The Ultimate Destination for a Digital Detox and Living Well

Modern life moves at the speed of notifications, and they’re always on. Everything is on demand and on the go, expecting us to plug in and stay accessible around the clock. We’ve adapted to sensory overload and await the next notification, update and distraction. While technological advances have made our lives more convenient, they have also drastically changed the way we act. In many ways, we have become so reliant on our devices that we have made it hard to unplug and get the reset our nervous system needs.

As technology continues to advance, more people are seeking place where they can experience a true digital detox, places where they can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

One of those places is Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the snow-capped Sierra, Lake Tahoe offers something beyond the smell of fresh pines and an iconic sparkling blue lake. The area offers plentiful chances to reset and repair yourself with the aid of nature, adventure and a community focused on wellness.

Wellness is more than part of a daily routine. It’s a way of life, deeply embedded in the soul of the community and natural surroundings. Finding balance comes naturally here; when you’re surrounded by forests and have easy access to alpine lakes, you’re drawn to the outside world for connection and restoration.

The Healing Powers of Water

The Blue Mind Theory, pioneered by best-selling author and marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, describes how just being in or near water can drastically improve mental health, countering the overstimulation and stress we face in everyday life. In the Lake Tahoe region, we have immediate access to not only our favorite big blue lake, but also a plethora of other alpine lakes including Donner Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake. Personally, I get a drastic boost of creativity, calm and comfort when I’m at the lake, and I often feel drawn to get in the water to add to the experience.

Want to experience the Blue Mind effect? Opt to get on the water to truly feel the healing power of the lake as you explore different points of interest. Here in the Tahoe-Truckee region, we have a wide variety of recreational activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and Jet Skiing to add to the experience. I find it to be a great blend of adventure and relaxation, as you can find many places to discover and relax as you move around throughout the day.

Cold water immersion and swimming have also been shown to have immense physical and psychological benefits, including lowering stress levels, reducing inflammation, improving one’s mood and even regulating sleep cycles. Lake Tahoe’s temperature is a chilly 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, although shallow surface temperatures in the summer can be above 60 degrees. Luckily, an abundance of pristine beaches is easily accessible for cold plunging, and they come with some of the best views to help get you relaxed during the initial shock from the cold water.

If you’re first starting on your cold water immersion journey, I recommend going to a beach that allows for gentle and gradual immersion to help you adjust to the temperatures. Some of my favorite beaches for this include Sand Harbor, Nevada Beach, Kiva Beach, Commons Beach, Meeks Bay and West End Beach at Donner Lake. See our sidebar for some cold-plunging tips.

Oftentimes, wellness enthusiasts like to add saunas to the cold plunge experience. Known as contrast therapy, this extreme mix of hot and cold can have even more profound physiological effects. While the cold plunge shocks the system, the sauna offers a welcoming warm respite. Alternating between the two allows for increased blood circulation, reduced inflammation, increased dopamine and serotonin and an over-all feeling of excitement and ease. While it is difficult to find this experience outside of a spa, two local mobile sauna companies offer excellent opportunities to try this right on the lakeshore or at your location.

If cold-plunging is not your thing, the Tahoe Basin also offers healing hot springs. With soothing, naturally warm waters, the hot springs’ mineral-rich waters are deeply nourishing. Some of the regional hot springs are in natural settings, and others are more like outdoor pools, but all are worth the drive from the immediate Tahoe region.

Connecting with the Trees

If you prefer to be on dry land, forest bathing is a magical way to connect with nature and yourself. And you can do this anywhere, even in your backyard! Simply find an area that’s nestled in the tall pines and wander until you find a spot that speaks to you. Here, I recommend taking off your shoes, standing tall and taking a moment to ground with the soil and practice breathwork. Next, find a spot to sit or lie down in a comfortable position and focus on engaging all five senses.

You will feel an immediate sense of calm and absolutely no desire to check your phone for the latest notifications or distractions.

The Tahoe region is home to an extensive network of hiking trails. Although these trails are great year-round, summer is when the mountains come to life. Wildflowers are in bloom, the smell of pine trees fills the air and it’s warm enough to take a dip in the lake to cool off after a long day on the trail. See our sidebar for a list of some of my favorite hiking trails.

