By Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette Journal
Humorist Mark Twain called it “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”
Naturalist John Muir said it was “so terrestrial yet so openly spiritual.”
Writer Isabella Bird described it as a “pine-hung lake which mirrors all beauty on its surface.”
Lake Tahoe’s clear blue waters, nestled among alpine peaks and majestic pines, have been drawing visitors for thousands of years, and they’re still a draw for millions of annual visitors today. Here are the best ways to enjoy one of America’s most beautiful lakes.
Where is Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, situated high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the California-Nevada state line. On the map, it’s roughly 20 miles south-southwest of Reno and 70 miles east-northeast of Sacramento. But don’t let those distances fool you; actually getting from those cities to the lake means traveling on winding Sierra highways.
The 22-mile-long, 12-mile-wide snow-fed lake holds 40 trillion gallons of water and is surrounded by 72 miles of shoreline. Two-thirds of the lake is in California, and three-quarters of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s permanent population is in California. The majority of visitors are to the lake’s south shore, in South Lake Tahoe, the basin’s largest city, and in adjacent Stateline, home to Tahoe’s largest casino resorts.
What to see around Lake Tahoe
Tahoe’s famously clear waters are a must-see, whether you’re standing on the shore, swimming and kayaking out on the water, or crossing the lake on a dinner or wine-tasting cruise.
But getting in the lake’s often-frigid waters is the definitive Tahoe experience. The Lake Tahoe Basin has a few dozen public-access beaches for swimmers, boaters and kayakers.
Here are a few other ways you can enjoy Lake Tahoe:
Hiking: If you prefer keeping your feet dry, there are countless hiking trails, including the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail as well as shorter excursions that explore the Tahoe National Forest and several waterfalls that feed the lake. Altogether, the Lake Tahoe Basin features nearly 600 miles of hiking trails for all abilities.
The lake is also a stunning backdrop for a number of activities, from skiing and gaming to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every July and August.
Skiing: A handful of ski resorts have ski runs with lake views ― namely, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Diamond Peak, Homewood Mountain Resort and Palisades Tahoe.
Gaming and resorts: The largest casinos are along Tahoe’s south shore in Stateline, though there are some resorts in Incline Village and Crystal Bay on the north side. Nearly all of them have restaurants that overlook the lake, including Friday’s Station at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and the Sage Room Steak House at Caesars Republic, both in Stateline.
What visitors say about Lake Tahoe
Visitor reviews on Google give Lake Tahoe a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers call the lake “absolutely stunning” and a “bucket-list destination,” and say that “it’s very convenient to go shopping for food, eating out, grabbing a cup of coffee, and renting snow gear for skiing.”
Among those less impressed with Lake Tahoe, reviewers complained about traffic, parking and crowded beaches, and said it was too expensive in general.
Plan your visit
Best time: Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada are solidly in four-season country, and everyone’s idea of “best time” may vary.
For those looking to experience the lakeshore itself, summer can’t be beat. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed the 70s and 80s, and the water itself hovers between 65° and 70°.
But be prepared to circle for parking. Tahoe is a popular destination for residents in northwestern Nevada and California’s central valley looking to escape summertime heat.
If your preferred method of enjoying the lake is from the slopes, or watching the snow fall from inside a cozy cabin, December through March is your best bet. The most predictable snowfall in January and February.
If you’d rather enjoy a hike in crisp mountain air, spring and fall are ideal. To catch nearby waterfalls in their full glory, try April and May for snowmelt at its strongest.
Finding a beach: There are more than 40 public beaches around Lake Tahoe, with amenities ranging from boat access and tennis courts to overnight camping and restroom facilities. Visit tahoepublicbeaches.org to discover your ideal spot.
Finding a trail: To find the trail that meets your expectations and hiking ability, check out tahoetrailguide.com.
Getting there: Reno-Tahoe International Airport, about an hour’s drive from curbside to lakefront, is the closest airport to Tahoe, but Sacramento International Airport (a little over two hours away) and airports in the San Francisco Bay Area (four to five hours away) are both viable options.
From Reno to Tahoe’s north shore, take I-580 south to NV-431, a winding two-lane highway up Mount Rose. From Reno to the high-rise casinos on Tahoe’s south shore, take U.S. 395 south to Carson City, and drive up U.S. 50 W toward Stateline.
From Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay, your driving options are I-80 east to Truckee, then CA-267 south to arrive at Tahoe’s north shore; or the scenic U.S. 50 to arrive at Tahoe’s south shore.
USA 250 Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
