Discover Lake Tahoe, Inc. is South Lake Tahoe's premier tour provider offering tours year round. Sightseeing Tours of Lake Tahoe and Beyond. Private Charters and Ski Shuttle.
Whitewater rafting trips from 1/2 day - 3+ days on the Truckee, American, Yuba, Carson and other rivers. For all levels, from family vacation trips suitable for kids from 4 years, to rafting adventures for the expert. Tributary California white water rafting guides are highly trained, warm and friendly individuals chosen for their ability to make your California rafting trip safe, fun-filled and unforgettable.
High Sierra Helicopters
(866) 744-TAHOE
(530) 544-2211
Offering an adventure high above beautiful Lake Tahoe. Several tour options include; Casino Tour, Emerald Bay Tour, full Lake Tahoe Tour and a romantic Sunset Tour. It's an experience to remember, so make your reservations today.
High Sierra Water Ski School
(530) 583-7417 Sunnyside
(530) 525-1214 Homewood
We have two convenient locations to serve you - one at the Sunnyside Restaurant, Lodge & Marina and the second on the West Shore at the Homewood High & Dry Marina. We offer Water Skiing & Wake board Lessons, Power Boat Rentals, Power Boat Charters, Jet Ski Rentals, plus Canoe, Kayak and Equipment rentals. We invite you to experience Lake Tahoe's most fun and exciting summer recreation operation, perfect for family boat trips and summer vacation activities.
Lake Tahoe Adventures
(530) 577-2940
We offer snowmobile, ATV, Jeep and Hummer tours in the beautiful Lake Tahoe back country. Drive our ATV's on the world-famous Rubicon Trail or snowmobiles in beautiful Hope Valley. Voted the Locals Favorite!
Tahoe Adventure Company
(530) 913-9212
(866) 830-6125 Toll Free
Lake Tahoe Kayaking Trips , Kayaking and Mountain Biking Multi Sport, Mountain Biking Options, Hiking and Biking Multi Sport, Guided Rock Climbing, Custom Plan Your Adventure! The Tahoe Adventure Company offers unsurpassed options for a full day of exploring. We offer a wide range of options for adventure and specialize in combining sports to allow you to get the most out of your day. Day trips include all equipment, natural and human history as well as van shuttle when necessary.
Squaw Valleys High Camp
(530) 583-6955
Fun. Fun. Fun! Located at the top of Squaw Valley enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Tahoe - enjoy ice skating, rock climbing wall, snow tubing, the swimming lagoon and spa. Numerous sundecks, the Poolside Cafe and Terrace restaurant await. Some activities are seasonal. Please call for more information.
Squaw Valley Adventure Center
(530) 583-7673
Fun, active learning experiences for groups and individuals of all ages with challenge rope courses, indoor climbing wall and orienteering courses. Our activities include Miniature Golf, a Ropes Course, Sky jump Bungee Trampoline, and Climbing Wall. Our group programs introduce a challenge and the opportunity for personal discovery, group awareness and change, and lasting empowerment. Programs may utilize the activities above and/or may include hiking, snowshoeing, orienteering (map & compass), and more! Programs can be conducted indoors or outdoors, any season.
Truckee River Raft Co.
(530) 583-0123
OPERATING DAILY
June - September
River rafting on the Truckee is an exciting, yet safe way for a family or friends to enjoy a morning or afternoon together. A GREAT 2-3 HOURS in which you enjoy a leisurely, self guided, 5- mile float on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to the River Ranch Bar, Restaurant & Hotel. We are the only rafting concession that exits directly into the River Ranch landing. Have lunch, drinks or just enjoy the view. You can catch a free shuttle bus back to your car at anytime until 6 p.m. daily.
Elite Desert Tours
(888) 330-Tour
Elite Desert Tours is a fun filled three hour TOMCAR tour through the Dayton and Virginia City, Nevada desert. The routes selected require the capabilities of an all terrain vehicle. Some of Nevada's first and most infamous mines will be viewed and wild mustangs are almost always present. What is a TOMCAR? A TOMCAR is a two wheel drive, all terrain, versatile vehicle designed for maneuverability and endurance while providing driver and passenger with comfort, safety, and fun.
Scenic Glider Rides
Soar Over the Sierra
(800) 345-7627
Located in Minden, Nevada. Experience the joy of flight. View the grandeur of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra from a sail plane...a mile above the Carson Valley floor. A fantastic photographic opportunity! Offering one and two passenger glider rides. Located at the Minden airport at 1138 Airport Rd. Just a 25 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe. This is one to add to your
Tows, Lessons, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Tube Rides, Scenic & Sunset Boat Rides. In The Water Instruction For an Easy & Quick Learning Progression. Lake Front Pickups. We Come To You With Everything, Boats, Drivers, Instructors, Wet Suits, Skis, Boards, Fuel, & etc. Drivers/Instructors are Licensed Coast Guard Captains. We Specialize in Children & Family Lessons. Servicing all of Lake Tahoe.
