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 of forest, water, and mountain air as soon as you step out of the car.
The easy access is exactly why Glen Alpine Falls stands out among the rest of the waterfalls in this region. Many nearby alpine lakes and waterfalls take more time and effort to reach, but this one provides visitors a memorable payoff with very little walking or effort.
At the same time, Glen Alpine Falls is more than a quick roadside photo stop. And, what many visitors miss out on, is the fact that there’s an Upper Glen Alpine Falls that’s up the trail a half mile.
Ultimately, the Glen Alpine Falls act as a doorway to many wonderful destinations like Lily Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, historic Glen Alpine Springs, and longer adventures into Desolation Wilderness.
Glen Alpine Falls Quick Facts
- Location: Near Fallen Leaf Lake, west of South Lake Tahoe, California.
- Type: Easy access, almost a roadside waterfall
- Best For: Families, casual visitors, and photographers
- Trail Difficulty: Very easy for the main overlook; additional scrambling near the rocks is optional and requires caution.
- Parking: Limited parking near the falls and trailhead area; arriving early is a good idea in peak season.
- Road Conditions: Access is via a narrow mountain road near Fallen Leaf Lake that can be tight in places and is not ideal for trailers or large RVs.
- Best Time to Visit: Late-spring through early summer is usually best for stronger waterfall flow.
- Nearby Attractions: Glen Alpine Trailhead, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Desolation Wilderness access.
- Amenities: Vault toilet available at the trailhead; no potable water.
- Permits: Day hikers entering Desolation Wilderness can self-register at the trailhead; overnight trips require permits.
Where Is Glen Alpine Falls?
Glen Alpine Falls is located near South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, close to Fallen Leaf Lake and the Glen Alpine Trailhead.
The U.S. Forest Service places the trailhead on the south end of the Lake Tahoe Basin and notes that it serves as an entry point into Desolation Wilderness. In practical terms, visitors usually reach the area by taking Highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Road, then continuing around Fallen Leaf Lake toward Lily Lake and the trailhead parking area.
Because of that location, the waterfall is easy to combine with other well-known South Lake Tahoe stops. It fits naturally into a day that includes Fallen Leaf Lake, Tallac Historic Site, Taylor Creek, or the Angora Lakes and the Angora Fire Lookout.
Lower Glen Alpine Falls
Is There More Than One Glen Alpine Waterfall?
Yes, there are two Glen Alpine Falls: Upper Glen Alpine (Modjeska Falls) and Lower Glen Alpine. The lower waterfall is the primary stop and the majority of this guide’s details center on this waterfall. However, the upper falls is located roughly a half mile up the Glen Alpine Trail.
The lower waterfall is roughly 65-75 feet in height and spreads across a granite wall. The upper waterfall is slightly smaller, coming in at an estimated 50 feet in height and often described as a three-tier drop. They both flow along the Glen Alpine Creek which tends to have more waterflow in the late spring to early summer months due to snowmelt.
How to Get to Glen Alpine Falls
From South Lake Tahoe, drive north on Highway 89 for about three miles to Fallen Leaf Road. Follow Fallen Leaf Road around the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake, then continue toward the Glen Alpine area. Official visitor guidance warns that the road can be narrow and at times one lane, so it is smart to drive slowly and watch for cyclists, pedestrians, and oncoming traffic.
Parking and Access Tips
Parking is limited, which is one of the few downsides to visiting Glen Alpine Falls. There are only a handful of parking spots on the side of the road near the waterfall. These fill up quickly, so you will have to use the Glen Alpine Trailhead parking instead. This will add 0.1 to 0.2 miles of walking distance to the lower waterfall.
During the weekend and the beginning of summer, it’s best to get to the waterfall earlier in the day in order to beat the crowds. Otherwise, you will have to circle around and wait for someone to leave. In some cases, you will have to park further down Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. which could add a considerable distance to seeing the lower falls.
