Hiking

North Lake Tahoe is home to miles upon miles of gorgeous Sierra Nevada wilderness , and we offer endless trails for hiking and exploring all of it. Whether you’re peaking at right about 10,000 feet or taking a relaxing stroll along the shores of Emerald Bay, every trail offers spectacular views of lakes, mountain tops and Sierra wildlife . Check out this list to find a Lake Tahoe hike that’s right for you and click for more details on each trip. You’ll see that, per usual, all 180 degrees of North Lake Tahoe have something to offer.

Here at the North Lake Tahoe Visitor's Bureaus, we like to tie up our laces and explore the wilderness too! On our days off, this is where we’d go for a…

Nature Walk: Page Meadows

Short Hike: Shirley Canyon

Challenging Climb: Eagle Falls

Hike with a View: Rubicon Peak

Looking for something a bit more adventurous? See our picks for alternative mountaineering options.

Extras

10 Tips for Safe Hiking

A guide to flora and fauna in the North Lake Tahoe area

Hiking the Sierra Nevada , by Barry Parr

1,000 Mile Summer , by Colin Fletcher

Places to Buy Hiking Gear

Check out Sierra Front for more on hiking in and around Tahoe

Inspirational quote

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

– John Muir, conservationist and naturalist (1838 – 1914)

10 Tips for Safe Hiking

• Respect our beautiful and fragile Sierra environment by observing all signs and staying on designated trails and roads. Please do not cut switchbacks. Stay out of any construction or roped off areas.
• No smoking, please! The fire danger in this area is very high during the summer.
• Carry along plenty of clean water and a snack or energy bar. Never drink directly from a stream, unless you are proficient with water purification methods.
• Always bring an extra layer of clothing. Peaks are often cold and windy even on a sunny day, and Sierra Nevada weather is always subject to change.
• Beware that even on cloudy days it is important to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for protection from the high altitude rays.
• Always let someone know where you are hiking ahead of time and bring a cell phone for emergencies. Never hike alone if you can avoid it.
• Make sure to check dog regulations ahead of time when bringing your pet hiking with you.
• Keep an eye out for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Move to the side and let them pass, as you are the most mobile on feet.
• Please stay off chairlifts and towers. During summer maintenance, lifts may be started without warning.
• Seek shelter during thunderstorms. Stay off ridge tops and away from tall trees, lift towers, and large rock outcroppings, as they can attract lightning strikes.
• Leave no trace. Pack out what you packed in.

Biking

Discover North Lake Tahoe on two wheels! From miles upon miles of road biking paths, to nationally-rated mountain biking trails offering panoramic views of the Lake, Tahoe is a world-class biking scene for novices through experienced Roadies. Need equipment? Lake Tahoe offers a wide selection of bike shops providing gear and expert advice especially tailored to the area. Not sure where to start? Choose a ride based on length, difficulty and season . Also find a complete list of biking resources, whatever resort or town you happen to be in. True to form, North Lake Tahoe provides 180 degrees of fun, sun and Sierra… all you have to do is pedal.

Click here to bring up Road Bike Trails.

Click here for a full description of Mountain Biking Trails.

Click here to see a listing of bike shops offering rentals, repairs and local expertise.

Looking for the complete North Lake Tahoe biking adventure, sans responsibility? Sign up for guided tours, or pop into our many bike shops for suggestions on where to go.

Additional Online Resources

Want more? Check out the websites below for additional resources that will help you plan your bike trip in Tahoe.

Sierra Front's Biking Trails - Search for mountain biking trails in Lake Tahoe and around the Sierra on the Sierra Front Recreational Trail finder.

www.bicycling.com – The most comprehensive site of road bike gear, races, videos, blogs and reviews on the internet.

www.singletracks.com – Mountain biking information including trail descriptions, maps, gear and bike forums.

http://www.teamintraining.org/chapter.adp?chapter_id=34 – Join Team in Training and raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while you prepare for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe.



http://www.imba.com/ - International Mountain Biking Association’s online resource for worldwide news, gear and events.



www.Pedalers.org – Northern Nevada’s largest group of bicycling enthusiasts dedicated to promoting safe, recreational bike riding.



