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Visitors' Guide
ENLARGE
Lake Tahoe has been called America’s Adventure place — and with endless activities to participate in no matter the season, it’s easy to see why it received that title. Be it outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, boating, swimming, hiking or indoor activities like live music and gambling, Tahoe is the place to be. Here are the Bonanza staff’s 10 activities to try in 2009.
Hiking at Eagle Lake
A hike to Eagle Lake, accessible from the Eagle Falls recreational area on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, southwest of Emerald Bay, is the perfect hike-for-reward trek in the area. The 25 or so minutes it takes to hike to Eagle Lake, the first accessible lake in the Desolation Wilderness, is well worth it. Picturesque views of Tahoe are visible on the way up, giving way to a beautiful alpine lake in front of you. Once you’re there, spend the day picking your way around the lake, bouldering at times, and take breaks from the heat by sliding into the lake’s icy waters. Caves located on the back end of the lake are great for exploring, while marshy areas on the lake’s north shore are the perfect hideout for finding creatures like snakes and frogs. For the adventurous looking for a secluded spot to sunbathe, brave the frosty waters and swim out to an Island just off the lake’s South shore. Bring some friends, you won’t be disappointed by a day in Sierra-paradise.
A hike to Eagle Lake, accessible from the Eagle Falls recreational area on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, southwest of Emerald Bay, is the perfect hike-for-reward trek in the area. The 25 or so minutes it takes to hike to Eagle Lake, the first accessible lake in the Desolation Wilderness, is well worth it. Picturesque views of Tahoe are visible on the way up, giving way to a beautiful alpine lake in front of you. Once you’re there, spend the day picking your way around the lake, bouldering at times, and take breaks from the heat by sliding into the lake’s icy waters. Caves located on the back end of the lake are great for exploring, while marshy areas on the lake’s north shore are the perfect hideout for finding creatures like snakes and frogs. For the adventurous looking for a secluded spot to sunbathe, brave the frosty waters and swim out to an Island just off the lake’s South shore. Bring some friends, you won’t be disappointed by a day in Sierra-paradise.
Last Tracks
Après-ski. It’s a wonderful concept: to collapse tired and happy, still in full ski gear, and bask in the afterglow of a day on the slopes with friends or family. But what if you never had to leave the slopes? Diamond Peak takes this relaxing tradition to a whole new level with its Last Tracks Wine Tasting events, held on Saturdays throughout the season. When the mountain closes down at 4 p.m., Last Tracks patrons take the last ride up Lakeview Lift to the midmountain Snowflake Lodge to enjoy assorted wines and appetizers as the sun slowly sinks over the Sierras. The view is breathtaking no matter the time of year, and alpenglow paints the sky all around as mountain employees work to groom out the day’s tracks. At 6 p.m., it’s time to strap on your gear for one last run to the bottom on perfect blue corduroy. This is the best way to cap a great day of turns.
- Jen Schmidt, Bonanza Photographer
Après-ski. It’s a wonderful concept: to collapse tired and happy, still in full ski gear, and bask in the afterglow of a day on the slopes with friends or family. But what if you never had to leave the slopes? Diamond Peak takes this relaxing tradition to a whole new level with its Last Tracks Wine Tasting events, held on Saturdays throughout the season. When the mountain closes down at 4 p.m., Last Tracks patrons take the last ride up Lakeview Lift to the midmountain Snowflake Lodge to enjoy assorted wines and appetizers as the sun slowly sinks over the Sierras. The view is breathtaking no matter the time of year, and alpenglow paints the sky all around as mountain employees work to groom out the day’s tracks. At 6 p.m., it’s time to strap on your gear for one last run to the bottom on perfect blue corduroy. This is the best way to cap a great day of turns.
- Jen Schmidt, Bonanza Photographer
Try your luck
It’s March and it’s dumping outside. Time to ski and ride, right? Ask any Tahoe local or visitor, they’ll say yes. But what if, just for one day, you didn’t feel like spending it at the mountain? What if you wanted to stay warm, just once? Maybe these seven words can do the trick — March Madness, sports book, North Shore casinos. In Tahoe, March is still winter, not spring, so instead of bombing down your favorite run at whichever resort, try your luck in the 2009 NCAA college basketball tournament. The best part about it is anyone — literally — can play, and no matter your method (whether it’s research, best nickname or prettiest uniforms), watching that 13 seed upset a 4 seed (and YOU PICKED IT!) is a rush.
