Lake Tahoe

The research is in and there’s no doubt: experiencing awe is good for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you stay at a luxury resort, a lively casino hotel, or a cozy cabin in the woods, the awe never stops when the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is your basecamp.

Rules to Lake By

BIKING

SNOW SPORTS

Hiking

WATERSPORTS

THE ROAD LESS EATEN

AWE AND THEN SOME

By Brian Higgins

The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the country’s best “short long” trails, as it can be done in less than two weeks—no need to quit your job—and the views-per-mile can’t be beat as it circumnavigates the lake and surrounding mountains. For thru-hikers, it’s a great way to experience the High Sierra landscape, but it can also be completed in smaller chunks. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association breaks it into 14 individual day hikes.

The Tahoe Rim Trail

Most thru-hikers opt to save the scenic Desolation Wilderness for last. It’s also the most popular section for weekend backpacking trips. Permits are required for overnight use.

The hike to Round Lake via the Big Meadow Trail is like a Tahoe highlight reel, meandering through the aptly named XXL meadow toward the lake, passing shady forests, pockets of wildflowers, and quiet creek crossings. Surrounded by rugged High Sierra cliffs, Round Lake gives hikers a remote backcountry feel after only three miles of one-way travel. The trail slowly gains its 1,200 feet of elevation after a quick series of steep switchbacks.

Round Lake via Big Meadow

Take the kids on this long yet manageable outing. You might have to help them up the steep first ascent, but the slowly rolling terrain beyond is great for little legs.

It’s hard to miss Mount Tallac standing watch over the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tahoe. No other mountain in the region strikes that awe-inspiring balance of towering height (9,738 feet) and proximity to the shoreline, and the view from the top is just as spectacular. This imposing peak is a popular yet strenuous hike. The five-mile trip to the summit tackles almost 3,300 feet of elevation as it wanders through tall pines, past serene alpine lakes, and atop open ridgelines, culminating in the most dramatic views of Lake Tahoe found anywhere.

Mount Tallac Trail

For an easier outing in high-altitude environments, check out the Lake Winnemucca Trail, a 5.1-mile trek amid rocky peaks and cool alpine lakes.

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HIKING

Closer to the lake, the views are no less spectacular. From the Rubicon Trail, along the cliff-lined shores of South Lake Tahoe, the cobalt blue water comes into sharper focus, revealing its unbelievable clarity as it reflects the rolling peaks that surround the lake. This 8.2-mile trail travels from Emerald Bay State Park to D.L. Bliss State Park, tracing the shoreline as it bends around rocky points and craggy coves. Hikers can do as much or as little distance as they’d like, with plenty of sandy spots for swimming and picnicking.

The Rubicon Trail

Whiskey Cove, just past the tip of Emerald Bay, is a particular favorite with swimmers, divers, and boaters. You can access the crystal-clear water by foot via the Rubicon Trail.

HIKING

Looking for the perfect après hike venue? Grab a pint at South Lake Brewing Company to enjoy in the large beer garden, front patio, or indoor tasting room. And yes, it’s dog friendly.

The five-mile round-trip hike along the shores of Echo Lake in the Desolation Wilderness hits the sweet spot of payoff to effort. But on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it’s another scenic stop along the epic journey. Located just shy of Mile 1,100 on the legendary thru-hike, Echo Lake is also one of the most accessible sections of the PCT in the area, especially when you take the scenic water taxi back to the trailhead ($22 one way), making it a 2.5-mile affair.

The Pacific Crest Trail at Echo Lake

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The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail isn’t just for hikers; it also makes for an epic multiday bikepacking trip (with several hike-only sections to plan around). The bike route meanders from flowy ridgeline singletrack to quiet forest roads and bustling but scenic roadways. Dedicated adventurers can take on the three-to-five-day route all at once—mountain bikes or hardtails are recommended over gravel bikes—but it can also be tackled in sections. Some of Tahoe’s most iconic areas are on or accessible from the TRT, including Mr. Toad’s, Freel Peak, Armstrong Pass, and the Flume Trail.

Around the Lake on the Trail

For those looking to extend their adventure, the Tahoe Twirl is an alternative 187-mile route that travels farther north toward Reno, incorporating forest roads, singletrack, and bike paths.

