Mt. Tallac

I did this hike with a group, there were 9 of us...3 guys and 6 women....on Sept. 24th 2013.  We started at and met at the Mt. Tallac Trailhead (9am start) which is located about 1 mile up Mt. Tallac Rd off Highway 89...directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach.  This trail starts off pretty easy, and as you climb you will quickly see your first glimpse of beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake to the south.  As you continue up you pass Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake.  At this point the hiking becomes steeper.  The trail is clearly marked.  The last 1/4 mile or so is very rocky to the summit.  Our group completed this hike up in 3 to 4.5 hours, and I would rate it as moderately difficult.  In comparison to Mt. Rose, Freel Peak, and Jobs Sister (3 of the 4 highest peaks in the Lake Tahoe Basin) I would say this is the most difficult despite being 1000 feet lower in elevation at 9739 feet.  This trailhead is at a much lower elevation than the others just mentioned and starts at about 6300 feet.   The views from the top are really as good as any peak in Tahoe.   Views of Desolation Valley/Crystal Range Peaks (and many of it's small lakes ), Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and expansive views of Lake Tahoe are pretty spectacular.  Great day, perfect temps, and only mild winds on this day.  September is one the best times of the year for hiking in the Lake Tahoe area, kids are back in school and tourists aren't as numerous.  Enjoy!!