mix...
Stateline Lookout Trail: Easy Hike to a Historic North Lake Tahoe Viewpoint
Stateline Lookout Trail is one of the easiest scenic hikes in North Lake Tahoe. Starting near Crystal Bay on the Nevada side and climbing to the site of a former California fire lookout, this short uphill walk delivers wide-open lake views, interpretive stops, and a surprisingly big payoff for such a brief trail. For visitors …...
Angora Fire Lookout: History, Views, and How to Visit This Lake Tahoe Lookout
Angora Fire Lookout is one of the most interesting historic viewpoints near South Lake Tahoe. Perched high on Angora Ridge above Fallen Leaf Lake, this former fire lookout combines Tahoe history, wide-open basin views, and easy access to nearby outdoor stops like Angora Lakes. Also known as Angora Ridge Lookout, the site is no longer...
Angora Lakes California Travel Guide: Hiking, Kayaking, Camping, and When to Go
Above the busier stretches of South Lake Tahoe, Angora Lakes feels quieter, steeper, and more intimate than many first-time visitors expect. Reached by a punchy, uphill trail, these alpine lakes sit in a granite basin above Fallen Leaf Lake, where cold clear water, mountain views, and a tucked-away setting create one of the most...
Fallen Leaf Lake California: A Guide to Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, and Visiting
If you’re searching for Fallen Leaf Lake, California, you’re probably looking for a quieter, less crowded alpine lake near South Lake Tahoe that still offers scenery, easy access, and plenty of things to do. Fallen Leaf Lake delivers exactly that, and more. Just southwest of the main Tahoe shoreline, this mountain lake sits near...
Convict Lake, California: Things to Do, Hiking Trail, and Travel Tips
Convict Lake is one of the most visually striking lakes in the Eastern Sierra, along with having the kind of name that immediately makes people want to know more. Some travelers discover it while driving U.S. Highway 395 near Mammoth Lakes. Others are searching for an easy scenic hike, a classic trout-fishing spot, or a …...
Lover’s Leap: El Dorado County’s natural landmark with a tragic tale
For anyone who’s traveled along Highway 50 to or from Lake Tahoe, Lover’s Leap is an unmistakable landmark that jumps out from the Eldorado National Forest on the south side of the river as if it were waving to a friend passing by. This granite cliff is not only a magnificent scenic location just above …...
Glen Alpine Springs Resort: Tahoe’s earliest resort, filled with history and adventure
Hidden near Fallen Leaf Lake and the Glen Alpine Trailhead, Glen Alpine Springs Resort is one of the most intriguing historic sites in the South Lake Tahoe area. What began as a mineral spring discovery in the 1860s grew into one of Tahoe’s earliest mountain resorts, tied to Nathan Gilmore, John Muir, Bernard Maybeck, and …...
