But the Vista trail is probably the only one around Lake Tahoe that continually offers splendid views of the lake, of Mt. Tallac, Pyramid Peak and the mouth of Emerald Bay. The whole lake is at the climber's feet. John C. Fremont was reportedly the first non-Native American to look out on Lake Tahoe. He was joined by frontier scout Kit Carson in his viewing of the lake in February 1844. Of course Fremont, who later ran for president of the United States and obviously lost, climbed from the east, and one wonders what kind of battle his party had with the snow that must have covered the range deeply.
Trailhead is just a few dozen steps down from the restaurant and gift shop at the tram.
A large sign spells out the details of the trail and a brochure available at the restaurant gives additional details. True, locals will already know about staying on trails, about footwear, drinking water and the like. But they may not be aware of some of the nature tips explained in the brochure. The hike starts off almost at once with some steep sections. Footing is almost always thick, fine dirt.