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Tahoe City, California

Looking for the best chillin in Tahoe City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tahoe City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Tahoe City

  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Catch a Sunset at Cave Rock

    4.7
    0.8 mi / 127 ft gain
    This short hike is just off of highway 50 and provides one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 50 past Zephyr cove until you see Cave Rock Drive. Take this road until it dead ends and park in the small gravel lot. After following the trail out of the park...
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  • Truckee, California

    Hike the Truckee Tunnels

    5.0
    To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle

    4.0
    The drive to the location of Vikingsholm was beautiful with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, when approached from South Lake Tahoe. The hike down the hill to see this gem was worth it but could be hard for some (because the only return is up this somewhat steep path with switchbac...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Camp at Bayview Campground

    5.0
    Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Cascade Falls

    4.8
    1.32 mi / 98 ft gain
    Starting out at the Bayview Trailhead you will make your way out through the campground towards the trail. Once you find the trail it is a simple way to the falls. It starts out as a wide trail and winds through the pine and fir trees. You will come to some stone steps as the trail narrows for th...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake

    4.5
    13 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Get ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the v...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    5 mi
    This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes

    3.0
    10.14 mi / 2316 ft gain
    The hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Baldwin Beach

    4.5
    Baldwin Beach offers a half mile of views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. People come to this beach to relax and picnic. This is also a popular launch spot for those kayaking or stand up paddling to Emerald Bay.  This beach is on national forest land and has a parking fee of $8.00...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Kayak Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place for kayaking for both beginners are more advance kayakers. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the nort...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Camp at Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Explore Emerald Bay by Boat from Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities including a boat ride across Lake Tahoe to explore Emerald Bay. To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe and turn left into the Zephyr Cove...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Stand Up Paddle Board Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to do stand up paddle board. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the northern end of the beach there ar...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Wake Board Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...
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  • Glenbrook, Nevada

    Wake Surf Zephyr Cove

    Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place to wake surf and to *learn* to wake surf To get to Zephyr Cove take Highway 50 north for 7 miles out of South Lake Tahoe...
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  • Zephyr Cove, Nevada

    Photograph Zephyr Cove at Sunset

    5.0
    After pulling into the parking it is only a a few minute walk right down to the beach. This place is incredible for sunrise and and sunset. The water is so calm because its tucked back in the cove which gives awesome reflections of the sky in the water. Make sure to bring a tripod and neutral den...
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