Just to the north of Lake Tahoe under the watchful eye of the nearly 11,000 foot high Mt Rose, the short hike to Galena Falls is an awesome easy hike in big time alpine terrain! With less than 500 feet of climbing and just under 5 miles round trip, this is an easy hike doable for most!
Starting at the crest of the Mt Rose Highway at nearly 9,000 feet of elevation, this is about as high elevation as you can get around Tahoe! It’s perfect for escaping the heat on a hot summer day at lower elevations, and you might even be able to cool off in a beautiful high mountain waterfall!
Miles/Elevation:
4.7 miles
488 feet vertical gain
About Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest:
The largest national forest outside of Alaska, Humboldt-Toiyabe contains over 6 million acres of protected land across the state of Nevada, and small parts of eastern California. The lands of Humboldt-Toiyabe have been reorganized many times, and as a result the forest contains independent parcels scattered across the northern half of Nevada.
While most of the forest is spread across Nevada, the lands around Lake Tahoe are some of the most visited of Humboldt-Toiyabe. Also notable are the many wilderness areas such as the Ruby Mountains Wilderness and the Hoover Wilderness, along with seemingly endless land spread throughout 19 counties across two states!
Getting To The Trailhead:
Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors!
The trailhead to access Galena Falls is the Mt Rose Trailhead at the Mt Rose Summit Parking Area. Located at the summit of the Mt Rose Highway, Nevada state highway 431, the parking area is a large paved lot just off the road.
From Reno, take I-580 heading south until you reach the exit for highway 431. Follow 431 up to the pass, and at the top, the parking area will be on your right. From anywhere near the south shore of Tahoe, follow highway 50 to the intersection with highway 28, then follow 28 north to Incline Village. There, get onto 431 and follow it to the summit. From anywhere on the north or east shore, follow highway 28 until reaching 431!
Tips:
- This is one of the highest elevation areas around Tahoe. Expect snow to linger longer than most other areas.
- The parking lot is pretty big, but it can get really busy in the afternoons.
- Sunrise from up here is incredible.
The Galena Falls Trail:
To Galena Falls:
Find the trail at the south end of the parking lot, and then begin the hike to Galena Falls! The first half mile of the trail is by far the toughest stretch. You will gain about 200 vertical feet in the first half mile, and while that may not sound like a lot, it can feel tough if you’re not acclimated. Remember, the trail begins at nearly 9,000 vertical feet!
The views overlooking Lake Tahoe are awesome at the beginning of the hike. Because of the high starting altitude, the views are expansive, especially to the south towards the lake. Enjoy them at the start because before long, the trail turns north away from the lake and enters more forested terrain.
Tahoe is bear country so make sure you’re bear safe!
After the opening climb, the trail levels off for a nice walk through the woods. Very few stretches of the trail are totally flat, there is plenty of undulation, but there will be no more major climbs. The trail is also very nice so you should make quick progress throughout!
Always follow basic trail etiquette when you’re hiking!
While the northward turn does mean you won’t be able to see Lake Tahoe, it does mean you will have some nice views of Mt Rose. The forest is thin enough that you will often be able to look clearly through the trees towards the towering Rose. The trail to the summit of Mt Rose is a great addition to a visit to Galena Falls; it’s much tougher, but worth it if you can make it!
Check out the Stevens Trail in the foothills below Tahoe for great spring hiking!
At the 1.7 mile mark, you will begin descending towards Galena Falls. The falls are about 150 vertical feet below the high point of the trail, so while it’s not a long or steep descent, there is some descending to do.
The High Meadows to Cold Creek hike is a great moderate option in Tahoe!
After another ¾ of a mile of downward trending hiking, you’ll arrive at Galena Falls. Galena Falls is a 70 foot or so high cascade tumbling down a rough rocky face. Galena Falls isn’t super vertical, so it doesn’t have the same impressiveness as a truly vertical waterfall. However, for the adventurous, you could pretty easily climb up the rocky face to the top due to the non-vertical nature of Galena!
For the most iconic Tahoe hike, you have to check out the Rubicon Trail!
The falls is located near the meeting point of forest and open alpine meadows, so be sure to explore the area a bit before you head back. For the ambitious, the trails to Mt Rose, Mt Houghton, and Relay Peak all leave from here too!
Hiking Back:
From the falls, the return hike is a simple retracing of steps along the same trail you took to the falls. There are a few really good longer hikes that begin with a visit to Galena Falls like Mt Rose, Relay Peak, and Mt Houghton, but if you are sticking with the short hike to Galena Falls, it is a simple out and back.
Check out the Martis Peak Trail for a moderate Tahoe summit hike!
The return trip does involve some climbing, and it begins with a 150 foot climb right at the start. However, after the initial climb away from the falls, you will return to the undulating trail you’ll be expecting with little for extended climbing.
Before long, you will make it back to the ridge atop the initial climb of the day, and with it the expansive views south towards Lake Tahoe. From there, it’s a short 200 foot descent back to the trailhead, and then you’re done with an excellent short hike!
Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 8/10
This is a very nice short and easy hike, but there isn’t anything truly special about it that makes it stick out. There are some really nice views throughout, and there is a waterfall, but there are much nicer waterfalls to be found and the views are very good, but not special.
If you’re looking for a good easy hike around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, this isn’t a bad option, but you might be able to find something better.
Pros:
- Excellent views
- Waterfall
- Opportunities to continue farther
Cons:
- Waterfall isn’t spectacular
- Trail to waterfall is forgettable
Alternative Hikes:
When To Hike The Galena Falls Trail:
While the Lake Tahoe area is a haven for athletes at all times of year, hiking is best done here in the warmer months. Tahoe is famous for its massive snowfall, so trails can be snowed in into the summer.
This hike is pretty high in elevation, so snow will linger up here later than the nearby lower elevation areas. Most years, expect to still be encountering snow into June, with conditions becoming reliably snow free in late June or early July, though you may be able to hike it without snow earlier. Snow is possible anytime during the year at high elevation, but conditions should be snow free until late September or October.
This hike can be done anytime there isn’t a ton of snow on the ground. However, I would personally recommend this hike between late June and September, and the broader Tahoe area anytime between June and October. For peak flow at the falls, early summer is best!
Links For Further Reading:
Galena Falls Trail | Map, Guide – Nevada | AllTrails
Galena Falls Trail Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In Nevada That’s Great For A Family Hike
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