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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Stateline, Nevada
Stroll through Rabe Meadows
1.5 miRabe Meadows is a tranquil and peaceful stroll next to Burke Creek as it flows to Lake Tahoe and Nevada Beach State Park. Very easy 1.5 mile paved trail. Perfect when there isn't any snow and a short easy hike is in need. Take in the scenery and peacefulness and be happy to be outside.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
5.0Bayview 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 -...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Maggie's Peaks
5.03.85 mi / 1663 ft gainThis hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Cascade Falls
4.81.32 mi / 98 ft gainStarting 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
4.513 mi / 1500 ft gainGet 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.05 miThis 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 ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes
3.010.14 mi / 2316 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim in Granite Lake
5.01.25 mi / 900 ft gainGranite Lake is a pristine alpine lake near Lake Tahoe just off the Highway 89 above Emerald Bay. To get there park at the Bayview Campground Trailhead, which can be pretty crowded in peak season so get there early. The trail begins with an split: right takes you into the Desolation Wilderness (a...Read more -
Truckee, California
Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail
4.015 mi / 2200 ft gainAfter driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Swim at Long Lake near Truckee
3.71.5 mi / 100 ft gainThe story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long Lake sits amongst a cluster of both man-made and ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay
4.0Explore Lake Tahoe's southern shores by paddling from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay. There are many places to stop along the way for photographs, snorkelling, or swimming. The more popular ways to paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay are by SUP or kayaks. But paddling a foamie can be extra f...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Baldwin Beach
4.5Baldwin 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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Chillin at Lake Tahoe's Kiva Beach
4.7Kiva is a secluded sandy crescent beach flanked by a beautiful meadow and mountain backdrop. This beach is rarely crowded and has free parking unlike other beaches in Tahoe. Kiva is a great place to bring dogs and is actually well known as a dog beach. Kiva is also accessible from the bike trail...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Kiva Beach to Emerald Bay
4.0Grab your paddleboard or rent one from Baldwin Beach, and head out along the southwest shores of Lake Tahoe towards Emerald Bay. Enjoy the pristine blue water and keep your head up for the occasional osprey or bald eagle.Once you make it to the bay, there are plenty of places to go. You can relax...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Winter Paddle From Camp Richardson to Kiva Beach
Starting at Camp Rich you might get some weird looks at the start, but it is all worth it! As you look out at the lake all you see is the beautiful crystal clear water reflecting the gorgeous snow covered mountains. As you throw your board in the water you begin your paddle along the shoreline. T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Bike the Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trail
4.5Starting at the top of Stagecoach Lift on Heavenly Resort this trail wraps around the north slope down to the bottom of town at the casinos. It has amazing view all the way down as you make your way down the woods up top and then cruise through the burn area near the gondola fire down to the bott...Read more
