Take a Hike!
It’s summer in the mountains and what better way to celebrate your life, but to get out and enjoy all the mountains have to offer. The sunshine shining through the treetops, illuminating snippets of the trail and casting long shadows upon the cool earth. A curious chipmunk scurries past your foot as you pause to admire the wildflowers in full bloom. Where the beauty of a snow-capped mountain stops you in your tracks. Your body is tired; but you feel inspired, energized, and free. What a great hike!
There’s no doubt that hiking is one of the most peaceful and rewarding ways to enjoy nature. In the midst of our all-too-hurried lives, a relaxing hike in the mountains can do wonders for the spirit. But that’s not all. It’s also a refreshing way to get a great workout. While the sights and sounds of the wilderness distract you, you’re also burning calories, toning muscles, and getting stronger. Not to mention getting a healthy dose of fresh air.
When in Tahoe, you are in one of the best hiking areas of the world. There are hiking trails for all levels near by. How you hike them is up to you. You might find you like to hike alone and find that it’s a great way to decompress. Or maybe taking a hike is the perfect way to bond with your pooch, best friend, or loved one. You may want to keep a slow, observant pace or push yourself and sweat from peak to peak. You decide.
You don’t need a whole lot of gear to take a hike, but keep in mind that you should be comfortable, safe, and well equipped. We’ve laid out a few guidelines below so you can pack up and hike out.
Tips for Safe Day Hiking:
• Make sure that someone knows where you are planning to hike ahead of time and when you plan to return.
• Bring a cell phone for emergencies. Never hike alone if you can avoid it.
• Respect our beautiful and fragile Sierra environment by observing all signs and staying on designated trails and roads. Leave no trace. Pack out what you packed in.
• Be aware of the fire danger in this area is very high during the summer.
• Carry along plenty of clean water and a snack or energy bar. Never drink directly from a stream, unless you are proficient with water purification methods.
• Good hiking shoes are very important. Dress in layers to accommodate the weather changes and your body temperature.
• Even on cloudy days it is important to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for protection from the high altitude rays.
• If you are taking your dog, check the regulations in your area.
• Respect other hikers, bikers and animals.
• Don’t forget your camera, the memories will be awesome.
A Few of Our Favorite Spots to Take a Hike:
• Stateline Lookout: This short fifteen-minute hike will lead you to the most scenic panorama on the North Shore. When you
are at the top you can follow the self-guided trail with many interpretive signs talking about the history of Lake Tahoe.
• Eagle Rock: This short hike provides the best view on the West Shore. The massive rock outcropping was volcanically formed and is a great place for a picnic. The south side is a steeper more adventurous route, while the north side is more forgiving. All together it is only about a 1/2 mile loop, but there is a lot of exploring to be done while there. Please be careful of the drop-off on the lakeside!
• Tahoe Rim Trail: This spectacular 165-mile path traverses the ridgeline of Lake Tahoe, offering magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A popular place to start your exploration is where the trail crosses hwy 267 to Picnic Rock. It is a well-marked trail and offers varied terrain from the casual hikers up to the hardcore backpackers.
