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South Lake Tahoe is recognized worldwide as a glamorous blend of entertainment, luxury, year-round recreation and stunning natural alpine beauty. Nestled on the state line of California and Nevada, it offers high-energy casinos, concert venues and dining establishments.
Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a network of endless adventure opportunities, including biking, hiking and skiing at world-class resorts. South Lake Tahoe’s location is perfect for adventurers of all ages and abilities, offering accessible recreation right outside your doorstep, plus more remote backcountry adventures just a short driving distance away.
As South Lake Tahoe is more widely recognized in the headlines for events and entertainment, I want to offer insight into the opportunities to get outside and connect with the natural world. South Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most stunning trails in the region, often overlooked by many travel articles and blogs. Here, I want to inspire you to go beyond the downtown area and fall in love with the natural areas like I have.
I have created an adventure-filled itinerary for a fall weekend trip in South Lake Tahoe. I hope you have the best time and are inspired to come back and see more!
With pristine sandy shores and sparkling shallow waters, Baldwin Beach is a great stop for golden hour and sunset. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day One: Afternoon Arrival and Sunset by the Lake
Welcome to South Lake Tahoe, your basecamp for a weekend of outdoor adventure at its finest. After checking into your hotel or vacation rental, it’s time to head downtown for dining. There are so many delicious options, and it can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor to pick a spot. I recommend heading to the Shops at Heavenly Village, as it is centrally located and offers a variety of dining options and is fun to walk around and take in the scenery.
After satisfying your appetite, it's time to view the sunset before settling in early for the night, as I have an action-packed weekend planned for you and it's important to rest so you can maximize the days. Some of the beaches I will recommend visiting for a photogenic sunset are Baldwin Beach, Keys Beach, Lakeside Beach, Zephyr Cove and Nevada Beach. If you're feeling brave, take a dip in the lake. It's a refreshing Tahoe tradition!
Next, I recommend going to a grocery store, such as Safeway or Whole Foods, to pick up sandwiches, snacks and water for tomorrow's activities, as my itinerary calls for being in the wilderness most of the day. Pack everything you need, get a good night's sleep and get ready for an amazing adventure. It's an early wake up call, but it's worth it!
Head to the Emerald Bay region for a variety of hiking options. Choose your own adventure! Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day Two: Mountains, Lakes and Stars
Good morning! Begin the day with an early breakfast and stretching session as you’re going to get a great workout on this action-packed day.
Head out as the sun begins to rise and make your way to a trail of your choosing. Here, I am sharing a few of my personal favorites, with varying lengths and difficulties.
The first option is Mt. Tallac, the highest peak on the Lake Tahoe shoreline at 9,738 feet and a bucket-list hike for summit seekers. With an elevation gain of 3,200 feet and approximately 9.5 miles roundtrip, this hike sure packs a punch! But making this hike special are the incredible panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and the surrounding forests and peaks. Depending on your experience, the completion time of this hike varies. I have done it in just a few hours as a training hike, and I’ve also taken half a day when I prioritized breaks and photos. Make sure to pace yourself accordingly, be safe and have fun. If you have time after, head over to Emerald Bay to explore some trails or just take in the views.
If you want similar views to Mt. Tallac, but a less strenuous hike, head to Maggie's Peaks. Starting on the Bayshore Trail, make your way up to Granite Lake. Here, take the more popular route to the South Peak, as it is a bit easier to navigate. Even so, it is still easy to get off trail so make sure to have a GPS. This will lead to a stunning overlook above Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake and the surrounding peaks in Desolation Wilderness. This hike is an out-and-back trail, approximately 4 miles total with an elevation gain of approximately 1,800 feet.
