Exhilarating fun at Lake Tahoe
The clear, beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe lie partly in Nevada, but mostly in California. The local Indians referred to it as the "big sky lake." Beautiful mountains rise up from the water to soar over 4,000 feet above the lake.
In this scenic mountain setting, you will find a retreat abounding in fun and relaxing activities to enjoy all year round. Clear air, mountain breezes and dazzling sunshine add to the charm of this lovely area. Enjoy seasonal sports and unique sightseeing experiences in this legendary land.
Where is Lake Tahoe?
Located in the Sierra Mountain Range, glaciers formed this huge lake thousands of years ago. It is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. It is about 200 miles northeast of San Francisco, Calif. and 58 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada. The highest peak that rises from the lake is Mt. Tallac at 9,735 feet. Freel Peak is the highest point in the Tahoe Basin at 10,881 feet.
Lake Tahoe is at an elevation of 6,229 feet and is one of the deepest lakes in North America. The average depth of the water is over 900 feet and the deepest point is about 1,600 feet. The water is comfortable in the summer for swimming, warming up to 68 degrees. In spite of being on the desert, the colder deep water keeps the water from getting too warm.
There are 63 streams that flow into the lake. The water is 99% pure and so clear that you can clearly see objects under the water. The sun shines for an average of 274 days of the year in the area. But the weather is unpredictable and the average snowfall is 420 inches a year.
Visitor information
The Lake Tahoe Visitor Center is a good place to stop for information on recreation and the national forests. It is operated by the U.S. Forest Service on Highway 88 north of Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe.
The Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center provides information on dining, lodging, entertainment, gaming and recreational activities. It is located on Highway 50 at Round Hill, on the Nevada side. It also features historical information about the area.
Year round enjoyment
Lake Tahoe is a land and lake full of opportunities to enjoy your favorite activity, or to try new ones. There are year-round outdoor and indoor activities for all ages and interests. Whether you are an outdoors person, or like to stay comfortable indoors, there is a multitude of things to choose from. There are over 400 winter events planned so that all visitors have a chance to participate in something.
If you want to soak up the gorgeous scenery, there are many options for you to choose from. Lake cruises are a great way to see the beautiful mountains and lakeshore. Take a two-hour cruise to Emerald Bay or enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on the water. Fishing is available all year round for the dedicated anglers. Bring your boat or take a guided tour.
Go up in a hot air balloon and view the majestic peaks and sparkling water in this Alpine paradise. If you are more adventurous, try a glider ride starting in the mountains and ending in the Carson Valley. Another fantastic way to see the mountains is the Gondola, an enclosed ski lift. It takes guests 2.4 miles up the mountain for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding Sierra Mountains.
More fun activities
You can stay on the ground and see the beautiful scenery as well. Ride a horse-drawn sleigh (www.laketahoetours.net/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=4754 ) through the incredible winter scenery and see fantastic views of the lake. Guided snowmobile tours are available to take you through the wild and untamed forests to the top of Tahoe. You can even have an extreme adventure through the winter landscape on a dogsled. Let a team of huskies drive you through the snow and have a real taste of adventure.
With the kind of country and weather at Lake Tahoe, skiing is one of the most popular activities. Backcountry skiing is for those who wish peace and solitude as they ski through the most fabulous surroundings. Before starting out, check with the U. S. Forestry Service for maps, trail guides, safety guidelines and weather conditions. Echo Lake, Echo Summit and Taylor Creek are some of the best places to access trails.
Visit the downhill ski slopes in several different areas to experience all the different ski adventures. The resorts have matchless mountain backdrops and thrilling terrain. Experience some of North America's best half-pipes and watch the trees whiz by as you fly down the mountains.
Museums and hot springs
There are many other activities to enjoy as well as the outdoor sports. Several casinos offer gaming and entertainment. Museums feature historical information and artifacts and old houses to visit. The Lake Tahoe Historical Museum (www.northtahoemuseums.org/gatekeeper.aspx ), the Old Webster School and Old Log Jail Museums, and the Tallec Historical Site are open from Memorial Day through September.
The hot springs are a divine destination to visit to help you relax after skiing, or to relax in between activities. Grover Hot Springs is in a rustic setting with Hawkins and Markleeville Peaks overlooking the grounds. Wally's Hot Springs have been around since the 1800s, and it's still an elegant and luxurious place to enjoy the springs. The waters are typically around 100 degrees.
Popular resorts
On Lake Tahoe's south shore you will find the Horizon Casino Resort (www.horizoncasino.com ). Everything you need is there… the casino, skiing, golf, entertainment and movie theaters to give their guests the ultimate vacation. The Tahoe Biltmore is on the north shore and it features exciting casinos and live entertainment, as well as reasonable rates. The Carson Hot Springs Resort is built around the hot springs where guests can enjoy a large outdoor pool or private baths.
Lake Tahoe has numerous parks and resorts to provide you with all the recreation and entertainment that this beautiful place has to offer. Winter fun includes skiing, sledding, snowboarding and numerous snow activities. In summer enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, rafting and many outdoor pursuits. Explore the variety and extent of this historic and picturesque region.