It’s no secret that Lake Tahoe is a mecca for year-round adventure travel. In the warmer months, Lake Tahoe — which spans both California and Nevada and is the second-deepest lake in the U.S. — offers a special combination of mountain and lakeside adventures.
From kayaking to climbing a via ferrata route, these are the top warm-weather outdoor adventures in North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding region.
Kayak With Tahoe Adventure Company
Tahoe Adventure Company led my kayaking tour of the north side of the lake, launching from the beach at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Our guide focused on highlighting the diverse opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, trails and brilliant clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe.
He was a Tahoe local and proved extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the region and its history. At one point, he wanted to prove how clean the lake water was to our group — so he dipped his water bottle into the lake and drank straight from it.
Hike With the Tahoe Adventure Company
Lake Tahoe hiking trails feature breathtaking views with seemingly endless beauty. The Tahoe Adventure Company also hosts spectacular guided hiking opportunities for adventurers of all ages and fitness abilities. Visitors can book anything from a mellow day hike with the family to a full day out on the trail on a more challenging route.
My favorite trail was the East Shore Trail, a wide, paved trail perfect for biking or walking. This route connects the explorable areas of Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park. Serious hikers might want to try the more challenging Tahoe Rim Trail.
Ascend a Peak With the Tahoe Via Ferrata
The Tahoe Via Ferrata (via ferrata means “iron path” in Italian) is located on a towering granite peak in Olympic Valley known as the Tram Face. The climbing route is equipped with steel cables, bridges and permanent steel anchors which aid climbers in ascending the mountain’s steep terrain without any prior climbing experience or technical knowledge.
The via ferrata route in Lake Tahoe does not require previous climbing experience.
Credit: 2021 Molly O'BrienI climbed the face of the mountain, by using the expertly secured ladder rungs, steel steps and suspension bridges. My harness had a specialized lanyard that was attached to the cable the entire time, so I felt completely safe.
Take to the Lake for Outdoor Yoga
After such an adventurous weekend, I wanted to wind down with some active, mindful meditation. If clients are seeking a change of scenery, they can take a quick trip to the other side of the lake at Edgewood Tahoe Resort in South Lake Tahoe.
This property’s lakeside yoga is an invigorating way to reconnect with yourself in the most natural, immersive way possible (it also traditionally hosts “snowga” outside in the winter, which is on my list to try next time). Some North Lake Tahoe local businesses also offer stand-up paddling yoga on the lake.
During my visit to North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area, I learned about the environment and history of the region while having the chance to be fully immersed in the pristine nature of the eastern Sierras. There are a whole host of lake and mountain activities to enjoy, and I will no doubt be returning soon for another round of adventures.
Where to Stay: Resort at Squaw Creek
A fantastic combination of luxurious and adventurous, Resort at Squaw Creek is located in Olympic Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Enormous windows in the lobby and guestrooms feature panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, including ancient Ponderosa pine forests, lush alpine meadows and snow-capped mountaintops in the distance.
