Water Activities
Take advantage of the main attraction and participate in water activities on Lake Tahoe. Rent a watercraft, such as a sailboat, speedboat, canoe, kayak, jet ski or paddle boat to take onto the lake. Most rental places offer hourly rates and operate on a seasonal schedule from May through September. Relax on the sandy shores of Baldwin Beach, Kings Beach State Recreation Area or Nevada Beach. Jump into the water for a swim or just to cool off. Plan a diving excursion in Lake Tahoe. Divers won't see tropical fish or coral reef, but visibility is 45-90 feet during the summer, feeling like you can touch the bottom of the lake.
Hike and Bike
Utilize the hundreds of miles of paths to hike and bike near Lake Tahoe and Reno. Hiking and biking are popular activities for locals and tourists. Ask for a map with bike routes at the visitors center or the local bike shop. Try a ride on Angora Ridge for spectacular views of Fallen Leaf Lake and Mt. Tallac. Take on the challenging terrain on Flume Trail, but enjoy picturesque views of Lake Tahoe. Hike Rubicon Trail for moderate trails with stunning views. Tahoe Rim Trail snakes along the ridge top surrounding the lake. The entire trail is 165 miles, but consider hiking or biking a portion of the trail for incredible views.
Winter Activities
Plan a visit to the Lake Tahoe and Reno area during the winter months. Higher elevations receive a winter accumulation of 30-40 feet of snow annually, but temperatures are mild only dipping into the 20s at night. Many ski resorts open by Thanksgiving weekend and some areas, such as Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows operate through July 4. Try alpine skiing and snowboarding, ice skating or cross country skiing. Enjoy dog sled rides, sleigh rides or snowmobile tours. Rent equipment, purchase lift tickets and take lessons from area resorts.
Article Written By Erica Green
Erica Green has been a freelance journalist since 2008. She has contributed to the Atlantic Publishing Company, Texas Sports, Confessions of a Homeowner and more. Green is currently pursuing a degree in Spanish, and she tutors English Language Learner students. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas and is a certified middle school teacher.
