It's so much easier to socially distance in the mountains.
As of June 12th, Lake Tahoe has entered California's Stage 3 reopening plan, which means the region is officially open for mindful recreational travel, and its rivers, lakes, cliffs, and trails are calling to us.
Please note that California remains under shelter in place, and while local economies are reopening, we must all do our part to keep our communities healthy and safe. The list below was created in collaboration with the local visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, and the featured local businesses that look forward to welcoming guests. All activities are outdoors and designed for social distancing.
If you do travel, we deeply hope you will do so responsibly. Limit pit stops along the road by packing your own food and water; camp in remote places; keep your activities outside; keep your distance; wear a mask; wash your hands; be respectful of local communities; and as always, leave no trace.
Please also note that things change quickly during a pandemic. It's a good idea to check websites for opening hours and available services before you go. For more information, you can also visit the official websites for Truckee and North and South Lake Tahoe.
Here are 25 of the best ways to enjoy social distancing outdoors in Tahoe, this summer and into the fall.
Climb like a monkey on Tahoe's Via Ferrata.(Courtesy of Alpenglow Expeditions)
1. Paddle out in a personal kayak rental from Sand Harbor Rentals or Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard. // sandharborrentals.com and tahoecitykayak.com
2. Hike away from it all on Tahoe Rim Trail's eight, remote segments. // tahoerimtrail.org
3. Get 800 feet of vertical personal space on the Tahoe Via Ferrata. // tahoevia.com
4. Access high mountain trails via Northstar California's Big Springs Gondola. // northstarcalifornia.com
5. Defy gravity on Heavenly Lake Tahoe's Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster. // skiheavenly.com
6. Lay out on Tahoe's 40 public beaches. // tahoepublicbeaches.org
7. Hit the endless summer and wake surf with the Tahoe Surf Company. // tahoesurfcompany.com
Learn the ropes of rock climbing on Donner Summit.(Courtesy of Alpenglow Expeditions)
8. Boat up to the all-new West Shore Buoy Bar. // westshorecafe.com
9. Get rockin' on Donner Summit with a rock climbing tour by Alpenglow Expeditions. // alpenglowexpeditions.com
10. Getting hungry? Have Picnic drop off a platter of organic, locally sourced Tahoe food. // picnictahoe.com
11. Dump the long wedding planning list and say "I do" to an elopement with Simply Eloped. // simplyeloped.com
12. Stand up paddle around Sugar Pine Point with West Shore Sports. // westshoresports.com
13. Play on your own private island or cliff jump with Tahoe Jet Boats. // tahoejetboats.com
14. Learn to tie, cast and land with Matt Heron Flyfishing. // mattheronflyfishing.com
15. Go smaller with a hike to little Floating Island Lake and Cathedral Lakes. // theoutbound.com
The Good Wolf serves beers made with foraged mushrooms and forest flavors.(Courtesy of The Good Wolf Brewing Company)
16. Soar away in a private seaplane tour with Fly Lake Tahoe. // flylaketahoe.com
17. Find your perfect pedaling spot with the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition's interactive map. // tahoebike.org
18. Dig into the ultimate summer spread: barbecue from Chicken in a Barrel and mango sorbet from Art of Gelato. // chickeninabarrel.com and facebook.com/artofgelatoslt
19. Sail away with a small group on the Tahoe Cruz or the Tahoe Dreamer. // tahoesail.com
20. Sip on Fever Dreams or Dirty Candy beer from The Good Wolf Brewing Company. // thegoodwolfbrewing.com
You don't have to rough it in a glamping tent at Raft California.(Photo by Christina Nellemann)
21. Glamp and raft on the American River with Raft California. // raftcalifornia.com
22. Disappear into the wilderness on a Signature Adventure with Tahoe Jack's. // tahoejacks.com
23. Strengthen your lungs with a snorkel trip through the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail. // parks.ca.gov
24. Sleep like we did in simpler times with a private tent at Camp Nauvoo. // campnauvooplacerville.com
25. Cap the night with Salty AF S'mores from the S'moregasm food truck. // instagram.com/smoregasmusa
(Courtesy of @smorgasmusa)
