Carson City, Nevada

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...

Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less cr...

Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...

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...

Nestled along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay is a great destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Meeks Bay is great for swimming especially on hot summer days or after hitting the trails. Whether you're see...

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...

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...

Kiva 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...

This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session i...

Baldwin 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...

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...

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...

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...

The 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...

Bayview 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 -...

Starting 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...