Boat rentals, jet skis, power boats, kayaks, pedal boats. Located at Round Hill Pines Beach and Marina - the Best Place at Lake Tahoe for Family BBQ's, Private Parties, Weddings, Dinners, Receptions, Fishing Charters and Water Ski School.
Whitewater rafting trips from 1/2 day - 3+ days on the Truckee, American, Yuba, Carson and other rivers. For all levels, from family vacation trips suitable for kids from 4 years, to rafting adventures for the expert.
Action Watersports
(530) 544-5387
Lake Tahoe rentals: jet skis, boats, party boats, sail boats, parasailing, wetsuits. At Timber Cove Marina. Experience beautiful Lake Tahoe by boat.
Eken Water Sports
(530) 386-3691
Serving both South and North Lake Tahoe - Eken Water Sports is a fantastic choice for jetski rentals. We have 155hp. jet skis with towing capability for wake boarding, water skiing and tubing. We deliver right to your lakefront buoy, dock or beach! For more information visit us online.
Get High Para-Sail
(530) 542-3734
Located at Historic Camp Richardson Marina. Enjoy the quiet panoramic beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Serving both North and South Lake Tahoe - Eken Water Sports is a fantastic choice for jetski rentals. We have 155hp. jet skis with towing capability for wake boarding, water skiing and tubing. We deliver right to your lakefront buoy, dock or beach! For more information visit us online.
Whitewater rafting trips from 1/2 day - 3+ days on the Truckee, American, Yuba, Carson and other rivers. For all levels, from family vacation trips suitable for kids from 4 years, to rafting adventures for the expert.
Action Watersports
(775) 831-4386
Incline Village - Lake Tahoe rentals: jet skis, boats, party boats, sail boats, parasailing, wetsuits. At The Hyatt Beach.
Tahoe Vista - Lake Tahoe rentals: power boats, fishing charters and restaurant.
Tahoe Paddle & Oar
(530) 581-3029
Kings Beach - Lake Tahoe rentals: canoes and kayaks. Guided tours. Group package rates available.
Tahoe Water Adventures
(530) 583-3225
Tahoe City - Lake Tahoe Boat and Sea-Doo rentals. 23ft motor-boats, canoes, kayaks, water skis, wake boards.
Truckee River Rafting
(530) 583-7238
Tahoe City - Rafting for groups of all sizes. On the Truckee river. Great 2-3 hours, self guided trip.
Tahoe Sailing Charters
(530) 583-6200
Tahoe City - Tahoe Sailing Charters invites you to discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe seven days a week aboard the sailing yachts "Tahoe Cruz and "Avalanche." Both boats combine roomy comfort with high performance sailing. Captain Mike and Captain Jim, both U.S. Coast Guard certified skippers, ensure a fun and lasting sailing experience.
Lake Tahoe fishing charters. Available for family BBQ's & Private Parties.
Blue Ribbon Fishing Charters (530) 544-6552
Year round fishing Charters with over 95% success rate. Fishing Lake Tahoe since 1981, for Macinaw Lake Trout, German Browns, and Rainbows. Bait, tackle, sodas, donuts, coffee, and catch bagged and cleaned. Licensed Coast Guard Captain and Master Guide.
Eagle Point Fishing Charters
(530) 577-6834
Lake Tahoe has some of the best fresh water sport fishing in the world. When Parrotfish in Lake Tahoe it helps to have the right guide. We offer morning and afternoon fishing charters, year round, all bait and equipment. Come aboard our new boat a 26'sea swirl. Also now operating out of the Tahoe Keys Marina.
First Strike Sport Fishing
(530) 577-5065
Year round Lake Tahoe sport fishing. Fishing charters and private parties. All fishing tackle provided.
Mile High Fishing Charters (530) 541-5312
Mile High Fishing Charters in Lake Tahoe California offers year round fishing trips
Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters
(530)541-8208
The Sierra Nevada Mountains most diverse fishing shop and guide service. We offer Guided Fly Fishing, Spin fishing and Charters on Lake Tahoe as well as the surrounding lakes, rivers and streams. From the Truckee River system south to the Walker River system including the Carson Rivers and other Alpine County waters. No need for equipment, we can supply everything you need for a great day on the water!
Tahoe Sport Fishing
(800) 696-7797 or
(530) 541-5448
Lake Tahoe's largest fishing fleet. 45 feet of fishing comfort. Year round heated cabin. Enjoy some great Lake Tahoe fishing and experience the beauty of the Lake.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE : FISHING CHARTERS
Company
Description
Kingfish Guide Service
(530) 525-5360
Year round Lake Tahoe fishing charters.
