The hike to Winnemucca Lake is 5.1 miles out and back and is considered moderate, making it a good challenge for most hikers. The scenery along the trail is stunning, and if you’re looking for a summer wildflower hike near South Lake Tahoe, this one is hard to beat.

July is the best time to visit — the mountains still have a touch of snow, and wildflowers dot the trail and the lake. In the winter, the trail is also excellent for snowshoeing.

The trailhead is at Carson Pass in El Dorado National Forest near Kirkwood, California. You can start from the Carson Pass Sno-Park Visitors Center, about 30 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. If the main parking lot is full, there’s another lot just up the street. There’s a $5 day-use fee.