Top 10 Lake Tahoe Activities
Lake Tahoe is an endless source of outdoor recreation, one could easily spend a lifetime exploring and playing the area. But likely your time is limited here so let’s cut to chase and get to the best Tahoe has to offer.
Tahoe Bucket List
Hike Mount Tallac – Mount Tallac is the obvious peak that towers to the west of South Lake Tahoe. It is a beautiful and rugged mountain that appears intimidating; but fear not, Tallac’s is easily navigated by most fit hikers, no scrambling or bush whacking is involved. The summit offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and Desolation Wilderness. The hike is 10.5 miles round trip and gains 3,500 feet in elevation. Dogs are allowed on leash.
www.alltrails.com
Kayak or SUP in Sand Harbor – Sand Harbor is Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful beach; littered with granite boulder and divided by coves, this is truly a unique beach. The variety of shades of blue of the water make this spot feel like a exotic tropical location. While just spending the day at Sand Harbor is treat, renting a kayak or SUP and exploring the coves and deeper water are a much more intimate experience with the lake. Sand Harbor is popular and reservations are required, but is worth any hassle to experience this beautiful place.
Make a reservation
Mountain Bike the Marlette Flume Trail – Positioned high on the west shore with amazing lake views, The Flume trail is a world class outing. This trail can be managed by the intermediate mountain biker, there is just a couple of short technical sections that can be easily walked. A semi-strenuous uphill section from Spooner Lake guard the goods, but it is well worth the climb. 12.9 miles one way & 1,364 ft elevation gain and car shuttle is required.
www.mtbproject.com
Ride the Heavenly Gondola – Summer or Winter a ride up the Heavenly Gondola showcases one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to ride up the Gondola in the winter, an observation deck at the top allows winter access. In the summer the top of the Gondola features a variety of summer attractions. Definitely worth the price of admission!
www.skiheavenly.com
Visit Emerald Bay – The crown jewel of Tahoe, Emerald bay is the most popular attraction at Lake Tahoe. Get here early to secure a parking spot and walk a mile down to the beach. On the beach is the Vikingsholm mansion, a 38-room home which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been called “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.” Fannette island is short paddle from shore and features an old tea house once used by the inhabitants of the Vikingsholm home.
Rent a Kayak
Truckee River Trail – Bike along the Truckee River on paved trail trail. This scenic and fun multi-use trail follows the Truckee River between Tahoe City and Olympic Valley The trail features many swimming holes and even bars to stop at for an appetizer or drink. The trail is a dog-friendly bike path and is plowed in the winter. 10.6 miles one way.
www.alltrails.com
Hike the Rubicon Trail – Not to be confused with the world famous Rubicon 4X4 Jeep trail, the Rubicon hiking trails traverses the Tahoe shoreline in DL Bliss State Park. This section of Tahoe shoreline maybe the most rugged and dramatic of the whole lake. However, the trail is not challenging and can be accomplished by most hikers. The Rubicon trail is 5 miles one-way and will require a car shuttle if not wanting to do a 10 mile round trip hike.
www.parks.ca.gov
Cross Lake Tahoe in the MS Dixie – Set sail from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay on the MS Dixie. A classic Tahoe journey, experience Lake Tahoe from Lake Tahoe – an unforgettable experience! A nice sit-down dinner is provided.
www.zephyrcove.com
Hike to the top of Cave Rock – Cave Rock is considered the most sacred spot by the Washoe Tribespeople. Unfortunate for them, it now features a two-bore highway tunnel. But the enchantment still remains. A quick 10-minute hike delivers you to the top of Cave Rock. Great view of Lake Tahoe, with very little effort!
Trailhead
Chill at Chimney Beach – The beaches of west shore of lake Lake Tahoe are classic Tahoe; huge boulders in the water and on the shore, every shade of blue imaginable and smooth sandy beaches. Chimney is only one of the beaches in the vicinity; other standout beaches include: Whale Beach, Secret Harbor Beach, Creek Beach, and the risque Secret Cove Nude Beach.
Trailhead
Enjoy Lake Tahoe from The Pine Cone Resort in Zephyr Cove
At an elevation of 6,224′ – Zephyr Cove is a perfect location for a summer or winter vacation.
Whether playing in the mountains or enjoying the restaurants and nightlife of South Lake, a Tahoe is vacation is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
The Pine Cone Resort’s location in Zephyr Cove is the perfect basecamp for a Tahoe Vacation!