Glen Alpine Falls
A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall cascading over granite, easily accessible via a scenic but challenging drive near Lake Tahoe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak snowmelt, best water flow
Glen Alpine Falls
Best Time
Peak snowmelt, best water flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall cascading over granite, easily accessible via a scenic but challenging drive near Lake Tahoe.
"It's so stunning how you can sit in the middle of the falls and enjoy it however be careful the rocks are slippery."
🚗 Drive Carefully!
The road is narrow & rough. Use pull-offs for oncoming traffic. :car:
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited. Aim for before 9 AM to secure a spot. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascading Beauty
Main Falls Area
An 80-foot waterfall tumbles over granite, offering stunning views from overlooks and accessible rocky areas.
+1
Lily Lake Serenity
Near the Falls
A peaceful lake offering reflections and a tranquil spot to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Scenic Drive Views
Fallen Leaf Road
The drive itself is an experience, with glimpses of Fallen Leaf Lake and expensive lakeside homes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Narrow Road
Best Time for Peak Flow
+1 While accessible year-round, water flow can be significantly reduced in drier months. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully!
The road is narrow & rough. Use pull-offs for oncoming traffic. :car:
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited. Aim for before 9 AM to secure a spot. :parking:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Rocks can be slippery, especially near the water. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Check Water Flow
Best water flow is late spring/early summer due to snowmelt.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully!
The road is narrow & rough. Use pull-offs for oncoming traffic. :car:
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is extremely limited. Aim for before 9 AM to secure a spot. :parking:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Rocks can be slippery, especially near the water. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Check Water Flow
Best water flow is late spring/early summer due to snowmelt.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Respect the natural beauty and pack out all trash. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Glen Alpine Falls' stunning beauty and easy accessibility, often describing it as a must-see natural wonder. The scenic drive and the impressive cascade are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, many note the challenging, narrow road and extremely limited parking as significant drawbacks that require early arrival or patience.
"One of the best waterfalls I've been in the area so far. Its so nice you can pretty much just drive to it. Beware as the roads are very narrow and it's a one way. The drive is beautiful but it's a rough road. Its so stunning how you can sit in the middle of the falls and enjoy it however be careful the rocks are slippery. Its definitely a waterfall to visit. Please be kind and respectful to the area and leave no trash behind."
Karina Mojica-Cardenas
"The waterfall is easy to access once you find a place to park along the very narrow road. There’s no hiking necessary, you can see the waterfall just a few steps off the road. You can walk out into the upper part of the falls from the trail and there’s a shallow pool you can soak in (depending on the season) right above the lower falls.
The drive there and back is interesting because you’re bumping down a tiny road along the edge of Fallen Leaf Lake that is just wide enough for one vehicle. When you approach oncoming traffic, one of you has to pull over in a wide spot and let the other pass. You drive by some very interesting and expensive lake houses and their boat docks. It’s all private property along the lake, so no parking except at the waterfall. You can also stop at the marina at the south end of the lake and visit their general store and rent kayaks and/or boats.
There’s a hiking trail up to the Angora Lookout, but I’m not sure where it starts at Fallen Leaf Lake. We talked to people a couple days earlier at the top who had hiked up from the lake, so I know it’s possible. It’s all quite beautiful and well worth the drive from South Lake Tahoe."
Jamey Moss
"Beautiful falls just a few steps from the road. Limited parking near the falls. Roads to get here are rough and narrow, but the views of Fallen Leaf Lake on the way are definitely worth the drive! Wear sturdy shoes!"
Ashlie Grasa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glen Alpine Falls is located off Fallen Leaf Road, accessible from Highway 89 near South Lake Tahoe. The road is narrow, rough, and one-way in sections, requiring careful driving and use of pull-offs for oncoming traffic. Parking is very limited directly at the falls.
No, the road is unpaved and known for its rough surface with many potholes. It's a single-lane road shared by both directions of traffic, so be prepared to yield.
Yes, you can drive directly to Glen Alpine Falls. However, the road is challenging, and parking is scarce. Many visitors opt to park further down Fallen Leaf Road and enjoy a short walk to the falls.
The most direct access is via car on Fallen Leaf Road. For a more relaxed experience or if parking is full, consider parking at the Fallen Leaf Lake Marina and walking. Some also use this as a starting point for longer hikes.
Public transport options are limited for direct access to Glen Alpine Falls. It's best reached by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to visit Glen Alpine Falls. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
Glen Alpine Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, the best time to visit for optimal water flow is typically late spring to early summer.
There is no designated parking lot with a fee. Parking is along the narrow road and is extremely limited and free.
While you can get close to the water and some visitors enjoy soaking in shallow pools above the lower falls, swimming directly in the main cascade is not recommended due to slippery rocks and strong currents.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning (before 9 AM) is highly recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Very little to no hiking is required. The falls are located just steps from the road, making it easily accessible.
Glen Alpine Falls is approximately 80 feet high, cascading over multiple rocks and outcroppings.
Yes, there are several overlooks and rocky areas where you can get great photos. Be cautious of slippery surfaces.
Nearby attractions include Lily Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake (with a marina and store), and access to hiking trails like the one to Angora Lookout.
Yes, due to its easy accessibility, it's a great spot for families. However, supervision is crucial near the water and slippery rocks.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning light offers softer illumination and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water.
Explore the rocky areas alongside the falls for unique perspectives. The overlooks provide a good vantage point for wider shots.
Include elements like people or trees in your frame to give a sense of scale to the 80-foot waterfall.
Avoid shooting in harsh midday sun, which can blow out highlights. Also, be mindful of slippery rocks when setting up your shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers from South Lake Tahoe
📸 Photographers
+1 Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the grandeur of the falls and their surroundings, while a tripod can help achieve silky smooth water effects. The surrounding granite rocks and Lily Lake provide additional photographic subjects. Remember to be cautious of slippery surfaces when setting up shots, and aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Drive to Glen Alpine Falls
Parking at Glen Alpine Falls is extremely limited, often restricted to just a few spots along the roadside.
Experiencing the Falls Up Close
+2 The falls are wider than they are tall, creating a dramatic and impressive display, especially during the spring and early summer snowmelt. Visitors can enjoy the view from designated overlooks, offering a safe and accessible way to appreciate the natural beauty. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities to carefully scramble down the rocks to get closer to the water's edge, though caution is advised due to slippery surfaces. +1While direct swimming in the main cascade is not recommended due to the powerful water flow and slippery rocks, some visitors find shallow pools above the lower falls where they can enjoy a refreshing soak, depending on the season.
The combination of the falls, the lake, and the surrounding natural landscape makes Glen Alpine Falls a truly enchanting spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit