Mount Tallac is one of the most popular hiking trails in the El Dorado County regions. And if you’ve ever visited Lake Tahoe, you know that one of the lake’s beauties are the majestic mountains that surround the lake, including Mount Tallac, which rises over 9,753 feet above sea level.
Hiking and summiting Mount Tallac will not only provide you with extraordinary views of Lake Tahoe, but you will also have expansive views of the Desolation Wilderness as well.
However, as one of the most popular hiking destinations, figuring out what to wear on the hike is one of the most requested questions we receive. That is why, below, we are going to provide you with the complete guide to what to wear while hiking Mount Tallac.
Below, we will not only discuss what to wear while hiking Mount Tallac, but also discuss the best months to embark on the hike. In addition, we’ll give you a bit more background information on the hike and what you can expect during your trip.
Best Months to Hike Mount Tallac
Mount Tallac, viewed from below, is generally covered in snow. That is why it is generally recommended to hike the mountain between May through October, where the warmer weather will have melted the snow a bit and will make the hike easier.
Getting to Mount Tallac Trailhead
Getting to the Mount Tallac Trailhead is relatively simple and there are copious amounts of signs that will help you on your way. Located on the east of South Lake Tahoe, near Fallen Leaf Lake, you will take highway 89 to the Camp Shelly/Tallac City camps turn off. If you are coming from the north, the trailhead is the first right turn after Spring Creek Road. And if you are coming from the south, it is a left turn past the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
More information on how to get to the Mount Tallac Trailhead can be found on the United States Department of Agriculture website.
General Information on Hiking Mount Tallac
- Length – 10.5 miles out and back
- Elevation – 3,500 feet
- Difficulty – Strenuous
- Time Needed to Complete – Roughly 6-hours
- Permit Needed – Yes, a permit is needed to hike Mount Tallac. Day hikers can pick up a permit at the self-serve area at the trailhead, which is free. Overnight hikers will need to purchase a permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Mount Tallac Trailhead.
- Are Dogs Allowed? – Yes, dogs are allowed on the hike. However, due to the rough conditions, we recommend purchasing dog booties for your four-legged friend to protect their paws. You can also read our guide on how to keep your dog safe while hiking for additional guidance.
- Cell Phone Coverage – Cell phone coverage is limited on the hike. If you plan on meeting friends, be sure to have a meeting point beforehand. If you are nervous about any incidentals which may occur, we highly recommend bringing along a GPS Satellite Communication Device.
- Water Availability – Water is, perhaps, the most important item to bring with you on any hike. And this is doubly so when hiking the Mount Tallac trail. Due to its strenuous and difficult ascent, we recommend bringing at least 3-liters of water per person on the hike. Be sure to also pack water for your four-legged friend if they are joining you. You can also pack trail mix, snacks, and other no-cook foods with you if you’d like.
Mount Tallac Trail Conditions
As we previously mentioned, hiking Mount Tallac is very strenuous and difficult. In addition, the weather can reach scorching levels, and with little to no shade on the steepest parts of the trail, it can get very hot. That is why it is important to not only pack adequate amounts of water, but to also dress appropriately.
In addition, with the scorching heat, it is recommended to start the hike early. This will not only allow you to beat the midday heat but will also help you to beat the crowds to the trail. With an estimated 10,000 hikers attempting the trail per year, you will want to avoid the crowd by starting early.
What to Wear While Hiking Mount Tallac
Whether you are hiking Mount Tallac in the summer or fall months, expect to get hot. Due to the strenuous nature of the hike, we recommend loose clothing that is both non-constricting and breathable. In addition, particularly for the summer months, you will want to wear clothing that is more suitable for the outdoors and should ditch long-sleeve clothes.
- Shirts/Tops – due to the heat expected, we highly recommend wearing a shirt or top which is both breathable and short-sleeve. We highly recommend the Vuori brand of shirts, which are loose fitting and provide adequate breathability. In addition, you may consider wearing a tank-top, which will leave your arms fully exposed, removing additional layers from your arms and keeping you cool.
- Pants/Shorts – in a similar vein, we recommend wearing shorts while hiking Mount Tallac. Hiking shorts will provide you with similar coverage as regular shorts, however they are more durable and will be better able to withstand stress and movement.
- Hiking Hat – similarly, due to the beating of the sun, you will want to protect your head and provide yourself with added visibility. That is why we highly recommend bringing along a hiking hat, with large outer edges, to provide adequate levels of protection.
- Our recommendation? The Columbia Unisex Bora Bora hat. With omni-shade protection which blocks UVA and UVB rays and moisture wicking technology, you will feel, and look, cooler than your friends on the hike.
- Hiking Sunglasses – an often-overlooked hiking item are hiking sunglasses. However, as you will be hiking with the sun beating overhead, you will want to gain additional visibility on your ascent. Sunglasses can help you to see more clearly and will help to reduce overall strain on your eyes.
- Sunscreen – while not exactly a clothing item, sunscreen is an absolute must on your hike up Mount Tallac. Sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and will help you to avoid sunburn.