Imagine if you had bet on that game, too? The opening weekend for the NCAA tourney is the biggest for sports betting in the nation.
So why not take a break from the slopes, go to Crystal Bay, enjoy a few drinks, and go back and forth from the casinos and catch one of sports’ greatest spectacles. Hey, you might even win some money while you’re at it.
- Kevin MacMillan, Bonanza Editor
It’s March and it’s dumping outside. Time to ski and ride, right? Ask any Tahoe local or visitor, they’ll say yes. But what if, just for one day, you didn’t feel like spending it at the mountain? What if you wanted to stay warm, just once? Maybe these seven words can do the trick — March Madness, sports book, North Shore casinos. In Tahoe, March is still winter, not spring, so instead of bombing down your favorite run at whichever resort, try your luck in the 2009 NCAA college basketball tournament. The best part about it is anyone — literally — can play, and no matter your method (whether it’s research, best nickname or prettiest uniforms), watching that 13 seed upset a 4 seed (and YOU PICKED IT!) is a rush.
Imagine if you had bet on that game, too? The opening weekend for the NCAA tourney is the biggest for sports betting in the nation.
So why not take a break from the slopes, go to Crystal Bay, enjoy a few drinks, and go back and forth from the casinos and catch one of sports’ greatest spectacles. Hey, you might even win some money while you’re at it.
- Kevin MacMillan, Bonanza Editor
Explore in snowshoes
In the winter the best way to experience Tahoe is on a pair of snowshoes. Snowshoes can be rented at most local sports stores around the lake but if you are a local and own a pair it provides many wonderful adventures as well as an opportunity to exercise all winter long.
Most locals go to the Tahoe Meadows area off Highway 431. From this location you can head into the forest to find some incredible lake views and if you take along some pine nuts, stop and feed the mountain chickadees. This is definitely part of the Tahoe experience as they will come right into your hand to eat the pine nuts.
Sometimes during a fresh dumping of snow try snowshoeing right through the village or down along Lakeshore Boulevard. It is another great way to get around before cars can get out and about or sidewalks opened.
- Jean Eick, Bonanza Community Editor
In the winter the best way to experience Tahoe is on a pair of snowshoes. Snowshoes can be rented at most local sports stores around the lake but if you are a local and own a pair it provides many wonderful adventures as well as an opportunity to exercise all winter long.
Most locals go to the Tahoe Meadows area off Highway 431. From this location you can head into the forest to find some incredible lake views and if you take along some pine nuts, stop and feed the mountain chickadees. This is definitely part of the Tahoe experience as they will come right into your hand to eat the pine nuts.
Sometimes during a fresh dumping of snow try snowshoeing right through the village or down along Lakeshore Boulevard. It is another great way to get around before cars can get out and about or sidewalks opened.
- Jean Eick, Bonanza Community Editor
A day in the park
For the outdoorsy folk, it might become a bit boring running and cycling every day during a Lake Tahoe summers. Hey, don’t get me wrong — who doesn’t like to be in shape? But for those who (enjoy?) that same route the same day, try this out for size. Spend a day this summer at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, the little community between Tahoe City and Incline Village. First, there’s a disc golf course (or Frisbee golf, or frolf — whatever you want to call it) strewn among the woods. The best part is disc golf is like regular golf — it’s OK to be horrible at it, because it’s fun. Or if you’re looking for less leisure, try out one or all of the various military exercise posts stationed throughout the park. It’s quite the workout. But maybe the best feature is the nearly-new synthetic turf fields at the park. Gather enough friends and play a full-fledged game of touch football. Or better yet, play a full-field soccer match, as the field is equipped with regulation goals. In the end, it’ll be a workout anyway. Or just a fun time. Nothing boring about that.
- Kevin MacMillan, Bonanza Editor
For the outdoorsy folk, it might become a bit boring running and cycling every day during a Lake Tahoe summers. Hey, don’t get me wrong — who doesn’t like to be in shape? But for those who (enjoy?) that same route the same day, try this out for size. Spend a day this summer at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, the little community between Tahoe City and Incline Village. First, there’s a disc golf course (or Frisbee golf, or frolf — whatever you want to call it) strewn among the woods. The best part is disc golf is like regular golf — it’s OK to be horrible at it, because it’s fun. Or if you’re looking for less leisure, try out one or all of the various military exercise posts stationed throughout the park. It’s quite the workout. But maybe the best feature is the nearly-new synthetic turf fields at the park. Gather enough friends and play a full-fledged game of touch football. Or better yet, play a full-field soccer match, as the field is equipped with regulation goals. In the end, it’ll be a workout anyway. Or just a fun time. Nothing boring about that.
