With its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty, more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and a landscape where mountains, desert and water collide, Nevada’s Lake Tahoe is a postcard-perfect destination built for every kind of adventure.
Referred to as “the Jewel of the Sierra”, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake. Formed more than two million years ago, its ancient origins are reflected in the dramatic landscape that surrounds it, creating an incredible playground for adventurous hearts.
Hit the road on the Lake Tahoe Loop to explore the broader Reno Tahoe region and discover the quirkiness and charm that Nevada is synonymous with. For the more adventurous, join a tour to conquer the region’s mountain bike trails, paddleboard on the lake, or raft the river rapids. For a slower pace, travellers can jump on board the M.S. Dixie II for a lake cruise, hike scenic trails, or find a quiet lookout to watch the sun dip behind the Sierra Nevada.
Set your sights on the following adventures:
Ride the river rapids: Get the adrenaline pumping on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Truckee River, with icy water flowing directly from the mountains right into the heart of Reno’s Riverwalk District. Sierra Adventures offer a variety of experiences at Reno’s Truckee River Whitewater Park, open year-round for kayaking, canoeing, inner tubing and whitewater rafting.
A freshwater dip: During the warmer months, the clear sparkling water of Lake Tahoe offers a fresh cool down after a day of exploring. There are plenty of quiet coves and lake-side sandy beaches to take the plunge including Sand Harbor State Park, Chimney Beach and Hidden Beach.
Peaceful paddling: Kayaking Lake Tahoe is a must. Paddle by the granite boulders beneath the surface and to hidden coves. Clearly Tahoe Kayak Tours offer guided paddle tours in their iconic transparent vessels, for views from every angle while gliding across the crystal-clear waterway. Or, hire a SUP and skim across the water at leisure.
Hire a bike and hit the trails: Reno Tahoe has cycling trails for every level. Hire a bike from Big Blue Bike Rentals or Flume Trail Bikes and explore the must-sees:
Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail: Dubbed as “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”, this paved, scenic path runs for 4.8 kilometers from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, perfect for a lakeside cycle with plenty of public beach access points to stop along the way for a dip or picnic lunch.
Flume Trail: One of the most iconic rides in the region, with the trail winding between Spooner Lake and Sand Harbor and high above Lake Tahoe for unbeatable views. A shuttle bus can be arranged, including pedal-assist and traditional bike hire with pick up locations from accommodation to trailhead.
See the Reno Tahoe Biking Guide for more.
A hiker’s paradise: From peaceful lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs, the region offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The East Shore Trail – also great for cycling – provides flat walking and easy access to beaches and crystal-clear water. Tunnel Creek Trail is another popular route with sweeping views of the lake from the ‘Monkey Rock’ formation.
Boating adventure: Head to Zephyr Cove and hop aboard the famous M.S. Dixie II, the triple-decker, 500-passenger, Mississippi-style paddle wheeler that has been cruising Lake Tahoe’s sapphire-blue waters since 1972, and which still offers daytime and sunset dinner cruises.
Start planning a Reno-Tahoe adventure in Nevada at travelnevada.com.
