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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

  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga at Lakeview Commons

    Stand up paddle board yoga is some of the most difficult and rewarding yoga there is and you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to do so than on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.  Lakeview Commons is a city park that provide direct lake access for the public, including boats, along...
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Riverview Park Loop

    4.0
    1.64 mi / 23 ft gain
    Riverview Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Carson City, Nevada.
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  • El Dorado County, California

    Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe

    / 30 ft gain
    Lake Tahoe is a tourist attraction filled with spectacular views and a plethora of wildlife. However, one species in particular has made a lasting impression on both locals and tourists - black bears. The area around Lake Tahoe is prime bear habitat and cities in the vicinity are seeing a rising ...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Bike around Lake Tahoe

    5.0
    72.2 mi / 4308 ft gain
    You'll want to wake up early for this adventure. Be sure to have breakfast and hydrate before you start.  I suggest going clockwise around the lake. The elevation hit me. I also went with a group of friends, and what's nice about going in a group though is that you can stop every so often to make...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Catch a Sunset at Keys Beach

    Owned by the State of California, Keys Beach sits at the end of a peninsula bordered by the Tahoe Keys marina inlet to the west and the Upper Truckee River to the east. This relative isolation along with its only access being by water or a single trail keeps the beach remarkably quiet relative to...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls

    5.0
    This amazing waterfall is right off the road near the Fallen Leaf Campground. Once you enter the campground keep driving straight just a bit further and you will see a pull off on the right hand side. Pull off here and you should see the cascading waterfalls between the trees. Park here, get you...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake

    5.0
    Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac a...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake

    Fallen Leaf has been my favorite spot in all of Tahoe since I can remember. The beautiful shoreline sits right up against the base of Mt. Tallac with almost zero light pollution. It is one of my favorite spots to go and shoot the stars. There are tons of spots to pick from depending on what you a...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake

    4.0
    Lake Tahoe has so many beautiful and breath-taking places to visit, hike, camp, wander around, etc. and Fallen Leaf Lake is definitely one of them. It's free to visit and park too and it is an easy hike from the parking area to the lake. The lake is very tranquil and serene and for those who wa...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Hunter Creek Trail

    3.0
    6.43 mi / 1362 ft gain
    Just outside of Reno find a fun little hike through the hills along a creek, ending at a beautiful waterfall.  The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow with two creek crossings.  It is mostly a moderate but steady climb on the way out, with just a few steep spots. The parking lot has ...
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  • Verdi, Nevada

    Fly Fish the Truckee River

    At just 121 miles long from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River continues to produce the largest trout in the Lower 48. Fly fisherman commonly divide the river into two reaches – East & West. And just outside of Reno in the small town of Verdi, the Bridge Street bridge is an excelle...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

    5.0
    8.1 mi / 859 ft gain
    The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It is important to note that there is no trail on the east side of the lake. The trail turns into a paved road when you reach the marina after passing the campground. Additionally, lots of small trails jut out from the main tr...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike Mount Tallac

    4.9
    9.5 mi / 3255 ft gain
    The classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking ...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    West Plateau Loop

    3.0
    3.15 mi / 312 ft gain
    West Plateau Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Ski or Snowboard Heavenly

    5.0
    One of the more beautiful resorts in Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding and skiing.  Heavenly is situated in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada.  This ski resort has an amazing view of the lake while going down, as well as one of the largest total areas to ski in Lake Tahoe. This ...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Dorostkar Park Nature Trail

    3.0
    1.48 mi / 39 ft gain
    Dorostkar Park Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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