| Mount Tallac | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 9,739 ft (2,968 m) NAVD 88[1] |
| Prominence | 695 ft (212 m) [2] |
| Location | |
| Location | El Dorado County, California, USA |
| Range | Sierra Nevada |
| Topo map | USGS Emerald Bay |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Trail hike [3] |
Mount Tallac is a mountain peak southwest of Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California. The peak lies within the Desolation Wilderness on the Eldorado National Forest. It is quite visible from State Route 89. A "cross of snow" is clearly visible on the mountain's face during the winter and spring months.
Of the several trails leading to the summit, the Mount Tallac trailhead is the most-frequented. This 5-mile (8 km) one-way trail with elevation gain of 3,250 feet (990 m) is rated "difficult" by the United States Forest Service.[3] The trail takes hikers past Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lake on their way to the summit. On the southern side, next to Lilly Lake, is Glen Alpine trailhead. While providing a slightly longer route to the summit, (5.7 miles (9 km)), this trail brings hikers to Gilmore Lake. At approximately 8,300 feet (2,530 m) this lake is only 1,400 feet (427 m) below Tallac's summit.