Lake Tahoe: High Sierra Oasis
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Map of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a phenomenon created by nature and nurtured by time and politics. Incredible physical characteristics have been discovered and also written about the lake and surrounding terrain. Add the political decision to divide the lake in two and allocate one half to California and one half to Nevada, and visitors will find a holiday spot worth more than just a quick trip.

Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America and the surface of the lake lies 6,225 ft (1,897 m) above sea level. Sixty-three tributaries flow into Lake Tahoe, but Truckee River is the lake's only outlet. Evaporation accounts for a loss of over 104 million tons of water every 24 hours. Without incoming water, the lake level would drop one tenth of an inch (2.6 mm) every day.

	Water Skiing at Lake Tahoe Photo by Keoki Flagg 2003

Sterile granite soil is the secret to the lake's incredible clarity, which descends to a depth of approximately 75 ft (23 m). The reason is that granite does not contain much sediment for drainage to deposit into the alpine water. While human use and natural aging are slowly clouding the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, the valley is reducing the environmental impact by exporting all sewage from the area.

An interesting item of trivia is that the waters of Lake Tahoe never reach the ocean. Lake Tahoe runs into the Truckee River, which in turn spills into Pyramid Lake in the Nevada desert. Pyramid Lake has no known outlet except evaporation.

ORIENTATION

Lake Tahoe is situated on the border at the northeast edge of California and the northwest edge of Nevada and approximately 300 mi (483 km) south of Oregon in the United States. The city of Reno, Nevada, is 35 mi (56 km) northeast of the lake, Las Vegas, Nevada, is 450 mi (724 km) to the southeast and Sacramento, California, lies 100 mi (161 km) west. The National Forests of Tahoe, Humboldt-Toiyabe and Eldorado border Lake Tahoe on all sides.

Backpacking at Lake Tahoe Photo by Keoki Flagg 2003

HISTORY

Experts estimate that between five and ten million years ago a massive shifting of underground geological faults forced the upward movement of two parallel plates, creating a deep depression in the middle. It took another few million years for the contours to develop into what is known as the Carson Range to the east and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west. Precipitation pooled in the southern end of the depression and formed what is now Lake Tahoe.

Two million years ago, volcanic activity in the area created a natural dam at the north end of the lake, cutting off its single outlet. The lake rose until it found its present channel, now known as the Truckee River, located at Tahoe City. Subsequent glaciers shaped the mountains and canyons into the present day broad, fertile valleys of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The first sighting of Lake Tahoe by a non-native American was recorded in 1844 when John Fremont was guided to the area by scout Christopher "Kit” Carson. The area was long used as a summer gathering place for the peaceful Washoe Indians, who held sacred ceremonies on the southern shores.

	Climbing Twin Crags Photo by Keoki Flagg 2003

In 1859, the Comstock Lode was discovered east of Lake Tahoe. The Lode (gold mixed with high quality silver ore) was considered the single greatest mineral strike in history. While the mines produced over $400 million in revenue and helped support President Lincoln during the Civil War, finding the treasure had a significant environmental downside. Between 1860 and 1890, hundreds of miles of Lake Tahoe forests were cut down and used in the mines and for building homes and railroads. When the silver mines were depleted, nature slowly reclaimed the land.

Around 1890, Lake Tahoe became a popular destination for wealthy San Francisco, Sacramento and Virginia City residents who came to fish, hunt and relax. In the 1950s major development began: roads were plowed year round allowing for permanent residency, and the 1960 Winter Olympics at Olympic Valley (also known as Squaw Valley) increased tourism and promoted skiing in the western United States.

CLIMATE

Lake Tahoe boasts four well-defined seasons and a balanced blend of rain, sun, snow, heat and cold. The National Weather Bureau records an average of 240 cloudless days per year and 75 days that contain a mixture of sun and clouds. Normal annual rainfall is about 31 in. (787 mm), but the average snowfall reaches almost 18 ft (5.5 m). Ski hills receive anywhere from 21 to 50 ft (6.4 to 15.2 m) of snow annually and the largest snow dump recorded was 7 ft (2.2 m) in 24 hours.

Month Avg. Daily Temperature Average Rainfall Min Max Jan 26°F (-3 °C) 47°F (8 °C) 156 mm Feb 34°F (1 °C) 51°F (11 °C) 138 mm Mar 36°F (2 °C) 55°F (17 °C) 104 mm Apr 40°F (4 °C) 61°F (16 °C) 54 mm May 49°F (9 °C) 70°F (21 °C) 30 mm Jun 61°F (16 °C) 77°F (22 °C) 17 mm Jul 72°F (22 °C) 85°F (29 °C) 6 mm Aug 67°F (19 °C) 83°F (28 °C) 8 mm Sep 61°F (16 °C) 77°F (25 °C) 16 mm Oct 51°F (11 °C) 70°F (21 °C) 46 mm Nov 40°F (4 °C) 57°F (14 °C) 93 mm Dec 32°F (0 °C) 48°F (9 °C) 137 mm

Tahoe City Climate Data from the Western Regional Climate Center

Surprisingly, since Lake Tahoe sits at a high elevation and enjoys the arid conditions of the Nevada desert, the daytime temperature rarely exceeds 80° F (27° C) or falls below 14° F (-10° C) at night. Most locations around Lake Tahoe experience similar climatic conditions and temperatures.

It is important for visitors to the area to know that Lake Tahoe weather can change extremely rapidly and also that the intensity of the sun reflecting off the water and the snow can quickly result in sunburn on unprotected skin and eyes.

