5 Ways to Experience Awe on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe

(Photo: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority)

The research is in and there’s no doubt: Experiencing awe is good for mind, body, and soul. And when it comes to awe-inspiring, the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is in a class by itself. Amid the high peaks, quiet forests, welcoming communities, and oh-so-clear blue waters of Tahoe, the awe never stops.

Here are four ways to get a helping of awe during your next visit, but there’s even more where these came from. Find four seasons of inspiration in the interactive guide: Awe Awaits in Lake Tahoe.

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail at Echo Lake

Thefive-mile round-trip hikealong the shores of Echo Lake in theDesolation Wildernesshits the sweet spot of payoff to effort. But on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it’s another scenic stop along the epic journey. Located just shy of Mile 1,100 on the legendary thru-hike, Echo Lake is also one of the most accessible sections of the PCT in the area, especially when you take thescenic water taxiback to the trailhead ($22 one way), making it a 2.5-mile affair.

More awe:Looking for the perfect après hike venue? Grab a pint atSouth Lake Brewing Companyto enjoy in the large beer garden, front patio, or indoor tasting room. And yes, it’s dog friendly.

Bike the Corral Trail System

Why is theCorral systemknown as the unofficial epicenter of Tahoe mountain biking? Because it has a bit of everything for everyone. This loopable, feature-rich playground serves up (mostly) downhill riding for thrill-seeking experts and newer riders testing out their airborne abilities. You can shuttle or ride up the paved Fountain Place Road before mixing and matching your way down. The system has multiple entry points, but you can’t miss Lower Corral. It’s nonstop fun with every feature you can dream of: hips, rollers, berms, jumps, rock rolls, and log rides.

More awe:If you continue up Fountain Place Road and the Armstrong Trail, you can head downMr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Tahoe’s most iconic expert trail, with six miles of technical yet flowy downhill.

Paddling on Lake Tahoe

From tree-lined cliffs to sandy beaches and quiet wetlands, each stretch of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline reveals its own unique world. Find your slice of paddling paradise with theLake Tahoe Water Trail. A comprehensive guide to Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline, the Water Trail provides kayakers, canoers, and SUPers with launch sites, points of interest, campgrounds, trip-planning advice, and even wildlife-watching advice. Highlights include bird-watching in the wetlands by Kiva Beach—also home to fall salmon runs—and the rugged shoreline ofZephyr Cove.

More awe:Always wanted to see just how clear Tahoe’s waters are? Rent a clear-bottom kayak fromClearly Tahoe.

Snowmobiling

Winter brings a gallery-like stillness to Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, and a guidedsnowmobile touris the best way to dive right into the painting. You’ll cruise through a variety of landscapes as the scene around you transitions from foothills to forests to wide-open ridgelines. There are multiple outfitters with multiple tours each and no bad options. TheSummit Snowmobile Tourfrom Lake Tahoe Adventures offers an immersive experience deep in the Tahoe mountains, while theScenic Lakeview Tourfrom Zephyr Cove Resort gives you a bit of everything as it hugs the terrain near the water.

More awe:Zephyr Cove’s Scenic Lakeview Tour is also offered during full moons for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Featuring old-school vibes, epic terrain, and record-setting snowfall,Kirkwood Mountain Resortis the kind of place skiers (and snowboarders) dream about. When the upper mountain is blessed with fresh snow—which is often—the steep chutes, open bowls, and sprawling ridgelines reveal themselves as a full-on winter playground. The Wall and Cornice Express lifts have iconic lines, but there’s room to paint your own path on this 2,300-acre canvas. Those willing to traverse may not have to ski the same tracks twice, thanks to quieter lift lines and the highest average snow totals in Tahoe.

More awe:Kirkwood is also home to across-country ski centerfor those interested in a peaceful off-day adventure. If you’re looking for more downhill action, you can ski or snowboard atSierra-at-Tahoe ResortandHeavenly Resort.

Visit Lake Tahoe shares the wonder of this iconic alpine lake with the world and works passionately to preserve its grandeur and good times for endless generations. Explore things to do, places to stay and all the reasons to visit the South Shore of Lake Tahoe 365 days a year atVisitLakeTahoe.com.