Events

The Tahoe/Reno area has been host to several biking events, including the annual 24 Hours of Tahoe Mountain Bike Team Relay , a unique, noon-to-noon race that pushes riders to their limits while, as always, providing spectacular views of the Tahoe Basin. Additional events include:

America ’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Lake Tahoe Century Ride

Boat Cruise & Lake Tahoe Half Ride Fun Tour

24 Hours of Tahoe Mountain Bike Team Relay

Quotes

“My favorite off-road trail is Glass Mountain. It follows the Rim Trail from Painted Rock to Tahoe City and it’s one of the most technically challenging trails in North Lake.” – Karl Rogne, Olympic Bike Shop

“I like the variety up here. You can take a family up through Blackwood Canyon, ride on over 20 miles of paved bike paths, or rip down Northstar all in one week.” – Joel Baty, 11-year Tahoe Biking Enthusiast

Quick Links

Current weather in North Lake Tahoe

Join a Cycling Club! Follow this link to connect with other biking enthusiasts in the Reno/Tahoe area.

Tahoe Biking Safety Tips and Warnings

Recommended books and guides:

North Lake Tahoe’s Best Trails , by Carol Bonsor and R.W. Miskimins

The Tahoe Rim Trail: A Complete Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians , by Tim Hauserman

An Outdoor Family Guide to Lake Tahoe , by Lisa Gollin Evans

Mastering Mountain Bike Skills , by Brian Lopes and Lee McCormack

Safety tips and warnings:

• When there is a bike path available, please get on it!

• Be aware of the nearest repair shops before you go on a ride, in case of emergency.

• Bring a cell phone.

• Use proper hand signals and follow road traffic rules at all times.

• Do not mountain bike alone.

• Always bring extra clothing, water and food.

• Bring tools and an extra tire when traveling far from resources or on long rides.

• Leave no trace and respect wildlife.

• Ride only on open trails and roads.

• Click here for specific rules regarding mountain biking on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Outdoor Concerts & Movies

Bait & Tackle Shops

Flora & fauna

Gaming

Lights, music, action! On the Nevada side of the North Shore, five casinos provide North Lake Tahoe with 24-hour nightlife, entertaining visitors and locals alike every day of the week. Pull the handle at the nickel slots, play the field at the Craps table, or double down playing Blackjack…Whether you’re feeling lucky, seeking renowned music acts, or just wanting to catch the game with a Bloody Mary and breakfast on a Sunday morning, the gaming properties in Crystal Bay and Incline Village have everything you’re looking for. All of our casinos welcome both seasoned and amateur gamblers for a little bit of high- or low-stakes fun every hour of the day, every day of the week with a full range of gambling options including video poker, blackjack, slot machines, Roulette, Craps tables and more.. Below, read on about the other fun features our gaming facilities have to offer. 

Cal-Neva Resort

Once owned by Frank Sinatra, this historic, lakeside hotel resort offers 220 guest rooms all with views of the Lake, Lake-view dining, a complete Euro spa, meeting facilities and more.

Address: 2 Stateline Rd., Crystal Bay, NV

Phone: 800-CAL-NEVA

We Recommend: Book an Executive Suite for incredible panoramic views of the Lake. 

Crystal Bay Club Casino

Once called the Ta-Neva-Ho, this newly renovated club hosts marquee music regularly. The Crystal Bay’s showroom is an audiophile’s dream come true.

Address: 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay, NV

Phone: 775-833-6333

We Recommend: Call 775-833-6300 for a complete line-up of upcoming shows and to buy tickets. 

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Named one of the top 50 ski-town resorts in North America by Conde Nast Traveler’s readers poll, the Hyatt Resort, Spa & Casino offers six restaurants, elegant rooms, suites and cottages, and direct lake access.

Address: 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV

Phone: 775-832-1234

We Recommend: Check out Camp Hyatt for your 3-12 year-olds while you’re visiting. 

Jim Kelley's Tahoe Nugget

This cozy poker casino is located in the heart of Crystal Bay.

Address: 20 Hwy 28, Crystal Bay, NV

Phone: 775-831-7156

We Recommend: In summer months, dine on burgers and fries at Izzy's on the patio. 

Tahoe Biltmore Lodge and Casino

The Biltmore offers 92 moderately-priced guest rooms and suites overlooking Lake Tahoe. Perfect for small weddings, business meetings and group getaways.

Address: 5 Hwy 28, Crystal Bay, NV

Phone: 800-245-8667

We Recommend: Check out the Breeze Bar featuring live entertainment every weekend.