Sharing the trail with kids

Hiking is one of many ways to explore the great outdoors. It’s also one of few ways to be directly connected and submerged in nature the entire time one is adventuring. Lake Tahoe sits in a bowl of mountains making the options for trails endless. There are some that require hiking experience, a whole day, and gear even. But there are also some that require no work at all, would be easy for someone of any age and health, and still offer the breathtaking views of the lake. Kid-friendly hikes fall somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.

The perfect trail for young hikers includes shorter distances, flatter terrain or slow inclines, a well-maintained path, places along the route for breaks if necessary and, most importantly, unique or exciting features along the way to keep them engaged in the experience. It helps if the trail leads to a pretty view or has a final destination to keep the motivation high all the way through.

As mentioned before, there are endless trails in the Lake Tahoe area alone but there are a couple that are specifically perfect for hiking with kids.

MONKEY ROCK

This is arguably the most popular trail in Tahoe for kids and the reason is in the name. Yes, there really is a rock that, unbelievably, looks just like a monkey.

This hike is in Incline Village, is 2.6 miles total with a 479 ft elevation gain, and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It’s a generally easy trail but there are some steep parts. This is a popular trail so there is a good chance there will be other people. The trailhead is for two different trails, Monkey Rock and the East Shore Trail which will be covered further down, so make sure to pay attention to signs and head in the right direction. There is a parking lot where an entrance fee is required via a self-pay station. In the same parking lot is also Tunnel Creek Cafe and Flume Trail Bikes.

VIKINGSHOLM TRAIL

Instead of hiking up to your destination, this hike takes you down the mountain from Highway 89 to the beaches of Emerald Bay where the family can tour a castle originally built in 1929. Vikingsholm is famous for its Scandinavian architecture and view of Fannette Island, both of which were previously owned by Lora Josephine Knight, a wealthy Chicago widow. The castle is open for guided tours during the summer after purchasing a ticket for each member in the group. There is free access to the beach for a picnic and the trail also connects to other trails including Lower Eagle Falls, the Rubicon Trail, and Eagle Lake. This trail is 1.7 miles total, has a 377 foot elevation change, and on average takes about an hour but that depends on how long lunch/exploring/tour/etc takes.

There is a small parking lot with limited parking and there is a fee via a self-pay station. There is a viewpoint at the very beginning of the trail where hikers can sit and take in all of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. Remember though that this hike is backwards, it is all uphill and slightly steep the whole way back up to the parking lot.

EAGLE FALLS

Turns out, we should go chasing waterfalls and there are several different trails to experience this area. Eagle Falls is split up into Upper Eagle Falls, Lower Eagle Falls, and Vista Point. They’re all good options for kids and start right within the same area including where parking is available. This is a busy spot and it is right off the highway so be aware and alert.

• Vikingsholm to Lower Eagle Falls (best and easiest way to knock out two trails in one trip, doesn’t add too much time to the experience and offers an amazing view of Lower Eagle Falls) 2.5 miles
• Eagle Falls Picnic Loop 1 mile
• Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop .5 miles

BLACKWOOD CREEK TRAIL LOOP

This 3.1 mile trail takes about an hour to complete and only gains 173 feet in elevation. It starts and ends in the same place in SunnysideTahoe City but it is a loop rather than a thereand-back making for a new experience the whole way through. The trail is an easy stroll through the forest with some clearings in the trees every so often and a creek running through. The most exciting part about this for the kids is the game of hide-and-seek they’ll be playing with the gnomes. That’s right, rumor has it there is a whole gnome village placed along this trail so keep a lookout! The trailhead begins at the end of Grand Ave off W Lake Blvd.

ANGORA LAKES

Rather than hike away from the lake for a pretty view, how about hiking right to a lake for a beach picnic and afternoon swim? This hike is 1.4 miles, a 252-foot elevation gain and only takes about 40 minutes of hiking total. It can be a popular area so as always, start early, but even with a small crowd this trail is known for being peaceful and quiet. This is considered an easy route. There is a parking fee for the Angora Lake Hike Parking lot.

LAKE OF THE SKY TRAIL & TALLAC HISTORIC SITE

Another historic site to explore is the Tallac Historic Site made up of cabins originally built over 100 years ago. These cabins were once a resort/retreat getaway for three very wealthy San Francisco families. Completing the looped trail will only take around half an hour and requires 1.9 miles of hiking with the small elevation change of just 32 feet. The hike will start toward Taylor Creek, take the family on a nice beach stroll down Kiva Beach and eventually pass Tallac Historic Site.

RUBICON POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

The focal point of this hike is the lighthouse that was originally built in 1916 to aid in ships and boats navigating the lake, Emerald Bay specifically, and operated by using an acetylene gas light with a 5-second flasher. To see the lighthouse, hikers will go on a 2.5 mile hike, with a 488 foot elevation gain, and spend about an hour and 15 minutes on the trail. This trail is a loop. There is a small parking lot so be sure to arrive early and there is a fee required.

If hiking is new to the family or there is interest but baby steps feel comfortable, consider nature walks. There are a bunch around the lake and they all offer close to the experience a hike would include such as getting fresh air, spending time in the mountains, pretty views, and bonding time with the kids.

SOME POPULAR ONES ARE:
• Tahoe East Shore Trail
• Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach
• The Dolder Nature Trail
• West Shore and Dolder Nature Trail Loop
• Cove East Trail
• Truckee Marsh Trail

Other recommended kid-friendly trails:
• Van Sickle Bistate Park (several trails in this area)
• Taylor Creek Loop (2.7 miles)
• Eagle Rock Trail (0.7 miles)
• Echo Lake Ski Trail (2.8 miles)
• Fallen Leaf Lake Trail (3.5 miles)
• Castle Rock Loop Trail (2.9 miles)
• Eagle Lake Trail (1.8 miles)
• Cascade Falls Trail (1.3 miles)

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 edition of Tahoe Magazine.