Take a dip in Eagle Lake. It's refreshing! Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
If you opt to do Maggie's Peaks, I will recommend adding on Eagle Lake or Vikingsholm as optional add-ons. These are easier hikes in the Emerald Bay region, but these feature stunning views from different vantage points. Eagle Lake is wonderful if you are feeling like taking a walk to a premier afternoon swimming spot, and Vikingsholm is perfect for history buffs who want to see an example of luxurious architecture from the bygone era. You can also swim at the beach at Vikingsholm or sit at a picnic table and watch the sunset. (Note: These hikes are also great on their own, and I recommend them for beginner hikers to start out with to get a taste of the Tahoe hiking scene.)
Want to get off the beaten path and see the backcountry? I have a few hikes for you!
For a stunning introduction to the Desolation Wilderness, head to Lake Winnemucca, just near Carson Pass. This hike is a relatively quick and easy at approximately 5 miles roundtrip, and it offers unparalleled rugged mountain beauty and lake access. You can stay here for hours and just take it all in!
If you want a more challenging excursion, head to Echo Lakes to embark on the trail to Lake Aloha. This 12.5-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for those who want to spend a big chunk of their day exploring the Desolation Wilderness and get a killer workout. You have the option to make various pit stops to other sparkling blue lakes along the way, including Lake of the Woods. I highly recommend bringing your swimsuit here, as this lake is perfect for swimming. Bring food to take a nice lunch break against a backdrop of some of the best backcountry mountain views in the southern Tahoe region.
Depending on which trails you decided to take, if you have time I recommend going to Fallen Leaf Lake for a beautiful sunset stroll and swim. The views here are incredible, especially during golden hour and sunset over the iconic Mt. Tallac. Bring a headlamp, as it gets dark quickly and you will want to get back to your car safely.
If it’s a clear night and you're not too tired, I will always recommend stargazing. You don’t have to go too far to witness a spectacular celestial show. The Camp Richardson area, Emerald Bay (sometimes I go to the Vikingsholm Parking Lot) and Kingsbury Grade (a bit further out but a well-known spot) are all prime locations to relax and watch the stars. Make sure you wear layers and bring a tripod if you wish to do some long exposure night photography.
Have a good night of sleep – you deserve it!
Enjoy the fall foliage while you can, as it's only here for a short time. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day Three: Lake Activities and Fall Foliage
Let's start the day at the lake! I'm a firm believer that no trip to Tahoe is complete without some activities on our big blue lake, and today you get a chance to experience that for yourself. Morning is my favorite time to get on the lake, as conditions tend to be best.
If you don't have a paddleboard or kayak, there are a variety of shops in town that rent them. I will give you a list of some beautiful spots to launch your watercraft, as I think these spots offer easier access and stunning views: Kiva Beach, El Dorado Beach, Cave Rock Beach or Pope Beach.
After your morning workout on the water, it's time to see some fall foliage before you head home. If you are heading south, I recommend stopping by Hope Valley to see some of the most iconic fall views in the region. Here, you will get access to one of the more locally loved spots for fall photography, and for good reason. In its peak, the trees here put on a dazzling display in shades of goldenrod and rust.
If you are heading north, opt to visit Spooner Lake, one of the best places to see the foliage on the East Shore. Here, you can take a walk through the vibrant aspen groves and see panoramic views of the meadows and surrounding peaks. My favorite time to come here is in the late afternoon, when the sun hits the golden leaves at just the right angle.
I hope you had an amazing time exploring South Lake Tahoe and the region and got a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural world. I hope this trip leaves you not only inspired to come back, but also to take action to preserve our fragile ecosystem so future generations can enjoy it just like we have the privilege to. Until next time!
Tips From a Local
- Plan accordingly and plan to arrive early. Even though fall is considered the "off season," it's still important to prioritize getting a good parking spot and making the best of the daytime as the sun sets earlier.
- Bring water, snacks, layers, a GPS and SPF. It's always good to be a little overprepared than wish you brought certain items, especially when you are out in the wilderness.
- Leave no trace. Make sure to always pack out what you pack in and even help pick up trash if you see it.
- Bring your camera. There are so many beautiful spots to capture the landscape and memories.
- Have fun and come back soon!
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
