Kings Beach, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Kings Beach, California, include the top-rated Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim Trail. This 20-mile loop provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada range, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate scenic beauty. The trail is moderately challenging, with sections of steep inclines and rocky terrain. Along the way, you will pass through dense forests, open meadows, and cross several creeks. Another outdoor adventure is paddleboarding at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. The calm, clear waters of Lake Tahoe make it an ideal spot for this activity. Nearby, the Old Brockway Golf Course offers a different kind of outdoor fun with its 9-hole layout. Remember to pack your hiking boots and paddleboard and get ready for some of the best outdoor adventures in California.
Top Spots in and near Kings Beach
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Reno, Nevada
Damonte Ranch Wetland Loop
5.03.07 mi / 85 ft gainDamonte Ranch Wetland Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.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 -
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
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...Read more -
El Dorado County, California
Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe
/ 30 ft gainLake 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 ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Ski or Snowboard Heavenly
5.0One 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 ...Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Upper Chalk Creek Trail
4.01.44 mi / 121 ft gainUpper Chalk Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
Reno, Nevada
Rattle Snake Mountain
4.01.49 mi / 371 ft gainRattle Snake Mountain is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Reno, Nevada.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls
5.0This 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...Read more