Emigrant Gap, California
Emigrant Gap, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the scenic Snow Mountain hiking trail. This moderate difficulty trail winds through lush forests and past sparkling creeks, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail also features unique rock formations that add an extra layer of interest to the hike. For those interested in water activities, Bear River is nearby and perfect for a refreshing dip or a peaceful canoe ride. In winter, the area transforms into a playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Emigrant Gap is a prime location for anyone seeking diverse and scenic outdoor activities.
Top Spots in and near Emigrant Gap
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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 -
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...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle
4.0The 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...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Bike or Take a Stroll along the Tahoe East Shore Trail
5.02.75 mi / 300 ft gainLake Tahoe's East Shore Trail is a wide paved walking and cycling path running between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park. Opened in 2019, the path lies completely separate from the road, sometimes hovering well above it on the mountainside, and other times running parallel to it on a bri...Read more -
Twin Bridges, California
Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness
5.0Mount Price (9,975') is the second highest summit in the Desolation Wilderness, standing just eight feet lower than Pyramid Peak to the south. In between these two peaks stands Mount Agassiz (9,967'), whose overhanging summit resembles a granite wave poised to crash down into the Desolation Vall...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Monkey Rock
4.72.64 mi / 463 ft gainMonkey Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.Read more -
Sand Harbor, Nevada
Surf Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor
5.0Surfing Lake Tahoe is a rare opportunity which only happens when there is a lot of wind. It's nothing like surfing in the ocean. There are mountains in the background, the water is fresh, and generally the waves are small. You can see if there are waves on the drive there (if driving counter-cloc...Read more -
Washoe County, Nevada
Sand Harbor Nature Trail
4.50.54 mi / 33 ft gainWhile Sand Harbor Park is a popular summer destination, the sunsets from this spot are breathtaking year round and you will have less company in the winter. The park is located right off of Highway 28 and has an admission fee of $7. There is a parking lot that fills up quickly in the summer, so a...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Sand Harbor Beach
4.8This is what you would call a family beach. It is clean, beautiful, and well maintained. The admission price for vehicles has gone up quite a bit, but based on the economy and the fact that this park remains clean and glass-free, you really cannot complain. The beach gets pretty crowded and they ...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
SUP from Sand Harbor
4.5My favorite is to take a trip from Sand Harbor State Beach to Thunderbird Lodge along the East Shore in Lake Tahoe. Start by traveling to Sand Harbor State Beach, park in the parking lot and bring your equipment to the sandy shore. Hop on your board and begin heading south along the East Shore...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Chicadee Ridge
5.01.69 mi / 289 ft gainChicadee Ridge is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.Read more -
Pollock Pines, United States
Hiking the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail at Sly Park
4.0The Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail runs along Jenkinson Lake, making for an easy, shaded, and well-marked hike that the entire family can enjoy. The full loop is over eight miles, but can be easily modified into a shorter trip, as well.Along the way, you will see a variety of activities along the lake...Read more -
Washoe County, NevadaSledding Fun for the Whole Family
5.0You can't miss this spot in the open snowfields of Tahoe Meadows. This area is not privately owned or maintained, which is perfect. It is a short drive up the Mt. Rose Highway from Reno and Sparks and there is plenty of free parking (except on super-busy days) right next to the sledding slopes an...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Photograph Bonsai Rock
5.0Bonsai Rock is a popular attraction for photographers as it is a unique boulder with tiny trees growing out of it, enclosed next to the shoreline. This makes it a beautiful place to enjoy a scenic sunset, as well as play with some long exposure photography.It's located on the east side of Lake Ta...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
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
