Officially our office will be closed next Friday for Family Day. Unofficially, it’s #OptOutside Day at our office and our staff will be taking full advantage. Enjoy the grand adventure out your door and take a break from the crazy to enjoy your thing! We’re joining REI to promote the amazing benefits of time spent outdoors. We hope that you’ll find some inspiration if you are lucky enough to have the day off to spend some of it outside.
If you find yourself in our neck of the woods (Tahoe) here are some great ideas to #OptOutside
Why Opt Out You Ask…
There are numerous physical and mental benefits to time spent outside. Here are just a few.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Heading outdoors will give eyes a chance to focus on things further away and have a rest from close-up work, and it also exposes our eyes to brighter outdoor light which appears to reduce our risks of developing short-sightedness.
Be Happy
Did you know the scent of fresh pine has been shown to lower depression and anxiety? Furthermore, the scent of flowers, including jasmine, lilacs and roses can decrease stress and increase relaxation. The outdoors makes us happy, from a stroll with your favorite pup to a ride down a new trail, it’s hard to be a grump when you’re enjoying time spent outside.
Stay Healthy and Fit
Research published in the Journal of Aging Health shows that getting outside on a daily basis may help older people stay healthy and functioning longer. Participants in the study who spent time outdoors every day at age 70 showed fewer complaints of aching bones or sleep problems, among other health-related problems, at age 77.
Increase Your Creativity
Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that walking increases creative production. And while walking anywhere — whether through the woods or in a mall — is beneficial in that it prompts creativity. Researchers found that the actual act of spending time outside also influences novelty.
TRTA #OptOutside Guided Hike
In honor of REI’s #OptOutside 2017, we’re offering a family-friendly guided hike through Van Sickle Park. TRTA guides will lead you on this trek, passing through a regenerating, wildfire burn zone on our way up to enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountain ranges. Along the way you’ll encounter our famous “Mailman of the Sierra” aka Norwegian-American John “Snowshoe” Thompson. Historical character reenactor, Steve Hale of Comstock Characters, will join our hike as “Snowshoe” and describe what it’s like to carry the 60-100 lbs. of U.S. Mail 90-miles each way over the snowy Sierra between Genoa, NV and Placerville, CA in 1871.
Enjoy the Sunset or Sunrise (whatever suits your fancy) 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.
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.
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 10 miles north of the Y in South Lake Tahoe. Parking can be a challenge on busy holiday weeks so we recommend getting there early. Also keep in mind that pets are not allowed on State Park Trails.
Who Doesn’t Like A 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. Don’t skip the first spur trail within minutes of the trailhead! 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 a break and lunch. For more adventure, continue another 2.5 miles to meet up with the Tahoe Rim Trail.
*Note* the park is currently closed to vehicles until May 1st.
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 T.
