Lake Tahoe, a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers a plethora of year-round activities for adventure enthusiasts. From hiking and mountain biking to water sports and scuba diving, this resort city is a haven for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re seeking summer thrills or winter escapades, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the top 6 activities to indulge in while visiting this picturesque destination.
1. Hiking:
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Lake Tahoe, with numerous trails to choose from. The Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite among visitors, offering lift-accessed hiking that allows you to access high elevation trails without much effort. You can take the Tamarack Express chairlift for expansive views of Lake Tahoe and hike along Skyline Trail for more scenic views of the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe.
The Fallen Leaf Lake Hike is another family-friendly option, with numerous gentle trails contouring around the lake offering views of Mt. Tallac and the Desolation Wilderness. The Cascade Falls Hike is a short hike near Emerald Bay that is best enjoyed in the spring when Cascade Falls is at its peak. The trail contours along a mountain overlooking Cascade Lake, with views of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness.
The Van Sickle Trail Hike, located just behind the Heavenly Village, is Lake Tahoe’s newest park. The park’s premier trail, the Van Sickle Trail, connects Stateline to the Tahoe Rim Trail, delivering terrific views within the first mile of the hike. Hike up to the waterfall (0.75 mile one-way), or continue up to the junction of the Tahoe Rim Trail (3.6 miles one way). This is best done as an out and back so you can savor the views on the descent.
2. Mountain Biking:
Lake Tahoe is a mountain biker’s paradise, with trails catering to both beginners and expert riders. Powerline is a popular trail that offers a distance of 12 miles (out & back) and an elevation gain of 700 feet. It parallels Pioneer Trail, winding through a well-maintained pine forest, with some easy banked turns, a few gradual climbs, and two seasonal stream crossings.
The Angora Ridge Trail is a less frequented area that offers amazing views of Fallen Leaf, Mt. Tallac, and Desolation Wilderness set amongst the conifers in a quiet setting. It has an elevation gain of around 500 feet, and due to the rocky nature of the soil, the “downhill” segment will keep you alert and can make you feel like you’re pedaling both ways.
Saxon Creek is an expert and mostly downhill route that can be accessed via a Luther Pass shuttle or done as a larger loop from Armstrong Pass. Once you get to it, you better be geared up because it’s going to throw everything at you like an extreme theme park. The trail features sheer cliffs that descend to 1,000 feet, as well as beautiful topography and ledges that are highlights for recreational and tech divers.
3. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding:
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters make it a perfect destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent kayaks and SUPs at Baldwin Beach or Emerald Bay Beach. Taking Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay Beach offers a longer, more scenic view of the area, so this route is the most recommended. On this route, you can also stop by the teahouse on Fannette Island, breathe in the crisp, clean air, and fully take in the history of this magnificent area. Scenic boat cruises are offered by the Tahoe Queen, an authentic paddle wheeler with a glass bottom, and the Ms. Dixie II. The Ms. Dixie II has been voted as the “Best Boat Cruise in Tahoe” for 10 years in a row. This cruise boat offers spacious decks, food, and more.
4. Scuba Diving:
Lake Tahoe’s scuba diving sites, including the Emerald Bay Dive Trail, offer divers the chance to explore wrecks, landscapes, and freshwater species in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. The Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail officially opened at the end of 2018, showcasing the Historic Barge dive site, as well as three additional sites. Divers can expect to see two large barges, as well as 12 recreational boats including a 27-foot (8.2 m) launch. The boats largely date from the 1920s and 30s, and most of the wrecks lie in 10 to 60 feet (3 to 18 m) of water. Visibility is often excellent — at times over 100 feet (30 m) — allowing divers to see from one wreck to another. Divers can explore the entire trial on one dive but note that altitude diving requires prior training and knowledge.
5. Fishing:
Lake Tahoe’s vastness and stunning beauty make it a paradise for freshwater anglers. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including the Mackinaw Trout, offering ample opportunities for a memorable fishing experience. Book a charter to increase your chances of catching the big one. Explore the many streams, rivers, and alpine lakes to land that trophy fish. From catch n’ release to catch n’ eat, Lake Tahoe and the surrounding waters will provide oodles of fish to catch and even more memories to bring back long after you leave.
6. Visit Emerald Bay:
Emerald Bay is a short drive from South Lake Tahoe and can be accessed via Highway 89. It is the only inlet on the lake and is home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island. Emerald Bay State Park is home to many landmarks, but most famously, the park is home to Vikingsholm Castle, a popular tourist destination rich in history and architecture.
Vikingsholm Castle is a 38-room mansion that is long considered as one of the finest and most incredible examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Vikingsholm Castle was built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Knight, and still holds some of its original features, symbolic of 11th century stone churches in southern Sweden. A National landmark, Vikingsholm is one mile downhill from Highway 89 and offers tours daily in the summer. As soon as you drive in, one of the most iconic stops along Highway 89 to Emerald Bay is Inspiration Point. This drive-up overlook is the perfect place to capture the dramatic landscape and historic Fannette Island.
There are many different spaces to pull over and admire Emerald Bay, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t park directly at the point. Inspiration Point offers paved walkways and towers a whopping 600 feet above Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. Fannette Island, located right in the middle of Emerald Bay, is home to Mrs. Knight’s teahouse. The stone structure sits on the island and offers a 360-degree view of Emerald Bay in all its glory.
Lake Tahoe’s diverse range of activities, from thrilling outdoor adventures to serene water sports, makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you’re exploring the lake’s surroundings through hiking and mountain biking or immersing yourself in its pristine waters for scuba diving and fishing, Lake Tahoe offers an unforgettable experience for all. So, plan your visit to this alpine paradise and indulge in the best that nature has to offer.
