Lake Tahoe Side Trip - Angora Lakes
By: Lake Tahoe Staff
Two Awesome Lakes for One Short Hike!
There are two small, gorgeous lakes in Angora, accessible either by Angora Ridge Road or by driving Fallen Leaf Road to the end of the lake and hiking up about a half mile. The Upper Angora Lake is quite popular in the summer for cliff jumping, and you can also rent kayaks, paddle boards and more to further explore the area. If you’re the plan-way-ahead type, you can also book a cabin at the Angora Lakes Resort, which we highly recommend for anyone
We started the hike on the Angora Ridge Road around 8:30 a.m. The gate to Angora Ridge Road was closed so the hike ended up being longer than expected. We didn’t mind though because the views are astounding the entire way, with Fallen Leaf Lake down below and looking up to massive Mount Tallac.
The Angora Ridge Road is paved so it’s not too difficult, but you will end up hiking a bit of vertical. Follow the Ridge Road up past the Angora Lookout until you reach the parking lot. At the parking lot, there is a path up a short hill to the lower lake (this is also where you would catch the path leading from the Fallen Leaf side). After reaching the lower lake, continue on the path and the upper lake is not much further.
The second lake is very popular in the summer for cliff jumping. There were some small waterfalls running from the mountains into the lake. It was a beautiful scene. The small beach along the shore occupied Hendrix for most of the time we were there as he ran up and down.
Either starting location is pretty easy to get to. From South Lake, follow Highway 50 towards the “Y”. At the “Y”, take a right onto Highway 89 and follow that just past Camp Richardson. Make a left onto Fallen Leaf Road. Follow that road and either make a left on Tahoe Mountain Road and then a right on Angora Ridge Road or follow Fallen Leaf to the end of the lake where you can catch the trail up to Angora Lakes.
Early or late in the summer season, Angora Ridge Road will be closed, but when the gate is open you can drive the road, rather than have to hike it. There is a small parking fee at the parking lot just prior to the path to the lakes. The views are spectacular and the lakes are pristine. If you plan to visit the lakes in the summer, I would suggest going as early as possible, given the snow conditions. They can be extremely popular in the summer months.
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