The only thing that runs deeper than Tahoe is our desire to preserve it all, so you can enjoy it all. After a record-breaking winter, there is now more water in Tahoe to enjoy than we have had in years. This is great news for boaters, who watched as piers sat dry for the past few seasons. This also means that the beaches you’ve grown to enjoy are now gone. Yes, gone. The spot where you regularly placed your towel is now in five feet of water.
To help you navigate a Tahoe without beaches, we have put together a list of ten other things to do.
Try a Paddle Sport – If you have wanted to try paddle-boarding or kayaking, this is the year to do it. There really is no better way to experience the shoreline of Tahoe than on the water. You can rent from many businesses around the Lake, who can also help you find a good launching spot. Check out laketahoewatertrail.org for more info to get started.- Rent a Boat – A great way to experience Tahoe is floating out in the middle of the Lake. You can launch a boat from one of the many boat ramps or rent boats by the day or hour from marinas on the North, West and South Shores. These folks are are knowledgeable about where to venture once you cast off from the dock. If you do bring your boat to tahoe, don’t forget to arrive clean, drained and dry at the watercraft inspection stations.
- Go For a Hike – Tahoe is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The famous Rim Trail has 12 segments that let you explore a variety of terrain and views from high above the Lake. Not ready for such a big adventure? Check out shorter trails at the local state parks on both sides of the state lines. Bliss State Park on the gorgeous West Shore offers the Rubicon Trail or Lighthouse Trail. Van Sickle Bi-State Park is right out the casino corridor in South Lake and offers a quick hike up to beautiful views. Burton State Park, outside of Tahoe City, offers miles of great trails with access to beautiful wildflowers.
Ride a Bike – Tahoe now has more than 30 miles of paved bike paths all around Tahoe. The Truckee River Bike path offers family friendly fun from Tahoe City down to Squaw. You can stop at River Ranch for ice cream or a cold beverage. The newly restored bike path on the South Shore is another family friendly trail that runs for miles and includes beaches and ice cream shops along the way.- Try Mountain Biking – Thanks to an army of amazing trail building volunteers, Tahoe has never had more accessible mountain biking trails to suit all levels and ages. Beginners and kids love the Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe, while more advanced riders will want to check the Flume Trail ride off their bucket list. Burton State Park also offers miles of single-track in a more moderate setting. Stop in a bike shop to get the scoop on where the locals are riding for the best conditions.
- Hit the links – If you are a scratch golfer, or just looking for an excuse to spend time out on the green grass, there is a golf course in Tahoe for you. Edgewood Tahoe is host to the annual celebrity tournament each July. Old Brockway is nine holes of fun on an Audobon rated course that was once home to Bing Crosby’s celebrity event. Tahoe City Golf Course is another family-friendly option on the North Shore. Course listing and details.
Disc Golf – Looking for something a little more adventurous than chasing a tiny white ball around the lawn? Try disc golf. It is like golf, but it includes specially crafted “frisbees” that fly through the air with speed and distance and you sink them in a big basket instead of a tiny hole. Free public Disc Golf courses are in Incline Village, Tahoe Vista and Bijou Park in South Lake Tahoe.- Go Climb a Rock – Tahoe has some the best moderate rock climbing in the country. There are over 100 climbing and bouldering areas within 30 minutes of the Lake ranging from the 600-foot-tall Lover’s Leap to smaller boulders on the beaches. Search the internet for “Tahoe climbing guides” to get started.
Hit the Trail on a Horse. – A great way to experience the trails and see some of Tahoe’s backcountry is by horse. A unique and family-friendly experience, horse back riding in Tahoe harkens back to the old days of the Comstock era. Many sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail are horse friendly. You can sign-up for horse riding at Zephyr Cove stables, Camp Richardson Corral or Alpine Meadows stable.- Ride a Gondola – Gondolas are not just for ski season anymore. You can have an “epic” day atop Heavenly riding the mountain coaster, flying through the air on zip lines, or testing your meddle on ropes courses. Squaw Valley offers tram rides up to High Camp where you can take in the views, swim in the pool, or enjoy a hike around the wildflowers.
Of course you will still want to make your way to the Lake to swim into that clear blue water. Please remember to stay in designated areas, and be mindful of sensitive vegetation along the beaches. A reminder, private property in California begins at the high water mark, and at the low water mark in Nevada.
The Tahoe Fund is dedicated to restoring and improving the Tahoe environment to ensure a balance between the human and natural environments. Through the generosity of our donors, we have helped complete more than 25 environmental projects that are improving lake clarity, expanding outdoor recreation, and inspiring stewardship of Tahoe. To learn more, please visit tahoefund.org.
