20.17 Lake Tahoe (South) : Mount Tallac, neither an ordinary hike, nor ordinary views.
Peaking on Mount Tallac, doesn't get much better...except holding one's woman. From Tallac top, a view of Tahoe Keys and the bay. State of Nevada begins at the high-rises. The hike to the peak of Mount Tallac is truly a challenging one over rough territory, particularly when factoring in the snow. With two-thirds of the trail under snow, it provided an additional facet to the experience while enhancing the beauty. The return distance is ten miles with an elevation gain of over 3,500 feet. That's the really enjoyable part. Add in the 360 degrees view from the top as well as gorgeous sights on the way up (and down) and it would be hard to find a more beautiful environment. Mountains, now dusted in snow, surround one; the massive Lake Tahoe below was serene and glass-like, the many smaller lakes including the attractive Fallen Leaf Lake to the fore of Tahoe were even prettier. There are vistas to Tahoe Keys below, the town and lodges tucked away along for...