Three million people visit Lake Tahoe each year according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. The area is commonly referred to as the place where Nevada and California meet, offering the best of both states and spectacular mountain views. With hiking, horseback riding, fishing and the second deepest lake in the United States, it’s no wonder tourists flock to the area for its nature adventures. Read on for more information about how to plan your favorite outdoor activities and explore Lake Tahoe.
Golfing
Head out to Coyote Moon on North Lake Tahoe for a day on the coursecomplete with panoramic views of the mountains. Play on the same course in the South Lake area where the Celebrity Golf Championship is held at the Edgewood Tahoe course. Or for a more laid-back and relaxed course, try the Lake Tahoe Golf Course nestled in the High Sierras.
Zip lines
Zip through the treetops at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park for ages five and up. A variety of courses offer different challenges ranging from a mere 10 feet off the ground to a Canopy Tour that sails you 40 feet through the air. For an adrenaline rush, whisk through the air at up to 55 mph some 160 feet above ground on the Blue Streak at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Guestszip down 3,330 feet in one minute with a backdrop of snow covered mountaintops.
Mountain biking
Cruise through the Tahoe Basin on the Tahoe Rim Trail designed for bikers, hikers and equestrians alike. The 165-mile trail winds around the basin, but offers various access points along the North, South, East and West shores for bikers who prefer shorter rides. Pick a different trail each day for a weeklong mountain-biking adventure.
Water sports
Thrill-seekers can dive in for jet skiing, wave running, power boating or parasailing right on Lake Tahoe. Action Water Sports can take visitors out on open bow boats, and Team up with Tahoe City Kayak for kayaking and water tours around Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove with CPR and first-aid certified guides. For visitors who have never participated in these activities, it is strongly recommended take a boating safety courseeither online or in-person before heading to pick-up a rental from Tahoe Sports shop. Power Boats come fully fueled with Coast Guard approved safety equipment. Boaters can also rent wetsuits, wake boards and skis.
Fishing
Head out early for a morning of fishing with with Tahoe Sport Fishing Company. Experienced captains lead guests through trolling and jigging on the best spots on the Alpine Lake. Try your luck and cast your lines for Lake Trout, Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout along the South Shore area.
Snowsports
Hit the slopes with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Royal Gorge resort. Trek across 93-miles for dazzling views of Lake Tahoe. Head over to the South Lake Tahoe area for snowmobiling with the Zephyr Cove Snowmobile Center at 9,000 feet. During summer months, ask about Jeep and ATV tours to see the area after the blanket of snow melts.
Rock climbing
Ambitious rock climbers can scale areas like Lover’s Leap, Donner Summit and Big Chief all within 15 miles to an hour of Lake Tahoe. Ambitious rock climbers can scale areas like Lover’s Leap, Donner Summit and Big Chief all within 15 miles to an hour of Lake Tahoe. Scale the Sierras on overhangs, cracks and slabs of granite mountain walls at 7,000 feet. Climbers who need some guidance or want to take a tour can try Alpine Skills International with experienced climbing guides.