- Kevin MacMillan, Bonanza Editor
Just take a hike
A favorite way to spend any summer day in Tahoe is go “take a hike.” And there just is no other place around Tahoe to hike but on the Tahoe Rim Trail. With 165 miles of trails all around the lake, you cannot help but find a great trail to follow.
One to try is the Echo Lakes Trail head which offers many different options from easy to difficult all in one location. To reach the trail head, take Highway 50 to the Echo Summit. Watch for the trail head sign which is at Johnson Pass Road. Stay on Johnson Pass Road and when you reach a fork in the road, go left to the Lower Echo Lake parking area. The parking area is usually full so park alongside the road and expect to start your hike from the car.
The little store at Echo Lake is a special treat — not only because it provides everything through hikers and beginning hikers might need out on the trail, but also the fresh food is great and the fresh berry shakes are outstanding.
A good way to start a hike is to take the Water Taxi to Upper Echo Lake. It gives you a great view of the homes along the lake and remember — no electricity is available around the lake. After the water taxi ride your hike can begin and you can either do the easy hike along the trail or go into the Desolation Wilderness. Be sure to have your TRTA map so you know elevations and distances for any of the hikes.
- Jean Eick, Bonanza Community Editor
A favorite way to spend any summer day in Tahoe is go “take a hike.” And there just is no other place around Tahoe to hike but on the Tahoe Rim Trail. With 165 miles of trails all around the lake, you cannot help but find a great trail to follow.
One to try is the Echo Lakes Trail head which offers many different options from easy to difficult all in one location. To reach the trail head, take Highway 50 to the Echo Summit. Watch for the trail head sign which is at Johnson Pass Road. Stay on Johnson Pass Road and when you reach a fork in the road, go left to the Lower Echo Lake parking area. The parking area is usually full so park alongside the road and expect to start your hike from the car.
The little store at Echo Lake is a special treat — not only because it provides everything through hikers and beginning hikers might need out on the trail, but also the fresh food is great and the fresh berry shakes are outstanding.
A good way to start a hike is to take the Water Taxi to Upper Echo Lake. It gives you a great view of the homes along the lake and remember — no electricity is available around the lake. After the water taxi ride your hike can begin and you can either do the easy hike along the trail or go into the Desolation Wilderness. Be sure to have your TRTA map so you know elevations and distances for any of the hikes.
- Jean Eick, Bonanza Community Editor
Stand-up paddling
Summer affords many activities on Lake Tahoe, from kayaking to swimming to boating to searching for crawdads, but this year why not try something new? Stand-up paddling is a great way to stay cool on the lake without cooling off too much. An activity that requires only a paddle and board, it increases your ability to explore the rocky shores and coves of Tahoe. It’s a sport that offers something for everyone: a way for athletes to cross-train and stay in shape, an opportunity to enjoy the lake’s pristine waters without having to brave the chill, or just a pleasant new way to play at the beach. Whether you step aboard to paddle over the East shore’s sparkling waters or just take a ride to work your core and upper body, there are many reasons this innovative sport is picking up momentum all around the world and especially in the Tahoe area. There are already several rental shops on the North Shore, with Tahoe Paddle & Oar in Kings Beach and Adrift Tahoe in Incline Village. So next summer put down the cumbersome beach gear and forget hauling your boat around; pick up this emerging sport that seems made for Tahoe and with every stroke through the glassy water you’ll thank yourself for embracing this new tradition.
- Jen Schmidt, Bonanza Photographer
Summer affords many activities on Lake Tahoe, from kayaking to swimming to boating to searching for crawdads, but this year why not try something new? Stand-up paddling is a great way to stay cool on the lake without cooling off too much. An activity that requires only a paddle and board, it increases your ability to explore the rocky shores and coves of Tahoe. It’s a sport that offers something for everyone: a way for athletes to cross-train and stay in shape, an opportunity to enjoy the lake’s pristine waters without having to brave the chill, or just a pleasant new way to play at the beach. Whether you step aboard to paddle over the East shore’s sparkling waters or just take a ride to work your core and upper body, there are many reasons this innovative sport is picking up momentum all around the world and especially in the Tahoe area. There are already several rental shops on the North Shore, with Tahoe Paddle & Oar in Kings Beach and Adrift Tahoe in Incline Village. So next summer put down the cumbersome beach gear and forget hauling your boat around; pick up this emerging sport that seems made for Tahoe and with every stroke through the glassy water you’ll thank yourself for embracing this new tradition.
