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California
4.0 mi
Distance
1,475 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Tahoe National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Five Lakes
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Five Lakes is a scenic alpine loop that rewards hikers with stunning views of multiple pristine mountain lakes nestled in a high-elevation basin. The trail climbs steadily through mixed forest before opening into subalpine terrain with excellent vistas of the surrounding peaks and lake-dotted landscape. This popular destination offers a perfect balance of challenge and reward for intermediate hikers seeking alpine scenery without extreme technical difficulty.
Bear Creek Trail
~2 min drive
Steady 4-mile creek-side hike with nearly 1,000 ft elevation gain.
Squaw Saddle Trail
~3 min drive
Quick 1.2-mile ascent to a scenic saddle with panoramic views.
Pole Creek Nordic
~7 min drive
Moderate 10-mile nordic trail with 2,215 ft elevation gain through forested terrain.
Granite Chief
~3 min drive
Steep alpine climb to granite peaks with panoramic Sierra views.
Squaw Valley Wst Connection
~4 min drive
Steep 1.67-mile connector with 600 ft gain near Lake Tahoe.
Deer Creek
~9 min drive
Gentle creek-side trail through Northern California riparian woodland.
Shanks Cove
~6 min drive
Moderate 5.8-mile coastal hike with 1,712 ft elevation gain near Shanks Cove.
Big Spring
~5 min drive
Easy 1.7-mile walk to Big Spring with minimal elevation gain.
Hellhole
~10 min drive
Moderate 7.5-mile hike with 849 ft gain through California backcountry.
Western State Tahoe Rim Tie
~8 min drive
Alpine connector trail offering access to Tahoe Rim Trail with forest and high-elevation views.