TRANSPORTATION

Part of Lake Tahoe's appeal is its relative isolation from the rest of the world, but that does not mean it is difficult to access. Interstate 80 runs north of Lake Tahoe through Truckee, where Highway 89 brings travelers south to Tahoe City or Highway 267 takes travelers southeast to Kings Beach. Those coming east from Sacramento will reach the city of South Lake Tahoe by taking US-50. For people traveling southwest from Reno, the route to take is Highway 431, which ends in Incline Village. US-50 west from Carson City reaches an intersection, allowing ground travelers a choice of going north to Incline Village or south to Stateline.

Limousine and car rentals are available in various Lake Tahoe locations and Truckee and Tahoe City provide scheduled trolley services between area centers. Greyhound and Amtrak have depots in Truckee and Truckee-Tahoe Airport, Lake Tahoe Airport and Reno Tahoe International Airport provide national and international air services.

Crushing Grapes at Autumn Festival

LAKE TAHOE HIGHLIGHTS

While people choose to vacation in Lake Tahoe for any number of reasons, two of the biggest draws are the world-class ski hills and the flamboyant casinos. Ski season typically runs from November to April depending, of course, on the weather. Nevada casinos are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and guests must be 21 years of age in order to play.

Lake Tahoe is a paradise for snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing. Currently, 16 ski resorts ring Lake Tahoe and all of them claim a yearly average of at least 21 ft (6.4 m) of snow.

In the Truckee and Tahoe City area, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort and Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area feature miles of scenic trails, while Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood, Soda Springs, Sugar Bowl, Kirkwood, Northstar at Tahoe and Squaw Valley ski resorts are ideal for boarders and alpine skiers. Spectacular views, snow-filled bowls, exhilarating runs and mountain hospitality are guaranteed to bring guests to the area again and again.

South Lake Tahoe area boasts two ski resorts, Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe. Heavenly sits on Monument Peak, covers 4800 acres of land and provides incredible views of Nevada and California. Daily tours orient newcomers to the resort's many amenities.

Downhill Skiing at Lake Tahoe Photo by Keoki Flagg 2003

Sierra at Tahoe promotes itself as the place to chill out, have fun with family and friends and enjoy the unspoiled environment, the activities and the significant annual snowfall.

Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose and Spooner Lake resorts lie on the Nevada side of the lake and provide magical experiences for skiers of all ages. From snowboarding to alpine skiing and cross country runs, these magnificent mountains provide unending vistas of the desert, the Washoe Valley and, of course, Lake Tahoe.

While thousands of people live to ski, an equal number also love to gamble. The state of Nevada approved gambling in 1931 and Lake Tahoe is an ideal destination for those who wish to try their luck at games of chance. Patrons can choose to play five-cent slot machines or high stakes tables, and everything in between.

Casinos hugging the shoreline at Lake Tahoe are located in Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Most of them offer blackjack, roulette, craps, slot machines, video poker, keno and sports betting. For those interested in something a little different, Caesars Hotel in Stateline offers baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, horse race betting, pai gow poker (a variation on a Chinese domino game) and another poker game called Let It Ride. Clients who are unfamiliar with any of the games will find instructions in the individual casinos.

	Gambling at the Hyatt's Grand Lodge Casino

LAKE TAHOE'S SCENIC DRIVE

Lake Tahoe's shoreline is only 72 miles around, but size isn't everything. Many sights, attractions and entertaining activities are packed into this relatively small corner of the world.

On the California side of the lake starting in the north are the communities of Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe City, Sunnyside, Homewood, Tahoma and Meeks Bay where golfing and skiing are popular year round attractions. A short jaunt off Highway 28 rests Squaw Valley Resort, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Just north of Olympic Valley is the historic town of Truckee. A variety of accommodations can be found in Tahoe City and Truckee and the entire area is a playground for fishing, rafting and water sports enthusiasts. Sugar Pine Point, D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks hug Lake Tahoe's western shore and are popular destinations for camping, beach access and hiking trails. A tour of Scandinavian-inspired Vikingsholm Castle, located at Emerald Bay, is a captivating addition to any travel plan.

	Cross Country Skiing at Lake Tahoe Photo by Keoki Flagg 2003

Following the shore to the southern tip of Lake Tahoe, visitors pass Tallac Historic Site and the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum, followed by miles of alpine beaches at Camp Richardson. Accommodations, entertainment, restaurants and shopping are plentiful at Tahoe's largest community of South Lake Tahoe. Fishing trips, boat tours, cruises, skiing, biking and hiking trails provide entertainment and pleasure for sports fans of all ages.

Across the border at Stateline, Nevada, the hospitality and activities continue, but gambling is an added enticement for visitors to stop and stay. Casino resorts provide colorful accommodations and a wide choice of shopping and dining options.

Moving north from Stateline, travelers pass through Zephyr Cove and gain further opportunities to absorb the incredible beauty and the continuing selections of casino resorts. Past Zephyr Cove, the highway passes through a mountain tunnel known as Cave Rock.

Rejuvenating the Body at Squaw Creek Spa

Long regarded as a sport climbing location, the site holds religious significance for the local Washoe Indians and is now available only for picnics, hiking and photographic opportunities. Next in line is the private community at Glenbrook and then the amazing Sand Harbor State Park. Sand Harbor is one of the most popular Tahoe parks and is recognized for swimming, boating and self-guided hiking tours.

The northeast portion of Lake Tahoe's scenic drive passes Ponderosa Ranch, the legendary ranch featured in the television series, Bonanza. The studio and theme park offers tours, hayrides, special function facilities and also hosts many local events. Incline Village and Crystal Bay bring the scenic drive to a full circle, as they are the final communities on the Nevada side of the lake. Resorts and casinos in both locations provide another chance for gambling and nightlife, golfing and skiing.