Visitors should be careful around the rocks and water. During strong runoff, slick granite and fast current can make even a short scramble risky. It is best to enjoy the waterfall from obvious viewing areas.
Is Glen Alpine Falls a Hike or More of a Scenic Stop?
For most people, the Glen Alpine Falls (Lower) is best described as a scenic stop or roadside attraction. Many visitors can park nearby and walk a very minimal distance to enjoy a thrilling waterfall.
However, the Upper Glen Alpine Falls (Modjeska Falls) requires a trek up the trail roughly 0.5 miles. So, this feels more like a hike especially compared to the lower falls. Yet, when you combine the two, the one-mile roundtrip hike is very satisfying as the two falls provide enough contrast and adventure to make the trek worth it.
Best Time to Visit Glen Alpine Falls
The best time to see Glen Alpine Falls at its most impressive is usually spring through early summer, when Sierra snowmelt is feeding Glen Alpine Creek. That is when both falls are most likely to look full, loud, and powerful. Later in the summer and fall can leave the Upper and Lower falls looking like a trickle.
Glen Alpine Falls view from downstream
Current Visitor Information for Glen Alpine Trailhead
It’s important to note that the Glen Alpine Trailhead is open 24 hours a day and doesn’t require a fee. However, accessing this trailhead is largely based on Fallen Leaf Lake Road being open or snow free.
Also at the trailhead, visitors and day hikers can get permits for Desolation Wilderness. Overnight backpackers need to register ahead of time. Campfires are not permitted at the trailhead, on the trail or in Desolation Wilderness.
There are no camping or overnight stays at the trailhead. Restrooms and trashcans are available at but there will be limitations to accessing both of these during the winter months.
Things to Do Near Glen Alpine Falls
As mentioned, the Glen Alpine Falls sits at the doorway to adventure and scenic history. Right near the trailhead sits Lily Lake. This body of water is a nice contrast to the creek and falls.
From there, you can head up the Glen Alpine Trail to the following places:
- Upper Glen Alpine Falls (Modjeska Falls) – 0.5 miles
- Glen Alpine Springs Resort – 1 mile
- Angora Lakes – 2.1 miles up Lily Lake Trail which starts at this trailhead
- Grass Lake – 2.3 miles
- Susie Lake – 3.8 miles
- Heather Lake9 miles
- Tallac – 5.7 miles
Other points of interest near Glen Alpine Falls are the St. Francis of the Mountains chapel, Mt. Tallac, Fallen Leaf Lake marina and general store.
How Did The Glen Alpine Falls Get Their Names?
Glen Alpine Falls is also known as Lower Glen Alpine Falls, Fallen Leaf Falls and Big Falls. I was unable to find the origin of the name Big Falls, but the name Fallen Leaf Falls is directly connected to the large, beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake nearby.
The name Fallen Leaf has a few origin stories, but many historical sources point to a Native American influence. According to the book Tahoe Place Names: The Origin and History of Names in the Lake Tahoe Basin, a Washoe legend tells how an Indian was harassed by the Evil Spirt and dropped a branch to create Lake Tahoe. Eventually, he would drop a remaining twig with a leaf and that is how the name “fallen leaf” was created. Another story states that “fallen leaf” was named after an Indian from the Delaware tribe.
Eventually, Glen Alpine Falls took its name from the historic Glen Alpine Springs and Resort, which was built about 1.5 miles up the mountain from the lower waterfall.
The name Glen Alpine was derived from the poem “Lady by the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott, which was a favorite of the wife of this region’s pioneer Nathan Gilmore. After his wife died in 1880, Gilmore changed the name of his Soda Springs and his resort as a tribute to his wife.
Glen Alpine Creek
The Glen Alpine Creek is roughly 3 miles in length and starts at Grass Lake, which is at an elevation of about 7200 feet. From there, the creek flows down to Lily Lake, but before it arrives there, it creates the Upper Glen Alpine Falls (Modjeska Falls).
