Loch Leven Lakes Trail, California, United States

5Gloria L 5:00 PM Jul 3, 2017

Challenging but well worth the hike!
I hiked this trail today on July 4, and I was surprised that there weren't more hikers. My friend and I eventually teamed up with two guys who had two dogs. They had previously done the hike which was great since a few trail sections weren't clearly marked. Many people say that the trail needs maintenance, but it really isn't too too bad. I almost didn't go based on these comments. There are fallen trees and logs, but they are easy to get around. There are areas that are quite vague regarding where the trail continues, and they tend to be where you climb on the granite. Look for the trail cairns as they helped us a many times. The hike to the high lake (3rd and last lake) was well worth it. After the 1-mile hike to the railroad tracks, you then start the rocky switchback section that eventually levels out before the first lake. This almost-constant uphill section with continuous rockiness makes me believe that the trail is moderate-to-hard. You then hike another mile or so to the third lake. We also swam to the island and the water was perfect temperature. I should note that there was a garter snake that swam in front of me, but thankfully my fellow hiker did not mention it until I was completely out of the water. I'd recommend hiking boots on the trail due to the rocks, climbing the granite rocks at an angle, and crossing several muddy and wet spots. If you're not in shape and decide to hike, you may want to go at a slow and steady pace. We spent 2.5 hours each way and spent an hour swimming and eating at the lake. Also, remember to bring looootttssss of water! I packed 80 ounces and finished it as I walked toward the car.

4Stacie G 5:00 PM Jun 23, 2015

This hike was longer and tougher than expected
Found this hike in a pamphlet at the Tahoe visitor center and it looked pretty good. According to the description, it was about 1.5 miles to the first lake and an easy to moderate hike. Well, let me tell ya, this might be easy to moderate for a billy goat! It's extremely rocky and it goes straight up! Also, we measured using 2 different GPS trackers and it is just under 4 miles to the first lake. This hike took us over 7 hours, round trip, just to get to the first lake. It is beautiful scenery, but know what you're getting into before you start this hike. We are both in good shape, and I had just cycled 100 miles around Lake Tahoe (AMBBR) 2 days prior, but we were prepared for 3-5 miles if hiking...not 8 miles! Bring plenty of water and good hiking boots are a must for this trail. We found most of it to be pretty well marked and it wasn't too crowded when we went (on 6/9/15). Yes, we are "flat landers" from Texas, and we survived, just wish we'd had a little warning about the trail before we set out on it.