Summer days are in full swing in Tahoe. Sunny SUP adventures on Lake Tahoe, exhilarating downhill mountain bike rides, shady forest hikes, and slow Tahoe City strolls are all waiting for you. A rewarding cool off is the best way to cap off a day of summer fun. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or shopping ‘til you drop, we’ve got some great ideas!
Bike and Swim Lake Tahoe’s East Shore
Photo: North Lake Tahoe
Incline Village is home to one of the most scenic bike rides in the nation – dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”. Don’t have your own wheels? Rent a bike (or try an ebike) for your cruise down the 3-mile paved trail. Flume Trail Tahoe offers rentals right behind the Tunnel Creek Cafe, so you can grab a coffee before your cruise. Flume Trail Tahoe also offers mountain bike rentals and shuttles in case you want to add some downhill riding on the Flume Trail to your day of biking.
The picturesque Tahoe East Shore Trail hugs the east shore of Lake Tahoe from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. Once you get to the state park, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the water and views. Cool off in the crystal-clear water, walk the long sandy beach, or enjoy snacks at one of the picnic tables nestled under the shade of cedars and Jeffrey pines.
Hike, Dip, and a View
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
A fun and scenic hike in the Olympic Valley is a great way to take advantage of summer’s beautiful weather. The Shirley Canyon trail offers a mix of shaded forest and open sky sections, with plenty of cool spots to take a break. If you’re hiking with the whole family – including your furry 4-legged friend – you can opt for a short hike along Shirley Creek. Stroll along to pick the best shady spot to kick off your shoes and dip your feet in the refreshing water.
If you really want to break a sweat and gain some elevation, we recommend tackling the challenging 3-mile hike up to Shirley Lake. Be sure to bring lots of water and snacks for the trek. At the lake, dip your toes in the water or dive right in for a refreshing break. Next up, you can push through the final two miles to reach High Camp. Once there, toast your hike with a cold beverage before riding the scenic tram back down to the village, enjoying spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras along the way.
Tahoe City Cool
Photo: Visit Tahoe City
With lots of shopping, restaurants, and beautiful views, Tahoe City is a great basecamp for a summer day and offers lots of ways to cool down. Take a refreshing dip in Lake Tahoe at Commons Beach, after a picturesque stroll along Tahoe City’s lakeside trail. Hop on a cruiser bike for a ride along the peaceful and paved Truckee River Bike Trail. Head indoors to beat the heat at the Tahoe Art Haus for an afternoon or evening showing of the latest movie. Or, with an ice cream cone in hand, find a shady spot to simply kick back, relax, and take in the lake view.