For an indoor version of forest bathing, South Lake Tahoe is home to one of only two Japanese cedar enzyme bath spas in the nation. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese-style cedar enzyme detox bath and help increase metabolic activity, eliminate toxins from your body, improve circulation and regulate your nervous system.

Healing Treatments and Modalities

The natural beauty of the Tahoe region is deeply healing, but sometimes you need more self-care techniques or healing modalities to bring yourself back to mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness. Resort spas, day spas and healing practitioners of many sorts are readily available in the Tahoe region to offer these wellness services.

Several luxurious resort spas around the lake offer full menus of pampering treatments alongside stunning lake and mountain views and access to nature, allowing guests to curate healing vacations. Day spas offer similar menus of treatments that allow guests to experience a day of pampering without committing to a full resort experience.

Massage is a widely loved wellness modality. Whether you’re seeking to improve athletic recovery, increase circulation after an injury or deeply relax and release stress, there is a professional massage therapist here who will be your perfect match. Massage is not just an appointment, it’s a ritual and an invitation to deeply surrender to relaxation. Alongside massage you can choose modalities such as facials, body scrubs, foot reflexology and sensory immersion therapies to give your mind and body a complete reset.

Natural healing practitioners in the region also offer appointments and programs, including naturopathic healing, functional medicine, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic medicine, Chinese medicine, herbal apothecaries, energy healing and Reiki and so much more.

A popular healing modality is hydrating and nutrient-rich IV therapy. Tahoe’s climate, elevation and active outdoor lifestyle can deplete us of the hydration, vitamins and nutrients we need, and IV therapy can help with restoring our energy and vitality. IV therapy can be especially helpful for visitors suffering from altitude sickness. IV therapists are medical professionals, and there are both locations to visit and therapists who will come to you.

Local meditation centers and yoga studios offer places to train your mind to be more present and more mindful in your everyday life. For some people, including myself, healing in this way can be quite spiritual. Mindfulness practices can have profound effects on the psyche and help you notice the little glimmers you may otherwise overlook, from the sparkles on the lake, to the songs from the birds, to butterflies on the trail, and shift your mindset to one of abundance.

Moving Your Body

Wellness goes well beyond spas, saunas and mindful meditation. Moving your body has profound effects, and this can be done anywhere on the spectrum from walking to going to the gym to mountaineering and skiing.

With a multitude of hiking and biking trails, beaches, golf courses, ski resorts, cross-country ski centers and rock climbing locations, Tahoe is a year-round adventurer’s dream. Add sunshine, a healthy diet and postcard-worthy views, and you truly have everything you need to make your brain and body happy.

Although it’s highly encouraged to get at least 10,000 steps in per day, studies show that even moving for 20 minutes a day can increase metabolism, strength, cardiovascular health, mental clarity and overall well-being. Here in Tahoe, you can find a gym or movement studio in every town, and of course hiking and biking trails dot our landscape and are available for all levels to enjoy.

If you prefer a paved path, opt for the East Shore Trail, Truckee River Walk, Martis Valley Trail, Lam Watah Nature Trail, Vikingsholm or the South Tahoe Bikeway Trail. If you’d like a bit more of a challenge, put Monkey Rock, Eagle Rock, Maggie’s Peaks, Rifle Peak, Mount Rose and Mount Tallac on your summit bucket list.

After exercise, muscle recovery is key. One of the best ways to reduce muscle soreness, detox the body, decrease stress and improve sleep is yoga, and that comes in many forms for your desired outcome including heated vinyasa, restorative yin and hatha. Yoga studios in the region provide sanctuaries for physical and mental healing through the practice. There are classes, workshops and private sessions for all levels, and you can find a class or personal session that fits your specific needs and goals, including injury recovery, stress management, improving strength and flexibility or improving emotional and spiritual connections. Some of the studios even incorporate other practices into their yoga sessions to elevate the mindful experience, including Reiki, meditation, breathwork, special outdoor classes and sound healing.

Fuel Your Lifestyle

Lastly, nothing ties your wellness practices together better than a solid nutrient-dense diet. Here in Tahoe, we have a wide variety of health-conscious grocery stores, restaurants and seasonal farmers markets to help you integrate delicious and nutritious options into your meal plan.