The most obvious road route in Tahoe is also its most stunning. The 72-mile ride around the lake is fittingly known as America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, passing through tall pines, up challenging climbs, and along stunning shorelines. Due to its length, 4,000-foot elevation gain, and steady traffic, the ride is recommended for experts. The best way to tackle it is by starting early to beat the heat and traffic and heading clockwise so drivers can see you more easily. For added safety and camaraderie, join a group ride like the legendary Tour de Tahoe.

Around the Lake on the Road

For a family-friendly ride with the same epic views, visit the 2.6-mile East Shore Bike Path, one of the most scenic bike paths in the country.

There aren’t many rides in the world like the Flume Trail. Following the path of an 1800s water flume, this iconic trail offers incredible views in the region. Its nontechnical terrain also makes it accessible to a range of riders, although those afraid of heights might want to scout the steep drop-off. While it doesn’t have the same thrills and challenges of upper-mountain trails, expert riders shouldn’t overlook it. With the cobalt blue water of Lake Tahoe as a constant companion and smooth trails that don’t distract from the view, it’s the stuff of dreams.

Flume Trail

Visit Sky Tavern’s free community mountain bike park before or after your ride. Located near the start of the Flume Trail, it offers features for every ability level.

You’ll earn the remote serenity of Star Lake, but the seven-mile climb up the Cold Creek and Star Lake trails is worth the effort. This local favorite travels deep into the mountains, sprinkling in far-off views of Lake Tahoe and vistas of higher alpine landscapes like Heavenly Resort and Freel Peak. Brief technical sections will challenge Intermediate riders, and pretty much all riders will be challenged by the 2,800 feet of vert. Nestled below the upper peaks, Star Lake offers the perfect way to refresh and recharge.

Star Lake

For a truly epic day, take on the almost 24-mile Star Lake Loop. The loop connects the Star Lake Trail with the Tahoe Rim Trail through Heavenly and descends down the Van Sickle Trail.

Why is the Corral system known as the unofficial epicenter of Tahoe mountain biking? Because it has a bit of everything for everyone. This loopable, feature-rich playground serves up (mostly) downhill riding for thrill-seeking experts and newer riders testing out their airborne abilities. You can shuttle or ride up the paved Fountain Place Road before mixing and matching your way down. The system has multiple entry points, but you can’t miss Lower Corral. It’s nonstop fun with every feature you can dream of: hips, rollers, berms, jumps, rock rolls, and log rides.

Corral Trail System

If you continue up Fountain Place Road and the Armstrong Trail, you can head down Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Tahoe’s most iconic expert trail, with six miles of technical yet flowy downhill.

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HIKING

BIKING

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From mountain creeks to Lake Tahoe’s deep water, anglers get the best of both worlds here. The lake’s shorelines and inlets have plenty of rainbow and brown trout, but those searching for the lake’s biggest prizes—lake trout that can weigh up to 20 pounds—should go with a guide to the deeper reaches. Meanwhile, those who fly-fish have just as many options: To the north, you’ll find the trophy trout of the Truckee River System. South of the lake, you can explore the East Fork Carson River and its tributaries. California fishing permits are required year-round.

Fishing

One of the species you’ll find in Lake Tahoe is the kokanee salmon, which turns fiery red during its migration to spawn. They can be seen—and celebrated—at Fall Fish Fest at Taylor Creek.

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For the experienced diver, Lake Tahoe is a magical playground below the surface. The famously clear waters have nearly everything a diver could want: sheer vertical cliffs sinking hundreds of feet into the lake, enormous rock outcroppings, massive schools of fish, and hundred-year-old wrecks. Your to-dive list should start with the Rubicon Wall, D.L. Bliss Underwater Park, and Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail—all standouts.

Diving

New and inexperienced divers can charter a guided tour with places like Tahoe Dive Center to see the best of the best.

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From tree-lined cliffs to sandy beaches and quiet wetlands, each stretch of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline reveals its own unique world. Find your slice of paddling paradise with the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. A comprehensive guide to Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline, the Water Trail provides kayakers, canoers, and SUPers with launch sites, points of interest, campgrounds, trip-planning advice, and even wildlife-watching advice. Highlights include bird-watching in the wetlands by Kiva Beach—also home to fall salmon runs—and the rugged shoreline of Zephyr Cove.

Paddling

Always wanted to see just how clear Tahoe’s waters are? Rent a clear-bottom kayak fromClearly Tahoe.

