Hailed as America’s best lake, the beautiful Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. With a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m) and a depth of 1,645 ft (501 m), Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake and second deepest in North America.
Lake Tahoe is blessed with 300 days of sunshine and water that never freezes, it also boasts a variety of outdoor adventures in every season, be that swimming, kayaking in the summer months, or epic powder runs in the winter.
The Tahoe Rim Trail and the Desolation Wilderness nearby also give endless adventures for those seeking to escape the city. It’s no wonder why Lake Tahoe is a favorite weekend getaway for many.
Here are 25 pictures that will convince you to visit Lake Tahoe.
Eagle Falls Sunburst, Emerald Bay
If you fancy a sunrise, hop over to Eagle Falls and watch the magic happen. It’s best to in May and June when the sun is directly in front of the waterfalls.
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay was chosen to be a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its dazzling panorama of natural beauty.
The park stars Vikingsholm, one exceptional example of a Scandinavian structure in the western hemisphere, and there’s also a Tea House on Fannette Island.
STAY LIKE A LOCAL! |
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Do you want to know how to make travel (especially long-term) interesting? Stay like a local! To experience a place like a local rather than a tourist gives a whole new dimension to any adventure. I use Airbnb to rent anything from a room to an entire house. If that's not attractive enough, how about $55 off your first stay via Airbnb?
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Sunsets in North Lake Tahoe are unforgettable. Each one is always different, and you’re never short on subjects to photograph.
Its waters are pristine and clear. If you were to take a bottle and fill it with the water in the lake’s center. It would be 99% pure h20.
During drought years, the boulders are more exposed to North Lake Tahoe, creating a surreal scene.
The surrounding area is beautiful, too, especially in the fall. Hope Valley lies to the South East of Lake Tahoe via Highway 89.
The crest of the Sierra Nevada runs through the Desolation Wilderness. Some excellent day hiking or multi-day backpacking can be had in the area, such as Mt. Tallac and Echo Lakes trail.
Overcast? No problem. Lake Tahoe is stunning, no matter the weather.
Granite boulders line North Lake Tahoe’s shore with a few sandy beaches such as Sand harbor and Secret beach to break rough edges now and then. The area is one of the most photogenic spots during sunsets. It’s always fun trying to find the “Bonzai Rock” from the overlook or discovering new places for photographic compositions.
Come right in the water’s fine.
Unforgettable sunsets and sunrises for those who like to get up early.
Nature is a playground.
Leave only footprints. It’s an excellent motto to live by when we visit someplace as unique as Lake Tahoe.
The water is clear and turquoise blue.
The surrounding forest is equally beautiful. Just off Highway 89, the Desolation Wilderness and Highway 88 is the El Dorado National Forest.
Don’t get me started on the Alpenglow. Lake Tahoe has insane Alpenglow. Lake Tahoe sits above 6,500ft above sea level. It catches the same rosy light of the setting sun that you see on high mountains.
Bonzai Rock
This rock is now famous in the photographer’s circle. Pine cones lodged in the boulder’s crack somehow grew into these miniature trees.
Blazing Sunsets
Did I tell you that there’s never any sunset or sunrise that’s the same in Lake Tahoe? Nada. Not one.
Surreal landscapes abound.
The shorelines are also beautiful in the winter.
I hope these photos are enough to convince you to check out Lake Tahoe and its surrounding areas. It’s indeed a magnificent place. And no matter where I am in the world, I will always call Lake Tahoe, my home.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO LAKE TAHOE?
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Oh wow this is absolutely stunning! I’ve honestly never really thought about Lake Tahoe before, but now I’m itching to see it in person!
California is probably not the prime destination for long-term travelers as it is one of the most expensive places you could visit. But, I think Lake Tahoe is well worth the expense! My home :)
Wow — absolutely breathtaking. I haven’t been to CA since I was very young so I’m very much looking forward to planning a trip as an adult.
When you do visit don’t forget to check out Lake Tahoe!
Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places ever, and your photos make me miss the area so much!
I consider it home!
We used to live in Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side. These photos are lovely and brought back so many memories. Thanks.
I lived on the Nevada side as well :) So fortunate we are.