The Lake Tahoe Basin is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Lake's beautiful, sapphire-blue waters are straddled by the California-Nevada state line. The Lake's elevation averages 6,225 feet, and is surrounded peaks reaching heights of up to 10,880 feet.
Lake Tahoe's #1 attraction is of coarse the Lake itself. With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, it is the second deepest lake in the United States — trailing only Crater Lake in Oregon. It is approximately 22 miles long and 12 mile wide — creating 72 miles of shoreline that varies from beautiful golden and white sandy beaches on the South and West shores to more rugged rock outcrops on the Nevada side of the lake .
Please scroll down the page to learn more about Lake Tahoe's eco-offerings!
State Parks & Beaches – Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline. creating 72 miles of shoreline that varies from beautiful golden and white sandy beaches on the South and West shores to more rugged rock outcrops on the Nevada side of the lake .
National Forests – Lake Tahoe is surrounded by several national forests that include Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. They all offer a wide range of outdoor activities.
Top Lake Tahoe Eco Attractions
Desolation Wilderness – The Desolation Wilderness is made up of 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. Located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County, the Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
The Tahoe Rim Trail – Lake Tahoe, CA & NV
The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the world’s premier trails. It passes through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas. This spectacular trail is 165 miles of single-track multiuse trail, winding peak to peak around Lake Tahoe. It is a trail that offers something for everyone! Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on all portions of the trail, while mountain biking is allowed on the trail with the exception of the wilderness areas, the section that is in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and on the sections of trail that overlap with the Pacific Crest Trail.
Hiking Mount Tallac – Adorned with its majestic snow cross, Mount Tallac is the area's most identifiable mountain peak. Several routes are available to get to the top – ranging from moderate to extremely difficult hiking. Because of the high elevation, only those individuals in good shape should attempt to climb it. Also, depending on the time of year, many people will make the trek, so it can get a little crowded at the top!
Vikingsholm – Vikingsholm is located at the head of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California. This magnificent "castle" is a unique blend of Nature's spectacular beauty and man's architectural ingenuity. For information call (530) 525-7277
Taylor Creek Visitor Center – South Lake Tahoe 3 miles north of the "Y" on Hwy. 89 past the Tallac Historic Site. (530) 573-2674.
More than just a travel store for the Forest Service, the complex is home to many exciting activities such as:
The Stream Profile Chamber which has served as the primary attraction for the complex since it was constructed in 1968. The Chamber provides a view of the stream environment by allowing visitors to study a diverted section of Taylor Creek. And four nature trails including: The Rainbow Trail, The Tallac Historic Site Trail, The Lake of the Sky Trail, Smokey's Trail . It also offers items for purchase such as maps, brochures, souvenirs, hiking permits and other items.