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There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Tahoe, but it’s hard to beat the simplicity of diving right into its cool, turquoise waters. The South Shore of the lake is home to plenty of popular sandy beaches, some of which have more free space to lay out a blanket than others. If you’re searching for a quieter atmosphere, the dog-friendly Kiva Beach has plenty of room to roam, while hike-in locations like Vikingsholm Beach, Chimney Beach, and Whiskey Cove (along the Rubicon Trail) are a bit off the beaten path.

Swimming and Beach Relaxing

Enjoy a good old-fashioned beach party at the free Live at Lakeview concert series, every Thursday in summer at El Dorado Beach.

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If you want to get more than just a snapshot of what Mark Twain called “the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” you’d better do it with a motor on your side. The largest alpine lake in North America has plenty to explore, and whether you’re speeding along on a powerboat or cruising in a pontoon, it’s hard to beat a day on the water. There are countless rental operations around the lake, renting everything from jet skis to wakeboarding boats. Download the Tahoe Boating App—it’ll show you no-wake zones, fuel stations, bathrooms, and other points of interest.

Boating

The perfect cure for aching muscles after a day on the trail? A relaxing drink on the lake with the Rum Runner Yacht.

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WATERSPORTS

FPO

Winter brings a gallery-like stillness to Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, and a guided snowmobile tour is the best way to dive right into the painting. You’ll cruise through a variety of landscapes as the scene around you transitions from foothills to forests to wide-open ridgelines. There are multiple outfitters with multiple tours each and no bad options. The Summit Snowmobile Tour from Lake Tahoe Adventures offers an immersive experience deep in the Tahoe mountains, while the Scenic Lakeview Tour from Zephyr Cove Resort gives you a bit of everything as it hugs the terrain near the water.

Snowmobiling

Zephyr Cove’s Scenic Lakeview Tour is also offered during full moons for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

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All the fun of skiing and snowboarding without all that pesky control to worry about. Sledding and tubing in Lake Tahoe is a great way to hang up the family’s ski boots for a day without sacrificing the fun. You’ll find machine-groomed tubing at Adventure Mountain, Tube Tahoe, and the Tahoe Snowmobiles Tubing Hill, making for a fast, fun, and convenient experience with no personal equipment required. For an all-natural experience, bring your own sleds to Sawmill Pond (best for young kids) or Kahle Park (best for lake views).

Sledding and Tubing

Lake Tahoe has made a dedicated effort to reduce plastic debris from broken sleds by partnering with local retail rental partners.

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To the well-prepared snowshoer, each winter storm that settles over the Sierras is an opportunity to view familiar footpaths from a new perspective. It’s easy to plan a day trip with the South Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Map, which details nearly all the trails and hubs in the region. Start at the beginner-friendly Rabe Meadows to experience the quiet serenity of the lake before moving up to the intermediate trail system at Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Work up to the expert-rated trek up Maggie’s Peak from the Bayview Trailhead, an unforgettable way to go from shore to summit.

Snowshoeing

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association offers guided educational hikes throughout the winter with themes like Forest History, Wildlife Survival, and Tree Trivia.

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Laid-back culture, diverse terrain parks, and board-friendly terrain await snowboarders (and skiers) at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort. It has a little bit of everything, with beginner and intermediate terrain off every lift and technical turns on the upper mountain. But the parks are the big draw. Not content to rest on the laurels of its incredible natural features (check out Huckleberry Bowl), Sierra’s been all-in on freestyle parks for more than 20 years. With eight parks and features progressing from beginner-friendly boxes all the way up to Tahoe’s only halfpipe, everyone can chase their own thrill.

Snowboarding

Skiers and snowboarders alike will also enjoy the iconic slopes and views at Heavenly Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

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Featuring old-school vibes, epic terrain, and record-setting snowfall, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the kind of place skiers (and snowboarders) dream about. When the upper mountain is blessed with fresh snow—which is often—the steep chutes, open bowls, and sprawling ridgelines reveal themselves as a full-on winter playground. The Wall and Cornice Express lifts have iconic lines, but there’s room to paint your own path on this 2,300-acre canvas. Those willing to traverse may not have to ski the same tracks twice, thanks to quieter lift lines and the highest average snow totals in Tahoe.

