Lake Tahoe has been here for two million years, and with a little care, it can stay just as beautiful and accessible for the next two million. Taking steps to travel responsibly and protect the lake during your visit helps make that happen, from staying on trails to prevent erosion and packing out what you pack in, and much more. Continue reading to learn how to do your part and why these actions matter.
What’s the Best Way to Get to Lake Tahoe?
If you’re driving to North Lake Tahoe from a nearby city like San Francisco or Sacramento, carpool with your friends. It’ll make the time go by faster to be all together and is a great way to save money on gas and reduce your environmental impact. It also means less traffic and easier parking – which means cleaner air and a clearer lake. If you’re flying into RNO and making your way to North Lake Tahoe, book a spot on the airport shuttle for a hassle-free ride to and from the lake. Find out more about getting to North Lake Tahoe here.
How to Get Around North Lake Tahoe Without a Car?
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America at 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with no shortage of towns, trails, and activities to explore. Spending more time in one place rather than hopping from town to town is one of the best ways to make the most of your trip and travel more sustainably. While exploring Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, or any of the lakeside towns, choose biking over driving whenever possible. North Lake Tahoe has extensive connected bike paths linking beaches and restaurants, and if you want to extend your time on your bike, the East Shore Trail is a beautiful option. Many areas even offer bike valets.
Get Free Transportation in North Lake Tahoe?
Take advantage of TART (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) for free transportation across the west, north and east shores of Lake Tahoe. It’s a free service that offers local buses on the California and Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe and an on-demand service on the California side that takes you right where you want to go. Check the routes and schedule ahead of time for seasonal dates, times, and current zones. Tip: Download the TART Connect app in Apple or Google Play Store.
How to Help Protect Lake Tahoe’s Wildlife?
Lake Tahoe is home to many species of wildlife, including bears, coyotes, bald eagles, and many types of fish. Always give animals space, secure your food to avoid attracting them, and never feed wildlife. For more on staying safe and keeping animals safe, follow the bear safety guidelines.
How to Help Preserve Lake Tahoe’s Clear Blue Waters?
Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest large lakes in the world. To help keep it that way, be sure to clean, drain, and dry paddleboards, kayaks, and other watercraft to avoid introducing invasive species. Golden mussels are currently one of the most urgent threats to the lake’s water clarity. They are not yet present, but if introduced, they could turn its crystal clear water a cloudy green – disrupting the Lake’s ecosystem and creating unsafe swimming conditions. Beyond keeping watercraft clean, you can volunteer with Clean Up The Lake as a scuba diver, litter sorter, kayaker, or snorkeler to help keep Lake Tahoe free of trash. Learn more about the threat of golden mussels here.
How to Practice Fire Safety in Lake Tahoe?
Fire season runs late spring through early fall, roughly May through October, but it’s important to practice fire safety year round, as the risk doesn’t disappear when peak season ends. Before your trip, check current fire restrictions for the areas you plan to visit. Keep your car’s gas tank full so you can evacuate quickly if needed, and sign up for emergency alerts in the counties you’re visiting to stay informed. When building a fire, use only designated fire rings, and if using charcoal, dispose of ashes in a metal ash can to prevent accidental fires from hot embers.
How Else to Preserve the Natural Environment in Lake Tahoe?
When you explore nature in Lake Tahoe be sure to leave no trace by taking everything you brought with you when you go. Even in the winter, if your sled breaks, carry it out rather than leaving it behind. Keeping trash out of the forest, lakes, and streams goes a long way in preserving Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty.
Did You Know?
Tahoe Tap is Lake Tahoe’s highly pure tap water, and it’s readily available throughout the region at multiple free water refill stations. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle!
Before You Go
Lake Tahoe is a four-season, year-round destination. If you’re visiting in the winter months – which in Lake Tahoe can extend from November to April – keep an eye on the weather and road conditions and come prepared with the right gear, as conditions can change quickly.
Most importantly, be mindful when visiting Lake Tahoe. Every choice you make, from picking up trash to how you get around, helps preserve Tahoe for future generations.