In summer, farmers markets are found in towns all around the lake. Shop these markets to find local produce, mushrooms, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, breads, baked goods, jams, pickles and so much more.

Whether you’re a visitor here for a quick weekend getaway or a long-time local looking for a new way to relax, Lake Tahoe offers everything you need to unplug, reconnect with yourself and enhance your wellness journey.

Beginner Tips for Cold Plunging in Lake Tahoe

Find a buddy. Cold water immersion is more fun, and safe, with friends!

Find an ideal location for your first time. Think clear shallow waters, sandy beaches and lifeguards on duty if possible. Sand Harbor State Park is a perfect location with easy accessibility, amenities and iconic views.

Start slow and check in with yourself and friends.

Focus on your breathwork. Control your breathing to calm your nervous system. To begin, before you even enter the water, take deep breaths as you visualize the process and warm up with the sunshine. Walk in slowly to let your body adapt and to ensure that you are feeling ok to proceed further. Stay in a safe place to exit quickly in case anyone starts to feel too cold or out of breath. During the plunge, try box breathing, rounds of four-second inhalations, four-second holds, four-second exhalations and four-second holds.

Challenge yourself but know your limits. Get out and warm up when you feel it’s time. You can always get back in. To build up tolerance to the cold water, challenge yourself by staying in longer each time you plunge. Try starting for 30 seconds, and then build up each time by 30 second increments.

Have fun!

A Few Favorite Quintessential Tahoe Hikes

Of the dozens and dozens of hiking trail options in the Lake Tahoe area, here are just a few of my favorites.

1. Eagle Lake Trail

Miles: 1.8 Out and Back

Difficulty: Easy

Located in Desolation Wilderness, Eagle Lake Trail is less than 2 miles and relatively quick. I highly recommend staying longer to swim in the lake, as it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

2. Monkey Rock

Miles: 2.5 Out and Back

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Monkey Rock’s increase in popularity has hikers and photographers flocking to this trail from all over the world. This trail is relatively quick and easy, making it fun for the whole family!

3. Glacier Way Trails

Miles: Approx. 4 Round Trip,

Depends on the trail

Difficulty: Easy

Located just outside Truckee, Glacier Way comes to life in summer, as wildflowers are abundant and bring vibrant colors to the trail. After your hike, I recommend going down to cool off in Donner Lake.

4. Shirley Canyon Trail

Miles: Approx. 5 Miles Round Trip

Difficulty: Moderate

The Shirley Canyon Trail, located in the world-renowned Olympic Valley, has waterfalls, wildflowers, a lake and the option to hike to Palisades High Camp. After you spend time at Shirley Lake, you have the option to continue hiking up to High Camp, where you will see incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks. You have the option to take the tram down from here for free!

5. Mount Tallac

Miles: 9.6 Round Trip

Difficulty: Strenuous/

Non-Technical

Mount Tallac is a Lake Tahoe icon offering some of the best views in the entire region. This hike is not for the fainthearted. Standing at an elevation of 9,739 feet, Tallac has an elevation gain of 3,284 feet, which can make for quite the workout. After you’re done with the hike, I highly recommend going to nearby Fallen Leaf Lake for a swim. It’s great to cool off after a hot day of hiking and help with muscle recovery!

A few more:

East Shore Trail

Truckee River Trail

Rifle Peak

Eagle Rock

Donner Peak

Mount Rose

Maggie’s Peaks

Mount Tallac

Freel Peak

Lake Aloha

Stargazing

Stargazing helps you get in the present moment and fall in love with the magic of the universe. While the world Is sleeping, step outside and look up to feel a part of something bigger than yourself.

Find a dark spot with no light pollution. I highly recommend going a bit out of town with this one, especially if you are taking photos. Mount Rose Meadows and Hope Valley are great spots just outside of town, and Sierraville is my go-to spot if you don’t mind making a bit of a longer drive.

Bring layers. It will be a lot colder, and I highly recommend being as cozy as you can to fully enjoy the moment.

Bring a star and constellation chart so you can identify them. This is a great way to keep the night interesting, and your mind sharp.