Eagle Falls Trailhead

The two-mile roundtrip route climbs through granite formations and forest sections to reach Eagle Lake at 6,500 feet (1,980 meters), gaining roughly 400 feet (120 meters) in elevation while crossing varied terrain.

Native peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years, using resources around Lake Tahoe for seasonal camps and trade routes. The modern trail infrastructure was developed in the twentieth century as public access to wilderness areas became formally established.

The path traverses the Desolation Wilderness, a federally protected area that serves to maintain the natural landscape of the Sierra Nevada while providing public access to alpine ecosystems.

A wilderness permit and five-dollar parking fee are required. The trailhead sits along Highway 89 near Emerald Bay. The best visiting period runs from June through October, as winter snowfall makes the route inaccessible.

A stone staircase carved into bedrock marks the starting point and leads through several switchbacks, while hikers can observe views of turquoise Emerald Bay and surrounding peaks throughout their ascent.

Location: California

Website: http://fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/wilderness/desowild/trails/east/eagle-falls-trail.shtml

GPS coordinates: 38.95194,-120.11194

Latest update: November 29, 2025 20:50