Lake Tahoe
A huge, deep, dazzlingly clear alpine lake high in the Sierra Nevada - beaches and boating in summer, world-class skiing in winter.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Lake Tahoe is a vast, deep alpine lake straddling California and Nevada high in the Sierra Nevada, ringed by mountains and famous for water so clear it glows turquoise over the shallows. In summer it is a playground of beaches, boating and hiking; in winter its slopes hold some of the best skiing in the country.
What you actually see
- Emerald Bay - the turquoise bay with its tiny island, the classic Tahoe view.
- The beaches - Sand Harbor and others for swimming in the clear water.
- The rim trails - the hikes and the Tahoe Rim Trail around the lake.
- Winter skiing - the resorts around the lake, including Palisades and Heavenly.
When to go
Summer for the beaches, clear water and hiking; winter for skiing and snow. Spring and autumn are quieter shoulder seasons. Each side of the lake and season has its own character.
Honest expectations
It is very popular, so summer weekends and the ski season bring heavy traffic, crowds and pricey lodging around the lake. The water stays cold even in summer, refreshing rather than warm. The south shore is more built up; the east and west are quieter.
Nearby
Reno is close on the Nevada side; Yosemite and the eastern Sierra lie to the south.
What to pack for Lake Tahoe
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
