Less Than An Hour From Lake Tahoe Lie Three California Lakes With Scenic Hiking Trails

When it comes to bucket-list outdoor experiences, California has got just about everything covered. From biking through towering sequoia and redwood forests to pristine beach camping on the Lost Coast, there's plenty of nature to love in the Golden State. Sometimes it can feel like its lakes don't get nearly enough attention, though. And that's a shame, because California has more than 3,000 lakes that are all worth visiting. You can visit many of these beauties in the Sierra Nevada mountain region, including Lake Tahoe, California's deepest and most popular lake. But if you're looking for a slightly lesser-known destination, then you definitely want to check out Loch Leven Lakes.

This trifecta of gorgeous alpine lakes offers a somewhat quieter alternative to its more well-known neighbor. Located less than an hour west of Lake Tahoe and within Tahoe National Forest, these bodies of water attract families from nearby San Francisco and Sacramento, as well as others looking for a fun, rewarding hike. Visitors usually come here to beat the heat in these crystal-clear waters—and there's plenty of room to do so. Swimming is a must if visiting in the summer months. Here's what you should know before you pack up your car and head to Loch Leven.

Hiking at Loch Leven Lakes involves hitting the Loch Leven Lakes Trail, an 8-mile out-and-back that isn't for the faint of heart. While that might seem intimidating, you'll get to enjoy some pretty magnificent views of granite slabs, wildflower meadows, and maybe even some fish swimming in the crystalline lakes throughout. Plus, you'll be hiking among delightful-smelling junipers, fir, and pine trees. Getting to the main trailhead is easy, as you'll find parking right off the I-80 freeway. 

This trailhead involves a bit of a steep climb at the start, which might be more challenging for children or anyone with knee or other mobility issues. Past hikers recommend bringing hiking poles to make this section easier. You'll also come across the active tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad about a mile into your excursion. Exercise caution, especially with younger kiddos.

If you'd rather not do this section of the hike and don't mind skipping Lower Loch Lake, there's also an option to drive on a dirt road for about a half hour for a shorter hike (about 2.5 miles) to Middle and Upper Loch Lake (sometimes referred to as High Loch Lake) as well as Salmon Lake. Overall, you can spend an hour or a day at any of the Loch Leven Lakes picnicking, fishing, or even swimming to some of their small islands. Just make sure to bring some life jackets for younger or less-experienced swimmers. And be prepared to share the trails and lakes with plenty of four-legged friends. It's known for being a fairly dog-friendly destination.

If you decide to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, know that plenty of people set up camp along all three of the lakes, though you may have better luck finding a spot at the Middle and Upper lakes. Bring your tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, backpacking stoves, and even barbecues, but know that fires will require a campfire permit. With elevations ranging from about 5,680 to 6,850 feet, bring plenty of sunscreen and water (note: there's no water on-site). Also, make sure to check out our tips for a successful camping trip with your dog if you're bringing Fido along.

If you'd rather get back to a cozy bed and warm shower, however, there are several nearby accommodations to choose from. Just 15 minutes west of the trailhead off I-80, you'll find the Sierra Woods Lodge Hotel for about $150 a night at the time of writing. There are even more options to the east, including budget-friendly ones like Clair Tappaan Lodge with dorm-style bunk beds in shared rooms from $75 per night (and entire 6-person bunk rooms for $300 a night).

To get to Loch Leven Lakes, fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and drive west on I-80 for about an hour. You can easily make it part of a larger trip and go see Lake Tahoe, or take some time to check out nearby Reno. Remember, California has a wealth of outdoor gems with sapphire waters and high-alpine hiking, so if Loch Leven Lakes is the kind of place you love, make sure to visit more remote lakes along the Sierra Nevada.