John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Location

Lake Tahoe lies in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the California/Nevada state line. It lies approximately 200 miles by road roughly east-northeast of San Francisco. US50 runs around the southern part of the lake.

What to See and Do

Lake Tahoe is a huge lake encircled by mountains. When we visited in June the upper slopes of these mountains still had plenty of snow on them but there was none in evidence at the altitude of any of the normal roads. Physically Lake Tahoe closely resembles Oregon's Crater Lake on a larger scale. Both lakes are approached by significant climbs over summits, followed by short descents to the lake shore. However, I believe that whereas Crater Lake's origin was volcanic the same cannot be said of Lake Tahoe. The surface of the lake lies at an altitude of 6225 feet above sea level.

Roads encircle Lake Tahoe and a leisurely drive around the entire shoreline is highly recommended. The lake is 22 miles from north to south and 12 miles wide. The whole loop of roads around the lake area total around 72 miles in length.

From Carson City, Nevada, US50 West climbs over the Spooner Summit and then drops down slightly to run clockwise round the southeastern part of the lake shore. This road is fast and fairly busy with very few places to stop before reaching Stateline.

Stateline, at the Nevada/California border, is a cluster of casinos and associated tourist hotels, accompanied by the usual trappings of shops and restaurants. However, it is small and not too tacky. We were pleasantly surprised to find a fast food restaurant in Stateline charging normal prices.

Continuing clockwise from Stateline US50 soon reaches South Lake Tahoe. To continue round the lake leave US50 and take California State Highway 89 North. US50 continues west to Placerville and Sacramento.

California State Highway 89 runs through the El Dorado National Forest and with much lower traffic levels it forms a very pleasant contrast to US50. There are various California state parks along this road and a number of scenic overlooks with parking areas.

Emerald Bay is one of the most scenic spots around the lake and at this point the road runs high above the shoreline. A stop to admire the view is essential. If you decide to hike down to the lake shore at Emerald Bay do bear in mind that you're in for a very strenuous climb back to the road.

California State Highway 89 continues up the western shore of the lake to Tahoe City, where to continue round the lake you should take California State Highway 28 which changes into Nevada State Highway 28 at the state line. From Tahoe City California State Highway 28 continues north to I-80.

At Incline Village stay on Nevada State Highway 28. Nevada State Highway 431 heads northeast to Reno/Sparks.

Beyond Incline Village Nevada State Highway 28 passes through the Lake Tahoe State Park. At one point in the state park there is a very good stopping point offering excellent views and interesting information panels.

Nevada State Highway 89 continues down the eastern side of the lake to join US50 and complete the loop.

It is probably possible to complete a non-stop trip around the entire lake in about half a day but for a much more worthwhile experience take every opportunity to stop along the way and make the journey last the best part of a day. If you don't have this amount of time to spare then it is still well worth taking one of roads round just part of the lake.

Some interesting facts about Lake Tahoe: The lake contains sufficient water to flood the entire state of California to a depth of fourteen inches. The lowest point at the bottom of the lake is lower in altitude than Carson City, Nevada. Numerous streams feed into the lake but only the Truckee River runs out of it. The Truckee River eventually runs into Pyramid Lake, which has no outlet; the water evaporates.

In winter the Lake Tahoe area offers plenty of opportunities for skiing.

Where To Stay Nearby

To the east, Carson City, Nevada offers a full range of facilities such as motels, restaurants and shops.
To the west, Placerville, California is a smaller town but still has an adequate range of facilities for travellers.

In the Area

Yosemite National Park, California

Seven Wonders Of The USA And Canada

State Parks

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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.

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Most recently modified 22-Jul-01