By now, we all know the drill when it comes to venturing outside: wear a mask in public, stand at least 6 feet apart from strangers, wash your hands frequently. As summer heats up, the popular hiking trails in Tahoe are starting to feel busy, so we have compiled a list of other outdoor activities you can enjoy while still maintaining proper social distancing guidelines.
Mountain Biking
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping? The Tahoe area offers world class mountain biking trails, sweeping views of the lake, and plenty of terrain options for beginners to expert riders. Bring your own gear, or rent from a number of local businesses – you can even arrange a shuttle if you don’t want to pedal all the way to the top, or hop on the lifts at Northstar Bike Park. A few of our favorite mountain biking trails include:
The Tahoe Rim Trail – offering stunning vistas, alpine meadows and a wide range of terrain there’s something for every rider on the TRT. Please make sure to follow trail rules and check for certain trail restrictions.
The Flume Trail – with epic views of Lake Tahoe’s east shore, the Flume trail is an incredibly popular route that can be accessed via shuttle, Mount Rose Meadows or the Rim Trail. This is a relatively smooth trail, fun for intermediate riders and beginners ready for a strenuous ride.
Antone Meadows Trail – if you’re interested in a more leisurely ride, this XC trail is perfect. Park at the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, and enjoy this hard-packed and level trail as it meanders through the forest and around Antone Meadows.
Kayak the Tahoe Water Trail
Enjoy spectacular clear waters and beautiful mountain scenery from the refreshing waters of Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a 72-mile water route along the shoreline with public launch and landing sites, way-finding signage, paddle routes to match your ability and interests, navigation tools, and water safety tips to help you have a safe and fun paddle adventure. You can rent kayaks and explore for a day, or plan a longer trip and check out secluded beaches and campsites around the lake!
Head out for a Sunrise SUP
Tahoe’s waters are often calmest in the morning – and what better way to wake up than to paddle out on the water! Enjoy beautiful colors in the sky and reflected in Tahoe’s crystal clear waters. Make sure to check the weather and bring plenty of water, an extra layer, and a PFD. Winds can come up quickly on the lake, so don’t stray too far from shore – and don’t forget your camera!
Rent a Boat and go Wake-boarding
The Lake is a boater’s oasis, and the perfect place to escape the summer heat! There are plenty of boat rental options all around the lake, and many offer water skis, wake boards, or wake surfboards as well. Some folks prefer a wetsuit for the cold water. Always remember be cautious of wind and weather that change rapidly, wear plenty of sunscreen, and pack extra water and snacks.
Enjoy a Private Sunset Sail
If you’d rather enjoy the waters of Lake Tahoe while staying dry, why not charter a sailboat for a sunset cruise. The winds usually calm down in the evening and the reflection on the lake makes for spectacular sunsets. Some sailing charters also option wine tasting and light libations. Be sure to bring an extra layer as it is cooler on the water and the wind can make it quite chilly.
