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Tahoe Vista, California

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a must-visit for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures in Tahoe Vista, California. This 165-mile trail offers panoramic views of the crystal-clear Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep ascents and descents, but the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Carson Range make it worth the effort. You can also spot unique rock formations and a variety of flora and fauna along the trail. Another top outdoor activity in Tahoe Vista is kayaking on Lake Tahoe. Paddle along the calm, blue waters and enjoy the stunning mountain backdrop. For a more relaxed activity, try fishing in the Truckee River, which is teeming with trout. These are just a few of the best trails and outdoor activities available in and near Tahoe Vista.

Top Spots in and near Tahoe Vista

  • New Washoe City, Nevada

    Deadman's Overlook Trail

    4.0
    1.28 mi / 318 ft gain
    Deadman's Overlook Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Washoe Valley, Nevada.
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  • Truckee, California

    Hike the Truckee Tunnels

    5.0
    To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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  • Carson City, Nevada

    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 95 ft gain
    Goni Canyon Preservation League Walking Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Carson City, Nevada.
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive 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...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Rubicon Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 400 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike the Lighthouse Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park

    4.8
    2.3 mi / 505 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

    5.0
    8 mi
    The 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...
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  • Zephyr Cove, Nevada

    Photograph Zephyr Cove at Sunset

    5.0
    After 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...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    A Lazy (Fun) Float Down the River

    4.5
    Start your day by heading to Tahoe City where the East and North Shores of Lake Tahoe meet. Be sure to grab supplies along the way including drinks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, coolers, floating devices (if you aren’t interested in renting) and maybe even some super soakers if you are planning to ...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Summit Castle Peak

    4.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The 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...
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