From Lily Lake, the creek eventually creates Lower Glen Alpine Falls before concluding its journey down to Fallen Leaf Lake, which is at an elevation of 6,400 feet.
Grass Lake view of clouds reflecting on the water
Tips for Visiting Glen Alpine Falls Safely
- Go early to find parking on the road or at the trailhead
- Go during late-spring to early summer for peak flow
- Drive carefully on Fallen Leaf Road due to the narrow width
- Wear sturdy shoes for trekking to the Upper Falls or closer to Lower Falls
- Respect the water
Are The Glen Alpine Falls Worth Visiting?
The Glen Alpine Falls is worth visiting for numerous reasons. The Lower Falls is right near the road and easy to access. During peak flow, it’s a powerful waterfall with a majestic backdrop. Additionally, the Lower Falls make for great pictures and a wonderful start to a Glen Alpine journey that includes the Upper Falls (Modjeska Falls).
Combining these two waterfalls into one visit is worth the extra one-mile hike (roundtrip). The Upper Falls isn’t as big as the Lower Falls, but it provides a contrasting view and the hike is worth the scenic view up Glen Alpine Trail.
The Lower Falls is located close to the Glen Alpine Trailhead which is a gateway to numerous scenic and historic destinations. Even if you pair the two waterfalls with Lily Lake, it’s still enough of an adventure to satisfy casual hikers, families, and photographers.
I’ve been to the Glen Alpine Falls a number of times throughout the various seasons. If you are like me and want to beat the crowds, then pay attention to the season, day of the week, and time of day that you go. This will make a huge difference in what you see and experience.
In the end, if you love waterfalls, Glen Alpine Falls will make for a memorable South Lake Tahoe destination and a great addition to any trip around the Fallen Leaf Lake and Angora Ridge region.
FAQ About Glen Alpine Falls
Where is Glen Alpine Falls?
Glen Alpine Falls is near South Lake Tahoe, close to Fallen Leaf Lake and Glen Alpine Trailhead in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Are There Two Glen Alpine Falls?
Yes. There are a Lower Glen Alpine Falls and an Upper Falls also known as Modjeska Falls. They’re roughly o.5 to 0.6 miles apart along Glen Alpine Creek.
Is Glen Alpine Falls an easy hike?
The lower falls are more of an easy, scenic stop than a true hike. Most visitors only walk a very short distance from parking to the viewing area. The upper falls requires a one-mile round trip hike from the trailhead.
When is Glen Alpine Falls best?
Spring and early summer are usually the best times to visit because snowmelt gives the waterfall its strongest flow.
Is there parking at Glen Alpine Falls?
Yes, but parking is limited, and it can fill quickly during busy periods.
Do you need a permit to visit Glen Alpine Falls?
No fee is required for the trailhead area, but if you continue into Desolation Wilderness, day hikers must self-register at the kiosk and overnight visitors need permits in advance.
What is near Glen Alpine Falls?
Nearby attractions include Fallen Leaf Lake, Lily Lake, Glen Alpine Trailhead, the historic Glen Alpine Springs area, and Desolation Wilderness.
Sources
- S. Forest Service – Glen Alpine Trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/laketahoebasin/recreation/glen-alpine-trailhead
- Visit Lake Tahoe – Glen Alpine Trailhead: https://visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/hikes/glen-alpine-trail/
- World of Waterfalls – Glen Alpine Falls: https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/california-glen-alpine-falls/
- Glen Alpine Springs – History: https://www.glenalpinesprings.com/history
- Visit Lake Tahoe – Glen Alpine Springs: https://visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/hikes/glen-alpine-springs-a-hike-into-lake-tahoes-first-tourist-destination/
- World Waterfall Database – Glen Alpine Falls: https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Glen-Alpine-Falls-6683
- World Waterfall Database – Modjeska Falls: https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Modjeska-Falls-6675
