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Tahoe City, California

Tahoe City, California has many activities for outdoor adventurers. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there's something for everyone. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Emerald Bay State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, and the Tahoe City Golf Course. For those who enjoy hiking, the Tahoe Rim Trail provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. The Donner Summit Trail offers a more challenging experience, with its steep inclines and rocky terrain. For a more leisurely experience, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake. An abundance of wildlife can be spotted in and around the area, including bald eagles, ospreys, and mule deer. Whatever your outdoor interests, Tahoe City has something for you. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near the area for a truly memorable experience.

Top Spots in and near Tahoe City

  • Homewood, California

    Eagle Rock

    4.0
    0.84 mi / 105 ft gain
    Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Paddle Commons Beach

    5.0
    Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Ride Twin Peaks in Lake Tahoe's Backcountry

    This trip is best done in two days with an approach day and then a descent day. Get started at the base of the Sherwood Chair on the backside of the Alpine ski area. Head up, outside of the ski area boundary toward the high ridge.Once on the ridge, you follow it south for a few miles until reachi...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes

    6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    This hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

    3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
    Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach

    A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Thunder Mountain Trail

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Squaw may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain T...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail

    3.6 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash. 
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
    The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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  • Truckee, California

    The Five Lakes Hike

    4.0
    The Five Lakes Trail is located in the Granite Chief Wilderness in between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley ski resorts and is easily accessible at the intersection of Alpine Meadows and Deer Park roads. The 5-mile moderate trail ascends approximately 900-1000 ft. along granite canyons and pine f...
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  • Truckee, California

    Ski Outer Outer Limits at Alpine Meadows

    Starting off of Lakeview chair at Alpine Meadows, head to the far right towards the sign for Outer Limits run. Traverse across the run and past the Ski Area Boundary signs on the far side. Continue through the trees where you will find a series of clearings generally full of untracked powder. The...
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  • Carnelian Bay, California

    Explore Carnelian Bay

    5.0
    Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less cr...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
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  • Kings Beach, California

    SUP from Kings Beach

    5.0
    This is a super fun way to enjoy the day, get some exercise and see some really cool parts of the lake that are usually hidden. You can rent boards/ paddles at a few different places either for the day or by the hour. Bring some water, sun block and a camera...if you dare! Once the day is done ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Rubicon Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.  You can start at either point.  I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle.  Also, there is more available parking at Bliss.  Park your c...
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Camping and Lodging in Tahoe City

William Kent Campground
Tahoe City, California

William Kent Campground

Kaspian Campground
Homewood, California

Kaspian Campground

Goose Meadows
Truckee, California

Goose Meadows

Granite Flat (California)
Truckee, California

Granite Flat (California)

Lakeside (Truckee)
Unnamed Road

Lakeside (Truckee)

Alpine Meadows Campground
Truckee, California

Alpine Meadows Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Tahoe City

Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

Top Locations for Photography at Lake Tahoe

Kyle Reader

Why You Should Hike Tahoe's Mount Tallac

Why You Should Hike Tahoe's Mount Tallac

The Outbound Collective

Home Sweet...Hut

Home Sweet...Hut

Clif Bar

Lake Tahoe's Least Crowded and Most Photogenic Campsite

Lake Tahoe's Least Crowded and Most Photogenic Campsite

Suzie Dundas

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Kristi Teplitz

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Kristi Teplitz