Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

The Best Spring Hikes in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

View of Lake Tahoe from a popular spring hiking trail near Incline Village, showcasing local nature and real estate lifestyle

By Cole Mizak | Incline Village Real Estate Agent, Compass

Spring is one of the most underrated seasons in Lake Tahoe. The crowds are light, the air is crisp, and the trails start opening up with snowmelt giving way to wildflowers, waterfalls, and panoramic lake views. As an Incline Village realtor, I spend a lot of time outdoors, both for work and play. Here are some of my favorite spring hikes to explore around Lake Tahoe, especially if you’re checking out Incline Village homes for sale and want to get a feel for the area.

1. Tunnel Creek Trail Just minutes from the heart of Incline Village, Tunnel Creek is a must-do in spring. The trailhead is easily accessible, and the path offers a solid climb with rewarding views of the East Shore and Lake Tahoe below. You’ll pass by beautiful rock formations, budding aspens, and occasional waterfalls from snowmelt. It’s also a great place to envision what life could be like if you called Incline Village home.

2. Spooner Lake to Marlette Lake This trail blends forest serenity with alpine lake beauty. Starting at Spooner Lake, the hike to Marlette Lake is moderate and peaceful in spring. You’ll see snow patches early in the season, but they fade fast, revealing meadows dotted with color. It’s a favorite route for locals who appreciate nature and privacy—two things that also define many Incline Village homes for sale.

3. Monkey Rock If you’re looking for a quick hike with an unbeatable payoff, Monkey Rock is it. The trail starts near Tunnel Creek Cafe (perfect for a post-hike coffee) and leads you to a uniquely shaped boulder with stunning lake views. It’s a hit with families and newcomers alike, and it’s a perfect way to preview the lifestyle that comes with living here.

4. Tahoe Rim Trail (Incline Flume Segment) This scenic stretch of the Tahoe Rim Trail is ideal for spring, especially before summer heat kicks in. The Incline Flume Trail runs relatively flat and gives you wide-open views of the lake. It’s perfect for a casual hike or bike ride. Plus, it winds through neighborhoods that highlight why so many buyers ask for Incline Village real estate specifically.

5. Mt. Rose Trailhead (Lower Elevation Hikes) While the summit hike might still have snow in early spring, the lower elevation trails from the Mt. Rose Trailhead are accessible and beautiful this time of year. Streams are full, and wildflowers begin to bloom. It’s a great place to see Tahoe's high country while considering what it would be like to live with these views year-round.

Thinking About Making Tahoe Your Home? If you’re exploring Lake Tahoe hikes and dreaming about owning property here, I’d love to help. As a local Incline Village real estate agent with Compass, I know the area inside and out. Whether you're searching for a vacation retreat or a full-time residence, I can guide you to the best Incline Village homes for sale.

Let's find your perfect basecamp for adventure.

— Cole Mizak, Compass Realtor

Get in Touch Cole Mizak, Incline Village Realtor
Compass Real Estate
Phone: (775) 225-2549
Email: [email protected]
Website: MTNLuxuryLiving.com

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

Aerial view of Lahontan Golf Club with luxury homes in Truckee, California

Lake Tahoe

🏡 Luxury Living in Lahontan: Discover the Best of Truckee Real Estate

October 13, 2025

What It’s Really Like to Live in Lahontan—Truckee’s Premier Private Golf Community

Lake Tahoe

Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Buy a Short-Term Rental in Lake Tahoe

October 11, 2025

Take advantage of bonus depreciation under the Big Beautiful Bill before the window closes.

Lake Tahoe

Grays Crossing Real Estate: What’s Happening in One of Truckee’s Most Sought-After Neighborhoods

October 9, 2025

Truckee Realtor Cole Mizak breaks down the latest market trends in Grays Crossing and what buyers and sellers need to know now.

Incline Village fall festival with colorful leaves, families enjoying local events, and Lake Tahoe in the background

Lake Tahoe

Best Fall Events in Incline Village & Lake Tahoe – A Local Realtor’s Guide

October 7, 2025

Experience the Best of Autumn in Incline Village with Insider Tips from a Local Real Estate Expert

A Lake Tahoe home surrounded by fall foliage, representing the autumn real estate market

Lake Tahoe

Why Fall Is a Smart Time To Buy or Sell Lake Tahoe Real Estate

October 5, 2025

Local Expert Cole Mizak Shares Why Autumn is a Hidden Gem in the Lake Tahoe Housing Market

Aerial view of Cal Neva Lodge and Crystal Bay redevelopment near Incline Village homes and Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Crystal Bay Redevelopment: A Game-Changer for Incline Village Real Estate

September 18, 2025

What This Major Project Means for Incline Village Homes for Sale and Property Values

Scenic Lake Tahoe neighborhood with luxury homes nestled among pine trees near the lakefront

Lake Tahoe

The Best Places to Retire in Lake Tahoe – From a Local Realtor’s Perspective

September 14, 2025

Discover the Best Neighborhoods to Enjoy Life After Work with Expert Insights from a Trusted Lake Tahoe Realtor

A happy family outside their Incline Village home with Lake Tahoe and pine trees in the background

Lake Tahoe

Why Incline Village is the Ultimate Place to Raise a Family

September 13, 2025

Discover why families are choosing Incline Village for its safety, schools, nature, and lifestyle—and how to find the perfect home with a trusted Incline Village realt… Read more

Aerial view of Lake Tahoe homes near the water with mountains in the background – Lake Tahoe real estate lifestyle

Lake Tahoe

Living the Dream: What It's Really Like to Call Lake Tahoe Home

September 12, 2025

A Local Realtor's Take on the Lifestyle, Community, and Homes in Lake Tahoe

Work With Cole

Cole’s mission is to elevate the real estate experience for his clients. He is a long-time Lake Tahoe local and luxury home expert who has developed innovative strategies to provide his clients with an unmatched, bespoke level of service, attention, and support.