Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, at over 6,000 feet of elevation, and straddles the Nevada--California border. Part of the lake falls in Nevada's Washoe County. Reno, the county's capital, is approximately 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe and is well known for its casino gaming industry. A number of parks are located between Lake Tahoe and Reno, and these parks and the lake provide visitors with a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Lake Tahoe has dozens of trails that add up to hundreds of miles of hiking for its visitors. These include the Tahoe Rim Trail, which is 165 miles long by itself and entirely circles Lake Tahoe. The area surrounding the City of Reno also has about a dozen hiking trails. These trails vary in length and some are located within a mile or two of Reno's casinos.
Bicycling
The Lake Tahoe area also provides ample opportunities for guests who enjoy bicycling. There are many trails and paths for mountain and road bikers alike around Lake Tahoe and its nearby towns. Mountain bike trails range in length from 2 miles to a 72-mile trail that surrounds the lake. The flat terrain that surrounds Reno is also an excellent place for mountain bikers to enjoy some riding. Many of the local roads, including many streets and roads in Reno, have bike lanes.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Lake Tahoe, with over 70 miles of shoreline and hundreds of miles of surface area, is a very popular place for kayakers and canoeists. The lake is known for its natural beauty and is considered to be one of the clearest lakes in North America. The more adventurous visitors can paddle the Lake Tahoe Water trail that circles the lake's entire 72 miles of shoreline. There are numerous places around the lake where visitors can launch their canoes and kayaks.
Swimming
The same extensive shoreline and clear water that makes Lake Tahoe popular with boaters also makes it a popular place to go swimming. Lake access for swimmers is relatively easy since the entire lake is surrounded by sandy beaches, and visitors can swim at any point around the lake. Many of the lake's hiking trails provide access to these beaches, providing an opportunity for hikers or bicyclers to cool off with a swim.
Golfing
Golfers can choose from various golf courses around the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas. There are dozens of golf courses around Lake Tahoe, many with expansive views of the lake. Reno also has various nearby golf courses, such as the Washoe County Golf Course, Wildcreek Golf Course and Lakeridge Golf Course.
Skiing
Perhaps one of the most popular activities at Lake Tahoe, at least during the winter, is skiing. There are many cross-country ski trails located around the lake, and there are dozens of ski resorts for visitors who prefer downhill skiing. Most of these resorts are located in the northwestern portion of the lake, between Lake Tahoe and Reno.
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