Hiking

During your stay at our California conference center, you'll be able to enjoy miles of hiking trails right out your back door. The Stanford Sierra Conference Center is located on Fallen Leaf Lake. You can hike the Cathedral Traill, Mt. Tallac Trail or Glen Alpine Trail. The Mt. Tallac Trail provides great views of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness. View our trail map for more information about hiking around Fallen Leaf Lake. Also, check out EveryTrail for additional Lake Tahoe hiking information. If you plan to hike up to higher elevations in the spring be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots. With melting snow, many trails at higher elevations are wet. Check in at the office, many of our staf members hike, and you can get an update on trail conditions to your destination.

If you would like to venture further from the conference center, check out the Pacific Crest Trail (also known as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail).  This trail is 2,650 miles long  and stretches from Canada to Mexico. The portion of the trail that is close to our California conference center is very scenic if not a bit strenuous.

Another famous nearby hiking trail is the  Tahoe Rim Trail which circles Lake Tahoe and has stretches that are appropriate for hikers, mountain bikers and horse back riding.

A few tips for hiking around Fallen Leaf Lake and surrounding areas:

• Be sure to bring the essentials: a map, appropriate clothing, food, water, sunscreen, sunglasses and sturdy footwear just to name a few of the essentials.
• Don't drink straight from the rivers, lakes or stream. A water treatment system is required if you plan to use these sources. Instead we suggest you bring ample water for your hiking excursion.
• Have an emergency plan and bring appropriate equipment such as a cell phone. Make sure other people know where you are hiking and when you plan to return. Hike in a group whenever possible.
• If you encounter any pack animals give them the right of way by moving up hill and off the trail.
• Employ Leave No Trace techniques to ensure that you leave the area as pristine as you find it. This includes carrying out all trash, even your orange peel. Stay on the established trail to avoid trampling the flora.

Before your visit you can download and read the Nature Guide to the Southwest Tahoe Basin for only $3.14.  Learn more about the natural history, plants, and animals of the region. The guide includes more than 350 photos and drawings.

Regardless of where you plan to hike during your stay at our California Conference Center, you are sure to enjoy it.