Can a girl have it all? Maybe at Tahoe. It has everything you can wish for on a fitcation from watersports, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, to lounging on a sandy white beach with a tropical drink. There were moments that it was quite easy to imagine I was on a Caribbean vacation soaking up the sun.
We went in June which is a great time to go because it is outside of the peak tourist season, but you can still get warm weather. Spring and Fall are both shoulder seasons for Lake Tahoe which means less people and lower prices, a win-win for me.
When it comes to location, I like somewhere between tourist central and off the beaten path. After extensive research I decided on Incline Village. It has beaches, restaurants, and even a casino, if that is your thing. It is also on the Nevada side which means less taxes tagged onto your Airbnb or Hotel fees.
Fun facts about Tahoe:
- At 6,225 ft. elevation it holds the title of largest alpine lake in the United States.
- At 1,645 ft. depth it is the 2nd deepest lake in the United States and 16th in the world (For reference the Empire state building is 1,245 ft.)
- It has 72 miles of shoreline and 30 beaches.
- It draws somewhere around 15 million visitors each year.
- It lies on the border of two states: California and Nevada.
- It holds the longest unbroken water clarity record at 102 feet (this measurement was taken in 1968). While the water clarity today is not as perfect it is still awe inspiring.
Things to know before you go:
- The Sun is different at 6225 ft. elevation: The intensity of the sun is stronger at altitude. There is a 6 to 10 percent increase in UV exposure for every thousand feet of elevation. So if you are used to living somewhere that’s below 1000 ft. elevation sunscreen is going to be your best friend.
- There is less oxygen: If you suddenly feel out of shape hiking Tahoe it might just be the elevation. At 6,000 ft. elevation there is 17% less oxygen than at sea level.
- The water is cold: It may look like a Caribbean beach but its not. The water in Tahoe averages about 50 degrees so unless you are a polar dip expert the temperature might come as a shock to your system, literally.
- Hydration is Key: If you are not used to living at higher elevations staying hydrated is important. Your body will dehydrate faster at higher elevations. While Lake Tahoe is not above 8,000 ft. (Elevation associated with Altitude Sickness) it is still considered high elevation and you will feel the affects of that to some degree. Make sure you carry water with you on outings and stay hydrated.
- Parking is at a Premium: Parking spots fill up fast! Be prepared to get up early to snag a spot or else you will be hiking in for miles along a busy road with no sidewalk or shoulder.
My Favorite Places:
SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK (.7 to 15 mile Hikes)
Sugar Pine State Park is on the California side of Tahoe and is worth the stop. This was originally the property of San Francisco businessman I. W. Hellman who built Pine Lodge in 1903 as his summer home.
If you search Hellman-Ehrman Mansion a few hundred wedding photos will pop up – there is a reason, why. The grounds are expansive, beautiful and the views are drop dead gorgeous.
SECRET COVE TRAIL (2.6 Miles out and back hike)
This is such a beautiful small cove and if you get here early you can have it all to yourself. The shallow water near the beach is dotted with white boulders, making for some great Instagram pics. I will give you a head’s up though, this is considered a local nudist beach. If that doesn’t bother you, it is definitely worth a stop.
BAYVIEW AND EAGLE LAKE TRAIL LOOP (6.8 miles with 1,929 elevation gain)
This hike will give ya booty gains! At the trailhead you head straight up and don’t stop, but the views of Emerald Bay are gorgeous. If you are in it for just the viewpoint, all you have to hike is 1.9 miles so this is sort of a choose your own adventure (activity level).
TRUCKEE RIVER BIKE & WALKING TRAIL (7.5 MILES)
The Truckee River Bike Trail is everything that the title says. It is a scenic paved bike path that runs alongside the Truckee River. We rented our bikes at Squaw Valley Bikes which had a decent selection and were reasonably priced. Definitely recommend.
CAVE ROCK TRAIL (.8 MILES)
This hike may be short but its worth it. The views are beautiful! From a very, very small parking lot you will hike up above a highway tunnel. From the top, you will have panoramic views of Tahoe Lake. Word of warning, this is not for for those scared of heights.
Sand Harbor – State Park
This park has so many options for activities – I LOVE IT. The park includes multiple sandy beaches dotted with boulders (similar to Secret Cove Beach), a boat launch, and a 3 mile paved bike path that connects to Incline Village. There are Kayak and Paddle board rentals near the boat launch. This is such a beautiful place to be out on the water or lounge on the beach. Word of caution, watch out for the local wildlife. The chipmunks and birds will steal your food right out of your bag. No joke!
The park also has nice bathroom facilities as well as a full on restaurant/snack bar. You have everything you need to enjoy the day here.
The picture below is actually from Incline Village looking toward South Tahoe. Sand Harbor would be on the left side of this picture, just out of view.
If you decide to visit this beautiful place, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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