A Beautiful California Getaway Near Lake Tahoe Offers Fun Recreation With Stunning Scenery

If you're planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, there's a nearby spot you may want to carve out extra time for. Just a half-hour south lies a hidden gem that feels worlds away — Angora Lakes. Tucked into a glacial bowl at around 7,450 feet elevation, this scenic spot features two gorgeous alpine lakes set against dramatic granite cliffs — a perfect side quest for adventurous hikers.

We say adventurous because cliff-jumping is a favorite pastime here. There are granite boulders from 20 to 60 feet above Upper Angora Lake that thrill seekers love leaping from into the water below. However, cliff-jumping can be quite dangerous, so it's recommended that anyone participating use extreme caution and only jump from lower levels. Remember, cliff-diving is one of those extreme sports that can kill you.

Reaching the lakes isn't too complicated — just a somewhat hilly half-mile hike from the parking lot will take you to the Lower Angora Lake. Families, casual hikers, and adventure seekers all find something special here. Visitors can catch their breath at the sandy beach below Lower Angora Lake before continuing the trek to Upper Angora Lake, which has the most stunning mountain views. Even though it's just minutes from Lake Tahoe's tourist hub, Angora Lakes offers a feeling of escape. So when the heat of summer hits the Tahoe basin, Angora's refreshing waters and stunning views offer a refuge you won't want to leave.

The one-way hike to Upper Angora Lake is considered "easy to moderate." An alternate route leaves from the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake, up to the Angora basins, and back around via Clark Trail. This more challenging loop takes just under three hours to complete.

But Angora Lakes offers more than just hiking and cliff-jumping. Near the upper basin, Angora Lakes Resort, established in the 1920s, operates seasonally (mid‑June to mid‑September). Visitors can rent kayaks, rowboats, and stand-up paddle boards, and anyone who'd like to extend their stay can book one of the resort's nine small cabins — however, there's a weekly minimum stay. The resort also offers snacks, ice cream, and its famed fresh-squeezed lemonade — a perfect treat after a hike. Fishing is another popular activity here. Upper Angora Lake is stocked with different varieties of trout, and freshwater anglers can cast their lines from the shore or a rented boat. 

The sandy beach at Lower Angora Lake is perfect for sunbathing and picnicking — but space can fill up quickly. Summer offers the most options — swimming, boating, cliff-jumping — while spring and fall bring beauty and solitude. Early season snow may linger into June, so be sure to wear layers if you're hiking early or late.

There are a few key details to know when planning a perfect day trip to Angora Lakes. To get there, hop on Highway 89 outside of south Lake Tahoe, exiting at Fallen Leaf Lake Road. The parking lot is fairly small, so it's best to get there early, and a $12 cash-only parking fee is required. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. On the trail, dogs are allowed leashed, but all pups must stay on dry land. A couple of other no-nos to remember: no camping, no drones, no barbecues, no loud music, and no campfires. Visitors must also pack out all their trash, so plan ahead for leaving no trace of your visit.

Travelers hoping to book a weekly rental cabin should do so well in advance, as they typically sell out. There's a waitlist available as well that might let you snag a cabin if someone cancels. A weeklong stay runs between $2,100 and $2,800 a week, plus taxes, and the largest cabins can accommodate up to six people. Pets aren't allowed in the rooms, and amenities are basic — so that means no TVs, Wi-Fi, phones, etc.

Angora Lakes is a bucket-list day trip for travelers searching for incredible west coast Lakes for swimming. This small but satisfying alpine paradise offers an easy escape away from Tahoe crowds. Whether you're paddling in its crystal-blue waters, sipping lemonade on the resort porch, or laying on sun-warmed granite like a lizard on a hot rock, Angora is a place you'll want to return to again and again.