Things to do around Lake Tahoe from May 18 to 23

My wife and I are staying in South Lake Tahoe from May 18th to 23rd. We are looking for some day trips or things to do in and around the area. We would like to make it to Yosemite but realize the mountain passes may still be closed. Can anyone guess as to when the passes will open this year? We have rented a Chevy Trailblazer and hope to be able to drive up into the mountains for some short hikes and picture taking.

Things to do around Lake Tahoe from May 18 to 23

The mountain passes that you refer to may be closer to Yoemite, like Tioga Pass %26amp; Sonora Pass. The area around the lake is all open. The one area around the lake that is closed today is 4 which connects part of 89 to 395. In actuality you can cross the Sierra using other closer roads to Tahoe than 4. I don%26#39;t see that closure, if it still exists after mid May, as being a hinderance to any visit you will make.

Many usual activities at Tahoe will not be available until Memorial Day but here are some things to do around the lake:

You can shop and eat at the village area in South Lake Tahoe or visit Zephyr Cove for lake cruises and watercraft rentals or walk and hang out on the beach.

Check out the estates at the Tallac site in Camp Richardson. The tours won’t start until after Memorial Day but it’s a nice area to walk around in and is interesting nonetheless.

If you are interested in easy hikes here are some near South Lake Tahoe

The Moraine Trail, which is a fairly easy hike of 1 mile (one-way). It’s a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area.

Another hike is Angora Lakes, though the area south of the lake was affected by the fire last year, you should be able to hike to the lake and still see the beautiful area. It is an easy hike, and hikers are rewarded with several lakes. It’s only ? mile and the scenery when you get there is great. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and giant rocks. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road%26#39;s end at the parking lot.

Also on 89 on the west side is:

Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay probably won’t be open during your visit but you can still enjoy the outside and peek through windows. The trail starts at the parking area on the north side of Emerald Bay, on Highway 89. At the bottom of the trail is a picnic area, as well as world-famous Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle. Be warned though it’s a super steep trip down which means a steep walk back up. It’s about 2.25 miles round trip and the path is wide and well-maintained You may find you prefer to enjoy it from above or on a lake cruise

http://www.vikingsholm.com/

You could take a short side hike to Eagle Falls or Cascade Lake %26amp; Falls

Eagle Falls / Eagle Lake Trail starts at Eagle Falls Picnic Area, highway 89 across from Emerald Bay. Permits are required on this hike and a self-registration station is at the trailhead. The hike is only about 2 miles round trip to Eagle Lake (only about 1/3 mile to the falls); the terrain varies from steep to flat and crosses beautiful Eagle Falls on a steel footbridge.

Cascade Lake %26amp; Falls – Turn into the Bayview Campground across from Emerald Bay Inspiration Point, drive to the end and park at the trailhead. Take the trail that veers left. Spectacular views of the 200-foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail.

Further north on 89 you can find any or all of the following:

DL Bliss – nice beach with great lake views. There is a trail you can take that provides views that can not be seen from the road. The trail will eventually get you back to Emerald Bay but you don’t have to walk it all. You can do part of it and then go back to Bliss..

Meeks Bay – great beach, during the summer there is a grill shack right on the beach. Paddle boats and tricycles available for rent. Beautiful views of the lake. We go there almost every day when we visit during the summer and on Mother’s Day we hang out on the beach. Though it will be quiet and deserted it’s still a great sandy beach to enjoy a book and the view.

Sugar Pine Point – Beautiful grounds. Though the Mansion Tours will not be offered when you are there it’s still nice to walk around. You can walk down to the boat house and peak in at the silver boat. Even in the summer we can only peak at it.

You can rent bikes pretty much anywhere around the lake but if in Tahoe City you have more trail choices. You can and ride along the bike path that runs from Tahoe City southward all the way to just south of Sugar Pine (the path ends/begins just prior to Meeks Bay) or ride north along the Truckee to River Ranch where you can have some refreshment right on the River.

On the north side at the state line:

When you arrive at the state line, you can take a brief detour to see the old fire lookout. Turn north on Reservoir Road, which is next to the Biltmore. Then turn right onto Lakeview Ave. Continue on this road, if it forks stay left and do not turn onto Tuscarora. It will bend back before you reach the parking area for the short walk to the lookout. The lookout provides you with really beautiful views of the area and lake.

Check out the lovely Hyatt in Incline Village. Stop in at eh Lone Eagel Grill for lakeside dining.

On the north side southeast of Incline Village

As you continue on the north, side of the lake Sand Harbor is just outside Incline and is a great Beach. This area of the lake is really beautiful and the rock and water are amazing.

Other lakeside dining:

Garwoods in Carnelian Bay – North

Sunnyside – near Tahoe City – West

West Side Café – Homewood – West

Beacon Bar %26amp; Grill – Camp Richardson – South

Riva Grill – South Lake Tahoe at the Marina

Things to do around Lake Tahoe from May 18 to 23

A drive around the lake would be a fun day trip, we did this last May and had a great time, making stops at Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor, Incline Village (the Hyatt for lunch and spa treatments) Camp Richardson and the lookout at Emerald Bay.

We also enjoyed the 2 hour scenic cruise around Emerald Bay which leaves from Zephyr Cove. You can have lunch on the ride, we had some yummy appetizers and lemonade during our cruise. Great places for meals are: Evan%26#39;s Gourmet Cafe, Cafe Fiore and 19 Kitchen up at the top of Harvey%26#39;s Casino.

Have a wonderful time in Lake Tahoe! :)

Thank you for the information, we have done the route #4 pass on a previous trip. I am hoping the Tioga pass will be open by the time we get there. I did find some information on plowing this route on the Yosemite National Park web site. We have drove around the lake on a previous trip but we will probably do it again this time to get some pictures. We have some pictures of the lake from route #50 and Emerold Bay but I have a new camera to play with this time.

Have you been to Virginia City? Fun place to visit.

Never been there, I will keep it in mind, thank you for the information.

They are plowing the Tioga Pass road right now. If there isn%26#39;t a lot more snow, it may well be open by the time you are there. And even if it isn%26#39;t, you can get to Yosemite via Highway 49.

It%26#39;s too far for a day trip either way, though. If you want to see Yosemite, plan for at least one night there.

If tioga pass is open by then you could get up early drive down to yosemite (it%26#39;s 2 hours from south lake to the park gate at tioga pass) go out to olmsteam point for some good views, hike around there for a couple hours and then head back out... stop at mono lake if time permits. On your way back stop in walker for either a burger or at the bbq place there. Then when back in tahoe relax from that long day trip! I%26#39;ve done that day trip many times when visitors are in town and it never dissapoints.

If you plan to do the drive the last poster suggest and are looking to google more information on the place, it%26#39;s called Olmsted Point and it really is an amazing place on Tioga Pass Road.

We are looking into staying a night near Yosemite. We have been there once but it is a remarkable place and I would like to be able to enjoy it without having to rush back to Tahoe.

If you go through Walker, the BBQ is a must stop. The food is awsome and the people very friendly.

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