Mickey's Big Mack Charters
(800) 877-1462 or
(530) 546-4444
Year round, Lake Tahoe. 43ft & 32ft boats. Over 35 years on the lake.
Reel Magic Sportfishing
(530) 587-6027
Deep line & light tackle fishing. 26ft Sea Ray cabin cruiser, private groups of 2-6. Tahoe sport fishing at it's best.
POPULAR LOCATIONS
Location
Description
1
Upper Truckee River
The Upper Truckee is fed from the waters of Meiss Country south of Highway 89. Fishing is good in the deep pools during the early part of fishing season. All Tributaries to Lake Tahoe are Closed to all fishing from Oct. 1st – June 30th
2
Echo Lakes
Just a short drive off of Highway 50, you can try both boat and shore fishing here. Shore fishing is usually good from the dam. Please respect the rights of private property and homeowners around the lake.
3
Sawmill Pond
(For the kids)
A stocked pond for children 15 years of age and under. Adults are allowed to help children fish but are not allowed to fish themselves. The pond is located 1 mile south of South Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Should be 14 years of age and younger. Located 2.5 miles from the “Y” on Lake Tahoe Blvd.
4
Fallen Leaf Lake
The best fishing is from a boat, but occasionally fish can be taken from the shore with a good cast. The lake is a short walk from Fallen Leaf Lake Road or Fallen Leaf Campground. Fishing within 250 feet of the dam is illegal.
5
Lake Tahoe
The best fishing is in deep water from a boat. For shore fishing, try places where the shoreline drops off quickly such as Rubicon Point on the west shore or Cave Rock on the east shore. A day use fee is charged at both of these areas. Fishing is closed in the lake within 300 feet of its tributaries and upstream to the first lake from October 1 through June 30. The rest of the year the entire lake is open.
6
Truckee River
Lake Tahoe's only outlet, the Truckee starts it's journey from Lake Tahoe's dam at Tahoe City and continues along Highway 89 to the town of Truckee. Fishing is closed year around from the dam to 1,000 feet downstream. Certain other sections of the Truckee are closed year around. Check the fishing regulations for specific information.
7
Carson River, West Fork
Flowing through Hope, Faith and Charity Valleys, this portion of the river receives considerable use. It is located south of Lake Tahoe along Highway 88 and also flows along Blue Lakes Road.
8
Carson River, East Fork
Closed to all fishing above Carson Falls. From Hangman's Bridge (south of Markleeville) downstream to the Nevada state line, there is a minimum size limit of 14 inches and you must use artificial lures with single barbless hooks. Below Hangman's Bridge is now zero limit (catch & release only) Artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks.
9
Blue Lakes
A series of lakes located south of the Tahoe Basin, 12 miles off of Highway 88. At over 8,000 feet they are some of the highest lakes accessible by automobile. Camping is available nearby. Fishing is reported to be good off of the dams where the two lakes connect.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : HIKING TRAILS
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Echo Lakes Trail Head
Multiple Trails:
Easy, Moderate and Difficult
7420' / 8430'
2.5 to 9.3 miles
Directions to Trail head: Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake.
Trail : Many different hikes can be taken from this trail head. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. Many longer hike options await you farther down the trail!
Attractions and Considerations : A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. Contact the Echo Lakes Chalet for more information: (530) 659-7207. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trail head. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Echo Lakes Trail head.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Other Trial heads: Upper Echo Lake: 2.5 miles / Tamarack Lake 3.8 miles / Triangle Lake (northbound trail) 4.2 miles / Triangle Lake (eastbound trail) 5.4 miles / Ralston and Cragwin Lakes 4.2 miles / Haypress Meadows 4.2 miles / Echo Peak 8.1 miles / Lake Margery 5.1 miles / Lake Lucille 5.2 miles / Lake of the Woods 5.3 miles / Lake Aloha 6.1 miles / Lake LeConte 6.7 miles / Lake Aloha (northeast corner) 7.5 miles / Clyde Lake 9.3 miles / Ralston Peak 6.9 miles / Ropi Lake 7.0 miles
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Moraine Trail
Easy
6360' / 6410'
1 miles
Directions to Trail head: Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trail head.
Trail : Look for the trail head sign near the parking area.
Attractions and Considerations : Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Tallac Historic Site
Easy, Handicap accessible
Flat
0.3 miles
Directions to Trail head: Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Turn into either the Tallac Historic Site or Visitor Center Parking lots.
Trail : The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area or the site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
Attractions and Considerations : The Tallac Historic Site grounds and the trails from the Kiva Area and Visitor Center are accessible to persons with disabilities. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Glen Alpine Trail head
Multiple Trails:
Moderate and Difficult
Varies by route
2 to 6 miles
Directions to Trail head: Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trail head sign and turn left. Trail head parking is across from Lily Lake.
