Activities · Lake Tahoe Basin
Activities in the Basin
Everything the lake has to offer — all four seasons, all free. Choose an activity for its guide: conditions, best months, what to know, and every place on the map.
☀️ Summer
Camping
D.L. Bliss, Sugar Pine, Fallen Leaf — 300+ sites with lake views.
14 locations→
Hiking
165+ miles of trails from Tahoe Rim to Desolation Wilderness.
14 locations→
Swimming
Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, Kings Beach — pristine, 70+ ft clarity.
9 locations→
Kayaking
Paddle Emerald Bay, Cave Rock, and Sand Harbor on crystal-clear water.
21 locations→
Boating
22-mile lake, marinas on every shore. Pontoon & ski boat rentals, guided cruises, and the MS Dixie II paddlewheeler.
8 locations→
Mountain Biking
Flume Trail, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride — world-class Sierra singletrack.
19 locations→
Paddleboarding
Glassy morning water, 70+ ft visibility. Rentals at 8 locations.
7 locations→
Rock Climbing
Lovers Leap and Luther Spires — world-class granite sport climbing.
15 locations→
Backpacking
Desolation Wilderness multi-day routes through dramatic Sierra terrain.
6 locations→
All year
❄️ Winter
Skiing & Riding
16 resorts: Palisades, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Sugar Bowl, and more.
16 locations→
Snowshoeing
Ellis Peak, Spooner Lake, Cascade Falls — serene winter wonderlands.
7 locations→
Tubing & Sledding
Heavenly's lanes up the gondola, Tahoe City's park in town, and free snow play at the Sno-Parks.
16 locations→
Cross-Country Skiing
Tahoe XC, Spooner Lake and Royal Gorge, the largest cross-country resort in North America.
11 locations→
Ice Skating
Outdoor rinks in Heavenly Village, Tahoe City and Northstar, and an indoor arena open all year.
5 locations→
Snowmobiling & Sleigh Rides
Guided tours to lake views above 9,000 ft, tracks in town, and horse-drawn sleighs at Sand Harbor.
6 locations→