- Jen Schmidt, Bonanza Photographer
Take a drive
You’ll never get tired of the views on the way to any of Lake Tahoe is ski resorts. From the odd rock formations side-saddling Squaw Valley, U.S.A and Alpine Meadows to the lake views from Homewood and Diamond Peak, your eyes won’t be disappointed. But, if you’re looking for something a little different, or just a substantial road trip, take the 45-minute-plus drive down Highway 88 South of Lake Tahoe to Kirkwood Mountain. The turns you’ll make are epic, the runs are varied between steep groomers and tree-runs and the mountain rarely seems packed. It has an untamed feel, since there are no towns nearby, everyone must drive in specifically to ski or ride. Not to ice skate. Not to dine or ride scenic cable cars. The mountain is there for you to ski or ride, which in this age of super-deluxe villages is refreshing. You’ll end up spending more on gas for the trip, but for something different, Kirkwood is well worth it.
- Kyle Magin, Bonanza Staff Write
You’ll never get tired of the views on the way to any of Lake Tahoe is ski resorts. From the odd rock formations side-saddling Squaw Valley, U.S.A and Alpine Meadows to the lake views from Homewood and Diamond Peak, your eyes won’t be disappointed. But, if you’re looking for something a little different, or just a substantial road trip, take the 45-minute-plus drive down Highway 88 South of Lake Tahoe to Kirkwood Mountain. The turns you’ll make are epic, the runs are varied between steep groomers and tree-runs and the mountain rarely seems packed. It has an untamed feel, since there are no towns nearby, everyone must drive in specifically to ski or ride. Not to ice skate. Not to dine or ride scenic cable cars. The mountain is there for you to ski or ride, which in this age of super-deluxe villages is refreshing. You’ll end up spending more on gas for the trip, but for something different, Kirkwood is well worth it.
- Kyle Magin, Bonanza Staff Write
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
There is no better way to watch the famous works of the Bard then during sunset with Lake Tahoe peaking out from the set. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival combines the beauty of nature with some of the most beautiful words ever written. The only thing that outshines the glowing lake is the captivating performances. What could make this scene better? A bottle of wine and some delicious food. All together, these elements make up a perfect evening.
- Annie Flanzraich, Bonanza News Editor
There is no better way to watch the famous works of the Bard then during sunset with Lake Tahoe peaking out from the set. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival combines the beauty of nature with some of the most beautiful words ever written. The only thing that outshines the glowing lake is the captivating performances. What could make this scene better? A bottle of wine and some delicious food. All together, these elements make up a perfect evening.
- Annie Flanzraich, Bonanza News Editor
Ice skating at Northstar
Ever have dreams of being a gold-medal-winning-ice-skater? I did as a kid, and to be honest, I’ve never quite gotten over them. The Village at Northstar is the perfect place for me to live out my dreams ... and grab a hot cocoa afterwards. Their cozy ice-skating rink is complete with fresh ice and bench-surrounded fire pits to rest after a few turns around the rink. But best of all are the s’mores kits. With a few long sticks, handmade marshmallows, gooey chocolate and crunchy graham crackers, these kits are the prefect treat after a few falls on the ice (not that I’ve ever fallen).
- Annie Flanzraich, Bonanza News Editor
Ever have dreams of being a gold-medal-winning-ice-skater? I did as a kid, and to be honest, I’ve never quite gotten over them. The Village at Northstar is the perfect place for me to live out my dreams ... and grab a hot cocoa afterwards. Their cozy ice-skating rink is complete with fresh ice and bench-surrounded fire pits to rest after a few turns around the rink. But best of all are the s’mores kits. With a few long sticks, handmade marshmallows, gooey chocolate and crunchy graham crackers, these kits are the prefect treat after a few falls on the ice (not that I’ve ever fallen).
- Annie Flanzraich, Bonanza News Editor
