The residents of South Lake Tahoe are a healthy bunch, and one of their favorite things to do in South Lake Tahoe is exercise. That’s because there are so many opportunities for outdoor recreation. For activities like running, walking and hiking the trails, pathways and beaches are plentiful, so there’s no excuse for not lacing up your shoes or boots and getting out there. This list will point you to all the best places to go.
Featured for Your Visit
CA Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here too. To help enjoy the area even more, there are 150 regular campsites and one group site, all having easy access to the water via various points around the park. The park is also good for dogs as long as they're on a leash at all times and not on the trails. If you're coming to the park for day use only it is highly advised that you come early, as the park tends to be very busy and parking is limited. The park does not allow day use visitors once the parking lots are full. The park closes in the winter, although access to trails is still available. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace.
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here...read more
DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of...read more
Hiking in Lake Tahoe is one of the truly special ways to experience and take in all of the beauty that the area has to offer. Plus, there are hundreds of trail networks to explore throughout the basin. From sweat-dripping, big-elevation-gain hikes that take you deep into the wilderness to road-shot mellow hikes that offer exceptional views but do little as far as elevation increase,...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
Kirkwood Mountain is a South Lake Tahoe ski area tucked a little out of the way of the hustle and bustle that is seen in town. Kirkwood is about a 45-minute drive from the center of South Lake. This small distance creates positives: crowds are smaller and attention to personal service is higher. The ski area itself is great for all levels of skiers with...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
If your dog is your best friend, Kiva Beach is for you. Kiva Beach, a part of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is one of the few beaches where dogs are welcome, though they still must be on leashes, per El Dorado County leash law. Kiva sits between the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Tallac Historic Site. There are restrooms and picnic tables. Campfires...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a park system found on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With six different management units that total 14,301 acres, the park protects miles of dense Tahoe forest and beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. Within the park are the swimming areas of Sand Harbor, Chimney Beach, Hidden Beach, Secret Cove, Creek Beach, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach as well...read more
Located 20 miles outside of South Lake Tahoe, Lover's Leap is a crack climber's dream come true. Surrounded by a beautiful, dense forest are impressive granite rock faces climbing 600 vertical feet, sewn together with cracks seemingly perfect for a human foot or hand. There are more than 100 routes to choose from. The multi-pitch climbs range from basic to extremely difficult; there is an...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
When you are out at Camp Richardson to have fun, it would be a drag if you had to run into town to get the gear to do it. Luckily Mountain Sports Center, Camp Richardson's centrally located sports shop, has equipment rentals for both warm and cold weather activities. Mountain bikes or tandem bikes, snowshoes or cross-country skis, they've got them right...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in East Shore
Nevada Beach and Campground, a part of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is a great place to camp at Tahoe. The site possesses a forest of pine trees set back from the water and is usually serene compared to other Tahoe beaches. Visitors with or without RVs can pay to use the overnight campground, which offers barbecue grills, picnic tables, fire rings,...read more
Three miles south of the town of Incline Village on Highway 28, Sand Harbor has a variety of natural features that you can spend an entire day exploring. You can hike several trails down the shoreline or off into the woods. You can rock-hop, scrambling across the giant boulders that extend out into the lake. You can rent a kayak or standup paddleboard to float...read more
If you enjoy the serenity and fun that the state parks provide on the California side of the Lake Tahoe area, then you can thank Sierra State Parks Foundation. Founded in 1974, the foundation is a nonprofit supporting eight different parks around the western side of the region: D.L. Bliss State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Sugar Pine...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe is a shopping center and marina highlighting water experiences. Restaurants, boat and water activities rental, cruise boat, fishing and shopping are all in one location. It is the launching spot for day and dinner cruises on the Safari Rose and the The Tahoe Spirit. Ski Run Marina is the home to Riva Grill (amazing food and cocktails with impressive views), Artemis Mediterranean Cafe...read more
Running, Walking & Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
Spooner Lake is an excellent winter and summer recreation area. The reservoir is home to year-round fishing, hiking and birding. In the summer the lake is the place for swimming, non-motorized boating and mountain biking, and in the winter the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great. There is a day-use fee collected per vehicle/bike, so make sure to bring some money. read more
If you are looking for a pro when it comes to finding fun adventure, then check out Tahoe Jack's Adventure Authority. A guided tour, expedition and excursion company, Tahoe Jack's specializes in the South Lake Tahoe area. They have kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, wilderness courses, backpacking and night adventures for the summertime. For winter their journeys include snowshoeing, fat bike tours,...read more