Trail : Many different hikes can be taken from this trail head. For a short walk, take the southern spur 3 miles to Grass Lake or stretch the hike to 6 miles all the way to Lake Aloha. This spur leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three alpine lakes. Another moderate spur takes you to Half Moon or Alta Morris Lakes. A third spur takes you to Gilmore Lake and then on to Dicks Pass. Or, at Gilmore Lake, you can head up Mt. Tallac. The Glen Alpine Trail head offers a more moderate approach to the strenuous hike up Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe's signature peak.
Attractions and Considerations : A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trail head. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Glen Alpine Trail head.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Other Trial heads: Grass Lake: 2 miles / Susie Lake: 4 miles / Heather Lake: 5 miles / Lake Aloha: 6 miles / Half Moon Lake: 5.5 miles / Alta Morris Lake: 5.5 miles / Gilmore Lake: 3.9 miles / Dicks Pass: 5.4 miles / Mt. Tallac: 5.7 miles
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Mt. Tallac Trail Head
Multiple Trails:
Easy, Moderate and Difficult
6480' / 9735'
1.7 to 5 miles
Directions to Trail head: The trail head is located approximately 3-1/2 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trail head sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach. Turn left down the dirt road and continue to the trail head parking.
Trail : The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral Lakes is easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mount Tallac.
Attractions and Considerations : Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required. Day hikers, pick up your permit at the self serve area at the trail head. Overnight hikers will need an overnight permit for Desolation Wilderness. This permit must be purchased before you get to the Mt. Tallac Trail head.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Other Trial heads: Floating Island Lake: 1.7 miles / Cathedral Lake: 2.5 miles / Mt. Tallac: 5 miles
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Desolation Wilderness Multiple Hikes
Multiple Trails:
Easy, Moderate and Difficult
Varies by route
Varies by route
Informative Web site: www.fs.fed.us
Directions to Trail head: There are several ways to access Desolation Wilderness. One access point is by Echo Lakes. Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. There are several varied trails throughout Desolation Wilderness.
Attractions and Considerations : Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the El dorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit.
West Side Railheads (El dorado National Forest) : Loon Lake Trail head, Buck Island Trail head, Van Vleck Trail head, Rockbound Trail head, Twin Lakes Trail head. Lyons Trail head, Pyramid Creek (Twin Bridges) Trail head, Ralston Trail head, Echo Trail head
East Side Railheads (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit) : Echo Lakes Trail head, Glen Alpine Trail head, Mount Tallac Trail head, Bayview Trail head, Eagle Falls Trail head, Meeks Bay Trail head
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Clark Trail
Difficult
6420'/7470'
0.5 miles
Directions to Trail head: Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trail head sign and turn left. Trail head parking is across from Lily Lake.
Trail : From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trail head.
Attractions and Considerations : For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 12 N.
Informative Web site: www.TahoeRimTrail.org
Trail : The Tahoe Rim Trail is a scenic 165 - mile hiking, equestrian, and in designated areas, mountain biking trail circling Lake Tahoe. Generally moderate in difficulty with a 10% average grade, elevations range from 6,300 to 9,400 feet. The USDA Forest Service requires permits in Desolation Wilderness. Protect the beauty of Tahoe, follow low impact wilderness usage. Stay on the trail, carry out all trash, camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams and don't use soap near water sources. Water should be boiled or filtered to insure your safety.
Attractions and Considerations : This 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This a trail seekers dream with endless views, peaceful mountain setting and the amazing beauty that that make the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail a unique experience.
West Side Railheads (Eldorado National Forest) : Loon Lake Trail head, Buck Island Trail head, Van Vleck Trail head, Rockbound Trail head, Twin Lakes Trail head. Lyons Trail head, Pyramid Creek (Twin Bridges) Trail head, Ralston Trail head, Echo Trail head
East Side Railheads (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit) : Echo Lakes Trail head, Glen Alpine Trail head, Mount Tallac Trailhead, Bayview Trailhead, Eagle Falls Trailhead, Meeks Bay Trailhead
WEST LAKE TAHOE : HIKING TRAILS
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Cascade Creek Falls
Easy
6800' / 6910'
1 miles
Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. Parking is located at the far end of the campground.
Trail : Look for the trailhead sign at the far end of the parking area.
Attractions and Considerations : Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 13 N.
Trail
Difficulty
Elevation
Mileage (one way)
Sugar Pine Point Nature Trails
Easy
Flat
0.7 miles
Directions to Trailhead : Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 20 miles or south from Tahoe City approximately 13 miles to Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Trail : Contact state park rangers to obtain maps of the many trails located here.
Attractions and Considerations : The park charges a parking fee for day use. While you're there don't miss a tour of the historic Ehrman Mansion. Call (530) 525-7982 for more information.
Useful Map Information : USDA Forest Service map: Lake Tahoe Basin Mgmt. Unit: R.17 E. T. 14 N.
