Set among the Sierra Nevada range, South Lake Tahoe boasts a plethora of outdoor sports and recreation activities for every season. The health-conscious traveler can take advantage of single-track mountain biking trails, hikes into the mountains, water sports on the lake and some of the best winter skiing and snowboarding that California has to offer. South Lake Tahoe is also just a short drive away from the state line, where the nightlife can go on into the early morning at any of the many casinos and bars.
Water Sports
The lake itself is one of the biggest attractions for visitors of the south shore. Its deep and dark blue waters are the playground for water sport junkies of all varieties. Head down to one of the marinas for rentals of kayaks, boats and waverunners or try out some paragliding. Be prepared for some cold water as the lake is fed with snow melt from the spring thaws.
Hiking
Get into the mountains from any of a number of South Lake Tahoe's trail heads. The hiking available in the area ranges from easy to strenuous, with short trails and those that can be as long you want. One of the more popular hikes is the summit of Mount Tallac, which begins easy and later becomes steep and challenging, with the rewards being excellent views of lakes and the Desolation Wilderness. Other hikes in the area include the Moraine Trail through old-growth forest, the Clark Trail up steep and loose shale paths and the Glen Alpine Trail head, which offers several different hiking options.
Rock Climbing
Lover's Leap is the spot to climb in Lake Tahoe with single- and multi-pitch routes rating from 5.5 and above, with several multi-pitch climbs in the 5.9 to 5.10 rating. Beginners and advanced climbers alike will find suitable rock with excellent views at Lover's Leap. Other nearby options include Sugar Loaf and Phantom Spires. Topo guides are available at outdoor sports shops in town.
Biking
Whether you like road, mountain or downhill biking, South Lake Tahoe has it all. There are two paved bike trails, one of which (the Pope Baldwin Trail) follows Highway 89 and offers side trips to beaches and historic sites. The other is the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, which begins at El Dorado beach and winds through South Lake Tahoe and into Nevada. Mountain bikers will find trails dotting the entire region. One popular trail is the Tahoe Rim Trail, which follows ridgelines and mountaintops for 150 miles encircling the lake. You can also ride the trail "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," named such because of its exhilarating descents.
Snow Sports
South Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state, with Kirkwood, Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe resorts within a short drive away. All of the resorts offer beginner's slopes as well as double black diamond runs and some with back-country routes. You can also rent snowmobiles, go dog sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
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