Carnelian Bay, California
Carnelian Bay, California, boasts some of the top trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. A must-visit is the Tahoe Rim Trail, a challenging 165-mile loop that offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Along the trail, hikers can spot unique rock formations and vibrant wildflowers. For a more relaxed activity, Patton Landing Beach is a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking with its calm, clear waters. Near Carnelian Bay, the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail is a short, steep hike leading to panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests. Whether hiking, paddling, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Carnelian Bay offers some of the best outdoor activities in California.
Top Spots in and near Carnelian Bay
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Reno, Nevada
Jones Whites Creek Loop
5.09.65 mi / 2405 ft gainStarting at about 6500 ft of elevation Jones Creek Trail is a 9.2 mi loop trail starting in Galena Creek Park. The park itself is very accessible off of Mt. Rose Highway, parking is free, and there is plenty of it during a typical weekend. When entering the park simply follow the signs that say "...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
5.011.6 mi / 1800 ft gainDrive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Rubicon Trail
5.07 mi / 400 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park
4.82.3 mi / 505 ft gainThe Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut
5.08 miThe Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak
5 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...Read more -
Soda Springs, California
Summit Castle Peak
4.06 mi / 1800 ft gainThe trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail
7.21 mi / 1424 ft gainD.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park via Rubicon Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Tahoma, California.Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Deadman's Overlook Trail
4.01.28 mi / 318 ft gainDeadman's Overlook Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Washoe Valley, Nevada.Read more -
Zephyr Cove, Nevada
Photograph Zephyr Cove at Sunset
5.0After 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...Read more