Skiing

Kirkwood is also home to a cross-country ski center for those interested in a peaceful off-day adventure. If you’re looking for more downhill action, you can ski or snowboard at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Heavenly Resort.

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SNOWSPORTS

Protect the Awe

Be Kind by Nature

Let’s Leave Less

Lake Tahoe has been a natural wonder for far longer than it’s been a vacation wonder. That’s important to remember at every bend in the trail. Protecting the Awe is about choosing the kindest, most sustainable, Tahoe-friendly choice to preserve those moments for future generations. There are many Tahoe-specific ways to help: Pack out and pick up trash, shop small and sustainable, avoid single-use plastic, walk or bike instead of driving, and be kind to all life, from trail to town.

Protect the Awe

Be Kind by Nature

From the wildflowers that dot its mountain meadows to the black bears that roam through the trees, nature is an essential part of Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is home to all kinds of plant and animal species, and it’s important to respect that home. This means observing critters from a distance, driving the speed limit and staying alert for animal crossings, practicing proper bear safety, not feeding wild animals, and staying on-trail. And remember to spread kindness to all living things around you, including locals and visitors.

Let’s Leave Less

The evidence of your trip to Lake Tahoe should only live on your camera roll. The best visitors leave things as they found them, so always pack out what you pack in, whether it’s a protein bar wrapper, bottle, can, or a leave-behind from your four-legged friend. (Bonus points if you bring a small trash bag to pack out what others left.) You can keep up your footprint-reducing efforts in town, too. Bring a reusable bottle and Drink Tahoe Tap—it’s some of the purest water in the country.

Park with Heart

It would be great if we always got the parking spot right in front of the trailhead, but we shouldn’t create our own luck—or spaces. In Tahoe, Parking with Heart is about more than just being considerate in shared spaces. When cars park in undesignated, off-road areas, they kick up dirt and sediment, which finds its way into the lake and affects the famously clear water. Arrive at destinations during off-peak hours, practice patience at popular spots, or take the Lake Link.

Enjoy Tahoe Time

When it comes to stressing over schedules, your trip to Tahoe will be full of crossroads; the community of Lake Tahoe invites you to take the slow path and join Tahoe Time Linger a bit longer with a summit picnic. Take a stroll while you wait for your table at a popular eatery. Remind yourself whenever you can that this trip won’t last forever—soak in what’s around you. The locals who make Tahoe tick will appreciate your zen, and maybe your fellow visitors will take a cue from you, too.

Park with Heart

Enjoy Tahoe Time

The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why Visit Lake Tahoe created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism.

If you need to park a bit farther from your destination, get your hiking app going and treat the walk for what it is—a scenic stroll in an incredible place. Or, rent a bike and pedal to nearby adventures.

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In 2024, lakewide efforts to reduce litter led to a 75% decrease in the pounds of trash collected following the July Fourth weekend compared to 2023.

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Visitors after mid-August are most likely to spot black bears, which spend the pre-winter months eating as much as possible before hibernation.

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Shopping in Tahoe businesses helps you reduce your carbon footprint with locally made items while putting money back into the community, which strengthens sustainability efforts.

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The Road Less Eaten Nothing caps off a day of adventure like a delicious local meal. In The Road Less Eaten, Outside TV’s culinary adventure series, Chef Biju Thomas travels to Tahoe to explore both the lake and the delectable local eateries that dot its shores. His advice? Ride, hike, or paddle, then try one (or all) of these: Locally sourced and Latin-inspired dishes at Azul Latin Kitchen Authentic Creole cooking and live jazz at Toulouse Elegant but accessible dishes with seasonal ingredients at Maggie’s Restaurant Latin American fusion at the lakeside at Elements Eatery

Slowing down will be doing yourself a favor, too. Studies show that engaging with a sense of awe makes our perception of time feel slower, while rushing makes it speed by.

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Awe and Then Some is more than just a feel-good saying. Visit Lake Tahoe recently partnered with Dr. Paul Piff at the University of California, Irvine, to study the effects of awe on folks who visit here. This two-year study will have early research rolling out soon, but you can do some research of your own in the meantime while basking in the beauty of Tahoe’s clear blue water and the natural wonderland that surrounds it. It won’t take a scientist to notice eyes getting wider, smiles getting bigger, and hearts growing fuller.

Awe Awaits in Lake Tahoe

BIKING

WATERSPORTS

SNOWSPORTS

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