You might know Heavenly Mountain Resort as the top ski resort in South Lake Tahoe, but you might be surprised that winter isn’t the only season for enjoying its slopes and unbeatable Lake Tahoe views. Heavenly has many summer activities perfect for the warm, dry weather. Hiking is popular with locals and travelers, and the mountain’s hiking trails are some of the best in the area. Whether coming straight from Reno Airport or one of the scenic highways on a summer road trip, you'll love hiking at Heavenly.
Cal Lookout Trail
Take the Base Gondola to the Tamarack Lodge to access all the Heavenly Mountain Resort hiking trails. Once you find the trailhead, head to your right on the Cal Lookout Trail. This 0.4-mile trail takes you up a mere 30 feet in elevation straight to the California Trail Overlook. Hikers can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains or pose for an Instagram-worthy selfie atop the overlook. Round trip, this short hike takes an average of 10 minutes.
Martin’s Peak Trail
Atop this short 0.2-mile easy trail, you’ll find a Hungarian Flag that may seem a bit out of place in the middle of the mountain. However, the flag was put there by local ski patroller and ski legend Martin Hollay. Hollay, a retired ski patroller for Heavenly Resort, is responsible for making the slopes at Heavenly what they are today. As you make your way up Martin's Peak Trail and the 102 feet in elevation gain, you’ll pass Martin Hollay’s trees. Hollay planted the trees in the 1970s to compensate for the felled trees he cut to make the pristine runs so popular today.
Loop Trail
Another short trail at the top of the gondola is the Loop Trail. This easy, 0.3-mile loop takes you up 30 feet in elevation. Along your hike, you’ll venture under the Tamarack chairlift and next to unique activities like the Granite Peak Climbing Wall, Red Tail Zipline, and gemstone panning. The loop trail is one of the most popular hiking trails at Heavenly, as its central location lets you stretch your legs after a delicious meal or cocktail.
Carson Valley Overlook
At the top of the Tamarack Express chairlift, you can find the trailhead to the Carson Valley Overlook Trail. This 0.3-mile trail takes you up to 60 feet in elevation, where you’ll be greeted with an overlook area and magnificent views of the mountain valleys below. The path is short, but it connects to the Tamarack and Skyline hiking trails if you want to challenge yourself further up the mountain. The Carson Valley Overlook Trail is the perfect option for getting unparalleled views in a relatively easy hike, making it one of the best hiking trails at the resort.
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail features a short 0.9-mile hike and a daunting 230-foot elevation gain if you're looking for a moderate challenge. You can access the Skyline Trail from the Carson Valley Overlook or the top of the Sky Express lift. The Skyline Trail is at the top of the mountain, so views from the top will leave you breathless. On your hike, prepare to take in the sights and sounds of the mountain landscape. From listening to the chirps of mountain chickadees to hearing the trickle of gentle streams, you can fully immerse yourself and get away from it all.
Silver Rush Trail
Going from moderate to difficult, the Silver Rush Trail promises over a mile hike with an elevation gain of 683 feet, the most of the Heavenly Ski Resort hiking trails. You can access the Silver Rush Trail by taking the East Peak Trail behind the Hotshot Zipline. From there, head down the mountain 1.1 miles until you reach the trail’s end at East Peak Lake. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for this hike. The downhill elevation change at the start can be deceiving, so remember: when you go down, you must come back up!
Tamarack Trail
Another challenging trail you can find in Heavenly is the Tamarack Trail. The trailhead lies close to the Silver Rush Trail, and the path zig-zags up 584 feet in elevation parallel to the Tamarack Express chairlift. Like with the Silver Rush Trail, you’ll want to ensure you’re prepared for this hike. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and trekking poles to help avoid injuries and provide stability. Dedicated hikers can experience 1.3 miles of groomed paths leading up Monument Peak to the Carson Overlook. Congratulate yourself if you reach the top; this is the most difficult of the hiking trails at Heavenly.
Power Line Trail
Located next to the California Lodge, the Power Line Trail takes you on a 7-mile out-and-back hike through El Dorado National Forest. This moderate hiking trail features many different terrain changes. From its rolling oak foothills to steep rocky inclines, this trail is for experienced hikers. Dogs are welcome too.
Heavenly Mountain Resort Trail
You can combine the mountain’s shorter hiking trails into one continuous, 7-mile loop by starting your journey at the California Lodge. With a staggering 1,837-foot elevation gain, the Heavenly Mountain Resort hiking trails are not recommended for hikers with little to no previous hiking experience. The hike takes an average of four hours, and while some sections may seem in the middle of nowhere, others will be slightly more crowded. Dogs are permitted on the trails, but they require a leash.
Additional Views: Heavenly Observation Deck
Take the gondola to the top and stretch your legs on the trail leading to the Heavenly Observation Deck. A perfect spot for birding and snapping photos, the Observation Deck is a popular spot for catching excellent 360-degree views of the mountains. Pack a picnic, enjoy lunch on the expansive deck, or sit and enjoy sights and sounds. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.
Plan Your Next Summer Adventure at Heavenly Mountain Resort
Heavenly Mountain Resort isn’t just for winter frolicking over the mountain’s 4,800 skiable areas. Summer visitors can experience fine dining, spas and shopping, inclusive and welcoming environments, and, of course, the resort’s hiking trails. Take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather when you plan your next vacation to Heavenly and the town of South Lake Tahoe. What are you waiting for? Start planning today for hiking at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe!
