Mount Rose (10,779ft) is the highest peak in the Carson Range, the mountains on the east side of Lake Tahoe. It is the second highest peak in the entire Tahoe Basin, after Freel Peak. Despite its imposing height and intimidating slide-path slopes, the ascent of Mount Rose is actually quite accessible, and makes a very popular challenge for locals and visitors alike. The trail follows a less-steep weakness up the mountain’s southwest flank with incredible scenery the whole way.

Standing modestly above the rest of the peaks in the Tahoe Basin, 10,881-foot Freel rests humbly removed from major attention, sitting a few miles back from Tahoe’s southeast shore. Together with two neighboring peaks, Freel forms a pretty impressive skyline of treeless, snowy summits in the winter. Despite that, there is no ski resort on its slopes, no road to the top, and no fanfare to acknowledge its superlative. There IS a trail to the summit, however.

The Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit section of the Tahoe Rim Trail is the segment that most feels like the perimeter of a great alpine basin. It truly is the rim—the crest of the Carson Range—with Lake Tahoe to the west and the Washoe Valley to the east.

Mount Tallac (9,738 ft) is the prominent, craggy mountain above Lake Tahoe’s southeast shore. The Mount Tallac Trail is the typical route to the summit. Any distance along this trail is rewarding, even if you don’t tackle the final steep miles to the top of the mountain. Within the first two and a half miles are beautiful views over Fallen Leaf Lake and a few smaller lakes perched at the base of the mountain.

The Angora Lakes are a pair of calm alpine lakes tucked at the foot of steep, craggy mountains. The Angora Lakes Resort is located here, with rustic cabins for overnight stays or amenities for a casual day trip. The sunny, sandy beach at Upper Angora Lake and the granite cliffs on its far shore make a spectacular setting for swimming or paddling. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent, plus snacks and drinks for sale.

Tamarack Lake is one of many serene alpine lakes in the Desolation Wilderness. It is commonly seen by hikers coming from Echo Lakes along the Pacific Crest Trail, but another way to reach it, the Tamarack Lake Trail, is a much less traveled and far more rewarding option. This trail leads steeply up from Fallen Leaf Lake and over a high saddle, then down into the granite valley in which Tamarack lies.

Easy hike past waterfalls, lakes, and a historic springs resort that leads to more strenuous trails in the Desolation Wilderness, including a way to the top of Mount Tallac.

The Rubicon Trail is an eye-popping tour of Lake Tahoe’s shore, and the trail conveniently links D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay state parks. You can hike any distance out and back along the trail, and start from any of three main trailheads, but the full-value hike is from one end to the other, doable as a one-way if you set a vehicle shuttle.

Eagle Lake is an idyllic alpine lake nestled at the base of granite mountain peaks, and Eagle Falls is a beautiful cascade on the stream that rushes out of the lake. The lake is only a two-mile round trip, and is perfect for family-friendly hiking, summer swimming, fishing, and rock climbing. It is understandably popular during the warm months, but crowds thin out along the lakeshore. You can even extend the hike to find true solitude higher in the wilderness.

Located just a short stroll from the highway at Spooner Summit is Spooner Lake, a lovely pond and marshy meadow surrounded by forest. Accessible at any time of year, it’s a place for wildflowers in the spring and summer, foliage in the fall, and snow in the winter.