Lake Tahoe

Understand

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful, deep blue lake nestled among mountain peaks. It has depths of up to 1,600 feet (490 m) and the mountain peaks are in the 8,000 (2,400 m)- to 10,000-foot (3,000 m) range. During the summer, boating, camping, and hiking are popular activities. Winter sports are popular during the colder months (December-April). Lake Tahoe has been a tourist destination since the turn of the 20th century, when steam trains and improving roads made it possible to visit with ease. The 1960 Winter Olympics, held at Olympic Valley, popularized winter sports at Tahoe.

Getting there

By plane Most visitors fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO IATA), about an hour's drive to Truckee on Interstate 80. To reach the major casinos and largest lake community, South Lake Tahoe, take I-580 south from the airport then west on U.S. Hwy 50. North Lake Tahoe and Incline Village is best reached from the airport via I-580 south for 8 miles (13 km) then west on Mount Rose Highway. Shuttle service is provided several times per day by either the North Lake Tahoe Express or the South Tahoe Airporter. Major airports are also just south of San Francisco, about 4 hours away, Oakland, about 3 hours away, and Sacramento, about 2 hours away. There are also two smaller general aviation airports closer to the Lake, one in Truckee that supports a short runway and mostly propeller airplanes, the second is in South Lake Tahoe. The South Lake Tahoe airport used to host commercial flights, and its runway is long enough to facilitate a 737 jet. There used to be several commercial airlines that flew into the South Lake Tahoe airport, but due to noise abatement and other political issues, and the fact that the Reno/Tahoe International Airport is only an hour's drive away, these flights have ceased to operate altogether.

By car Getting into the Lake Tahoe region by car is perhaps the most popular method of transportation, but it is not without its hassles and headaches, especially for the first-time visitor.

Winter driving Be aware that you're driving into a mountainous region that receives heavy snowfall throughout the winter season and other times. Although road conditions are usually clear between April and November, it is not unheard of for heavy snow to fall as late as June, sometimes spontaneously in seemingly warm weather. Always carry snow chains in your car. If roads are slick with snow or ice, CalTrans will implement chain control, which usually means you need chains installed on your tires for the affected stretch of highway unless you are in a fou

Getting around

Along the north shore and Truckee, there is a bus service run by TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit). Several services exist along the south shore as well. Stateline casino resorts in South Lake Tahoe have free shuttle buses to most of the ski resorts. Most of the shuttle buses do not check if you are staying at the resort. Cabs can be scarce, so a rental car may be a wise decision. Hitchhiking is also common in the north shore, although usually for shorter regional distances. The majority of rides are given by local residents.

See

See the views of the Lake from the Homewood Chairlifts. See the mountain valley on the hike up the Emerald bay hiking trail. See the hillside letters which are marked on several mountain ranges throughout Nevada. Closest is the 'C' in Carson City. These letters are rumored to be used by pilots who are flying over the planes and use them as directional guides, but really they are a representation of many Nevadan school's pride, who have placed these letters on hills for centuries. Most of these letters still remain and have been taken care of by farmers.

Do

Horseback riding There are many places to go horseback riding in Lake Tahoe. Below is a list of stables where they offer guided trails and tours of Lake Tahoe mountain ranges.

1 Camp Richardson's Corral, 4 Emerald Bay Road (at Fallen Leaf Road) (South Lake Tahoe), ☏ +1 530 541-3113. All rides are guided and at a walk - Kids have to be 6 yrs or older - weight limit of 225 lb (102 kg). Reservations are required. Open in the summer for horseback riding, and winter for sleigh rides. 2-hour and 4-hour trail rides. The Breakfast Ride, 8AM to 10AM, is a brisk morning ride to bacon and eggs, hotcakes and cowboy coffee. The Steak Ride, 4:30PM to 7PM, is an easy ride for Mom and Dad, but exciting for the kids, through wooded trails, across Taylor Creek and back to a western steak barbecue. (updated May 2026) 2 Squaw Valley Stables, 1525 Olympic Valley Road (Olympic Valley), ☏ +1 530 510-2090. June through September. Call for reservations. Ride the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Has a wide variety of horses. Gentle horses for gentle people, spirited horses for spirited people, and for those who don't like to ride there are horses that don't like to be ridden. One-hour ride (9AM-4PM every hour). Two-hour ride (9AM, 11AM & 2PM). Half-day ride (1:30PM). Private rides - reservations required. Pony rides (10AM-noon & 1PM- 4PM - you lead 20 minutes). (updated May 2026)

Ski resorts There are many resorts in the Tahoe region for skiers and snowboarders. Lifts are open whenever the snows begin (usually around mid-November) and close when the weather becomes too warm and the snow stops (usually around mid to late-April, though resorts have sometimes closed as late as July 4th). Conditions will vary depending on the resort, and not all mountains are the same.

North Shore 3 Alpine Meadows. On Highway 89 between Tahoe City and Interstate 80; Alpine is one of the most well established resorts in Lake Tahoe, it boasts a large network of new high speed lifts and enough variety in

Buy

You can rent skiing or snowboarding equipment directly at the mountain. However, to save money and increase your available choices, you might want to rent from one of the many Ski Shops in the North Tahoe Area including Granite Chief Sports, Squaw Valley Sports, Tahoe Dave's, and Porter's in Tahoe City. South Lake Tahoe has a dozen ski shops and rental businesses, including George's Discount Ski Rentals, The Ski Renter and Rainbow Mountain Sports. Also there are 2-3 companies who will deliver equipment directly to your hotel room. You can also rent from REI, Any Mountain, Helm of Sun Valley, and Marmot Mountain Works in the Bay Area (and probably other places too).

Eat

There are over 273 restaurants in Lake Tahoe to choose from. The types of food you can find there ranges from Chinese to Indian Cuisine. While there are several of the usual chain restaurants, South Lake Tahoe has almost 200 independent food businesses, a few who have operated there for over 50 years. To get a unique flavor of Lake Tahoe try several of the independent restaurants.

Drink & nightlife

Tahoe City and Olympic Valley have a good selection of bars and nightlife. The major casinos and shows are located on the South Shore at Stateline / South Lake Tahoe.

Sleep

Hotels are, of course, an option. Book in advance, especially in the winter or summer seaso