#OptOutside Tahoe

Suggestions to #OptOutside in Tahoe’s South Shore

West Shore Bliss

Take a stroll along the Lake Shore on the Rubicon Trail which connects D.L. Bliss State Park with Vikingsholm. The trail is about four miles each way but you can shorten it as an out and back to your desired length. Both Vikingsholm and D.L. Bliss are located off Highway 89 on Tahoe’s West Shore about 15 miles north of the Y in South Lake Tahoe. Parking can be a challenge on busy holiday weeks so we recommend getting there early. Better yet, have a backup plan and head to a less crowded trail. Also keep in mind that pets are not allowed on State Park Trails.

Finally a Trail to The Lake!

Found on the corner of Hwy 50 and Kahle Dr, Rabe Meadow/Lam Watah Trail, is a pleasant, stroller and dog-friendly walk to the beach. Choose between a paved path or a dirt trail that winds you through a beautiful meadow and wooded forest ending at Nevada Beach after about 1.5 miles. Pack a picnic for the beach and dip your feet in the water if you’re feeling brave! You’ll find yourself focused on Mt. Tallac while gazing beyond the water; just look for the big, snowy T on the face of the mountain. Don’t let Emerald Bay out of your sight either!

Waterfall with a View?

Just a short walk south from Stateline’s casinos, you’ll find a giant stone showing the entrance to our nation’s first bi-state park, Van Sickle. Follow the park road for a 5 minute walk past the historic barn until you reach the trailhead. From there, the 800′ elevation gain, 1.2 mile hike to the waterfall starts off relatively flat and easy as it winds through massive boulder fields. The second half the trail is a more strenuous, meandering through burn scars from the 2002 Gondola fire which revealed beautiful lake and mountain views. Your destination greets you with the sound of a waterfall, the perfect place for lunch.

Family Friendly Adventure

This hike starts at the gate off Lakeview Avenue in Crystal Bay, NV. On the east side of the Tahoe Biltmore turn up Reservoir Road then take a right on Lakeview Ave and stay right at the fork to remain on Lakeview. When you spot the gate on your left find a parking spot (not in front of the gate) and start heading up the road. Bring a camera and prepare to be gobsmacked! This hike is just over one mile and has under 500 feet of elevation gain. Strollers and the like should have no problem navigating the trail.

Sunset or Sunrise from Picnic Rock

From the Brockway Summit Trailhead off Highway 267 hike east on the Tahoe Rim Trail 1.2 miles to the vista spur trail. Head up to the top, sit back, and enjoy the view. Round trip the trail is about three miles and includes about 800 ft of elevation gain. There may be some snow on the trail, depending on what the weather does over the next week but currently the trail is still easy to navigate. Pro move – Bring a gardening pad for your backside, some friends and family, and your favorite beverage (remember an appropriate opening device too).

Explore Great Heights!

At the summit of HWY 431 use the trailhead on the south side of the road to access Tahoe Meadows, one of our highest trailheads in the Basin. From the trailhead you can enjoy shorter loop trails throughout the meadow or venture out on the Tahoe Rim Trail to panoramic views overlooking Lake Tahoe.  This is an out and back so you can easily make the hike as short or long as you’d like. Be prepared for snow on the trails and in the meadow. The snow is not too deep currently and may be too much for snowshoes unless another storm rolls in. Micro-spikes are always handy to keep traction in the snow and ice.