It’s officially Fall in Tahoe, with the promise of colder temps, clear blue skies, and crisp sunny days – it certainly won’t last long! Fall is fleeting in Tahoe, but perhaps that is what makes it so special. We’re so excited to be back out and about, exploring the beauty of nature and savoring the autumn sunshine. Winter will be here before we know it – we hear there’s a chance of snow in the forecast at high elevations already – but for now, let’s enjoy all these favorite fall activities right in our own backyard!
Cruise the Bike Path
These crisp fall days are perfect for a nice ride into Tahoe City on the Truckee River Bike Trail. This gorgeous paved path is about 5 1/2 miles long and follows the Truckee River all the way to Lake Tahoe and downtown Tahoe City. The path is mostly flat, and a fun adventure for kids of all ages. We love riding into town for lunch – check out Za’s Lakefront for delicious pizza and an awesome lakefront deck, or Tahoe Tap Haus for all American fare and a great selection of local beers on tap. After lunch, it’s fun to walk around downtown Tahoe City, stop into the shops, and maybe pick up some new accessories for ski season from Alpenglow Sports. When it’s finally time to make our way home, we can cruise back on the bike path and take as many breaks as we need by the edge of the river.
Image: Palisades Tahoe
Take a Foliage Hike
Once the leaves start to change, it happens quickly in the mountains – and it’s happening at Palisades Tahoe right now! Although the Tram is closed for the season, you can still hike trails from the base of the mountain and find some color. If you want to venture a little farther, the Five Lakes Trail near Alpine Meadows offers a great excursion up to numerous lakes, and you can continue on to Whiskey Creek Camp and Five Lakes Creek if you’re up for a longer hike. Some other great trails a bit farther afield to catch the colors are the Tahoe Rim Trail from Mt. Rose Meadows, or Taylor Creek and Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe.
Bike the Flume Trail
If you’re an experienced mountain biker or just a beginner, there is no shortage of trails in the Tahoe Basin. One of our favorite fall rides is the Flume Trail, a gorgeous 14-mile ride on the Tahoe Rim Trail that passes historic Marlette Lake and offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. You can even arrange for a shuttle to drop you off at Spooner Summit, and ride all the way back down to Incline Village. As much of this trail is at a higher elevation, you’ll enjoy beautiful orange and golden aspens and the crisp mountain air. Be sure to bring plenty of water and pack a snack or lunch to enjoy along the way.
