FAQ

Glen Alpine Springs was discovered in 1863 by Nathan Gilmore. During Nathan Gilmore's life, Glen Alpine Springs was visited by American Naturalist John Muir. In the 1920's, the globally recognized Archeologist Bernard Maybeck was a frequent visitor of Glen Alpine Springs and designed and built six buildings on the property between 1920 and 1927. Glen Alpine Springs transitioned from private ownership to an incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit in 1987. Apart from the history, Glen Alpine Springs is an amazing and beautiful place to go exploring. 

The Historical Preservation of Glen Alpine Springs is located near South Lake Tahoe, CA off HWY 89. It is a mile hike past the Glen Alpine Trailhead at Lily Lake which is past Fallen Leaf Lake and Glen Alpine Falls. The main roads to Fallen Leaf Lake are closed October through April or May. 

The soda springs at Glen Alpine is a natural spring that was found by Nathan Gilmore in the late 1800's. In addition to the soda spring, there are a total of 8 buildings on the property. The assembly hall/soda bar, the dining hall, the industrial kitchen, the two small cabins near the dining hall and the bubblestone building were designed and built by Bernard Maybeck. The barn was built by the Gilmore family in the late 1800's. There is also a staff cabin near the pond that was rebuilt in the 1990's. The assembly hall/soda bar and dining hall are open to the public when volunteers are on site. There are no set hours, but you might catch us there on the weekends. Feel free to check our social media accounts for updates.

 Our vision is to provide a welcoming environment and memorable outdoor experience to all of our visitors. We are committed to preserving the grounds and buildings as well as sharing the history of Glen Alpine Springs and its significance in California history. Glen Alpine Springs is maintained and preserved solely through volunteer time and donations.  

 Yes, the trail is dog friendly.

 Our vision is to provide a welcoming environment and memorable outdoor experience to all of our visitors. We are committed to preserving the grounds and buildings as well as sharing the history of Glen Alpine Springs and its significance in California history. Glen Alpine Springs is maintained and preserved solely through volunteer time and donations.  

You can hike to Glen Alpine Springs and explore the outdoor area anytime during the hiking season when the road is open. See our social media pages or contact us for information on when buildings will be open. When volunteers are on site, you can check out our historical displays, tour the Assembly Hall (built by Bernard Maybeck) and play some of our outdoor games. 

Our hard working volunteers provide building maintenance, outdoor improvements and many other on and off site projects. We are always interested in welcoming new volunteers. 

Glen Alpine Springs was discovered in 1863 by Nathan Gilmore. During Nathan Gilmore's life, Glen Alpine Springs was visited by American Naturalist John Muir. In the 1920's, the globally recognized Archeologist Bernard Maybeck was a frequent visitor of Glen Alpine Springs and designed and built six buildings on the property between 1920 and 1927. Apart from the history, Glen Alpine Springs is an amazing and beautiful place to go exploring.