Lake Tahoe's Rivers, Lakes, and Ale Trail Alive With Adventure

There's no question that the aftermath of Snowmaggeden is offering some of the best options for those who love to play in the water, and then some.   For the first time in quite some time, Tahoe is filled to the brim and is encircled with enticing options for those who love human powered sports.

Now is the time to get your "vacation on" and get the best out of what is, without question, one of the best summer seasons on record throughout the High Sierra.   To help you decided what to do first, and last, we're sharing some information from our own sports specialists at the North Lake Tahoe Resort Assocation who did some great research on your best behalf.

Circle Tahoe’s Rim – by Bike or on Foot

Spanning 165 miles in length, and surpassing 10,000 feet in elevation at its highest point, you could say there’s a lot of the Tahoe Rim Trail to explore.

Most choose to take on segments of the Rim Trail as a series of 14 day hikes. Then there are some who opt to make the trial into a backpacking adventure. Make sure to check all rules and regulations for camping on the Rim Trail if you plan on taking a multi-day trek.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is also one of the premier mountain bike destinations in the West. Intermediate to advanced mountain bikers will find stunning lake views, challenging singletrack and heart-pumping ascents and descents across North Tahoe’s segments of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Note that the sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail that coincide with the Pacific Crest Trail and enter wilderness areas are off limits to mountain bikers (including the Mt. Rose Wilderness and Barker Pass to Echo Lakes). Because of heavy usage, mountain bikers are allowed on the Tahoe Meadows to Tunnel Creek section of the trail near Mt. Rose Summit only on even-numbered calendar days.

If you find yourself in Tahoe sans a proper mountain bike, head over to Northstar California. It houses the Specialized Bike Academy, which offers small group mountain bike lessons. You can also check out one of the many bike shops around North Shore.

Bike  the Tahoe Ale Trail

There’s no better way to cap off a long summer hike or a challenging mountain bike ride than with a little food and an ice cold drink along the shore of Lake Tahoe. The North Tahoe Ale Trail is your guide to that after-ride refreshment.

The Ale Trail is a collective map of all the sweet spots for Tahoe brews and great food. While reaching them all in one day may be a tall order, marking off every spot by the end of the summer is a pretty satisfying accomplishment.

Many areas hugging the North Tahoe shoreline are extremely accessible by bike. Here is a map of bike routes along the Ale Trail. Most stops are pretty far apart, so you can plan for a prized beer waiting at the finish line.

For an easy ride off the Ale Trail, start at Squaw Valley and ride along the bike path following the Truckee River toward Dollar Point. A slight climb hugs the North Lake Tahoe shoreline for fantastic views of the lake on a relaxing 10-mile ride.

Ride the Rapids or Paddle Into the Sunset

There are many ways to spend the day on Lake Tahoe, no matter if you’re looking for adventure, exploration or a peaceful afternoon connecting with nature. Choose a kayak or stand up paddleboard to power yourself around the crystal clear shoreline, or get out on the Truckee for a classic river rafting adventure you will never forget.

For a complete list of all the adventure companies and local businesses who are here to help you have a wet and wild summer, visit this link today .. and then be sure to book your vacation rental in Incline Village and Crystal Bay with us at Sun Bear.