Glen Alpine Trailhead

Very rocky path not friendly on the ankles. Need to constantly be looking down at terrain to prevent tripping or rolling your ankle. The waterfall and rushing creek near path is really amazing. The historical value is interesting between the natives and early expansionists. The drive along Fallen Leaf Lake to get to trailhead is very beautiful. At the hour we drove by the water looked like reflective glass. It’s interesting to think this was once a popular resort.

This trailhead has everything you would expect. There is a bathroom and a paved parking lot. There are a couple of pitfalls, and it’s probably a good thing. First, the road to get back to the trailhead is a single lane, and so you’ll need to plan to be patient. Second, the lot at the trailhead does not have a super abundance of parking. If you want a lot of parking you’ll be much better off at the Mt. Rose trailhead.
We use this trailhead as a gateway to Mt. Tallac, and if you’re thinking about the Tallac hike simply know that it is longer than the front side, but not nearly as steep. You won’t see Lake Tahoe until you’re almost on top of the mountain, and when you finally see it the work you’ve done will be a memory. It truly is one of the best views of the lake that exists.

The hike to the higher falls is only a little over a mile from the parking area. It’s a non-​strenuous hike that is flat and a bit rocky. It can get hot if you walk this in the afternoon so come early. It’s August and the lower fall was not as spectacular as the higher falls. The higher fall was just stunning and you can sit out here by the water for a long time because it is just so serene. The scenery surrounding the falls is quite beautiful and very peaceful. Most of the trails around this area are pretty easy hiking.

This trailhead is not convenient to get to, making it a great way to escape the crowds at Tahoe. Many people don’t like the one-​lane road around to the south shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, but if you are careful, it is no problem, and you will be rewarded with the trip up Glen Alpine Road, which takes you by some beautiful waterfalls and ends at a paved and spacious trailhead near the shores of Lily Lake.
Glen Alpine Falls will be on the right on your way up the road – you can just park roadside to see them – and then you will have to cross Glen Alpine Creek on a narrow bridge before you hit the trailhead. The trail begins as an older, now closed section of Glen Alpine Road, and you will still pass several backwoods cabins on your way up the trail. You will also pass Modjeska Falls, which, while a bit less impressive than Glen Alpine Falls, is still pretty damn beautiful in peak season.
Eventually you will arrive at Glen Alpine Springs, a 19^th-​century resort centered around a mineral springs. Many of the resort buildings are still here, but they are only open limited hours during peak season, and if you arrive too early in the season, they will be boarded up and not really worth visiting. There are several interpretive signs to give you a history of the area.
Past this point the trail goes on into Desolation Wilderness and any of several destinations, but for the casual hiker, a trip to the Springs would be worthwhile in itself. Be aware, that if you come early in the season, expect wet feet… most of the trail becomes a stream!