Just in Time for Tahoe!

Fall Adventure Getaway to North Lake Tahoe

woman riding a bike in North Lake Tahoe

Shorter days, cooler nights, and plenty of room to roam: Fall is amazing in North Lake Tahoe! You’re just in time to enjoy North Lake Tahoe’s autumn splendor among trails less traveled. The aspens are calling! So are the beaches, hiking, and biking adventures. Mid-week deals beckon a longer stay. While you’re there, be sure to take the North Lake Tahoe Challenge (do three adventures and win cool stuff—including a lakeside resort stay). Find inspiration with some of these ideas. Photo credit: North Lake Tahoe.

Out of Office, Into Nature

woman on laptop North Lake Tahoe

man hiking North Lake Tahoe

couple hiking North Lake Tahoe

Step out for a work break by stepping into North Lake Tahoe’s autumn magic. Big mountain energy practically bounds off the bright blue lake as the secret season of crisp air, sunny days, and turning leaves takes over. Take your pick of digital detox activities from a leaf-peeping hike at Sugar Pine Point State Park to the peak you reach via the Tunnel Creek Trail: Your new Zoom background is the view overlooking the lake and basin. If sunrise or sunset hikes are your favorites, do the 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Picnic Rock via the Tahoe Rim Trail. The view of Big Blue is both grand and grounding. Take it all in perched on one of the giant boulders. There’s over 400 miles of trails to choose from.

BONUS: After the hiking trails, relax on the beer trail! The North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail is an adventure of its own, and a rite of passage for craft brew enthusiasts. Refreshing beer awaits close to trails in any of North Lake Tahoe’s mountain towns. Photo credit from top left: North Lake Tahoe, Lisa Bao, Ryan Salm.

North Lake Tahoe Hikes for Fall

Challenge Yourself

couple hiking North Lake Tahoe

Woman sitting at Lake Tahoe

Do the North Lake Tahoe Challenge: Complete your choice of three adventures—from outdoors to sustainable practices to exploring the towns—then share them to win a $250 gift card for North Lake Tahoe, a 2-night stay at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, and more. Photo credit: Ryan Salm and North Lake Tahoe.

Do the North Lake Tahoe Challenge

Town of Your Dreams

family in North Lake Tahoe

couple in North Lake Tahoe

firepit North Lake Tahoe

Whatever your desired getaway vibe, you’ll find it in North Lake Tahoe. Spanning the California–Nevada border, 12 distinct towns offer every kind of ethos: romantic, adventurous, foodie, fun, relaxation—find the best towns for you to explore in and around North Lake Tahoe. Lounge lakeside by crystalline Carnelian Bay; sink your toes into the sands of sprawling King’s Beach; pedal the East Shore Bike Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor; or soak in the alpine setting from Olympic Valley. However you want to go, go North Lake Tahoe this fall.

STAY: Check out all the lodging—and their locations—in North Lake Tahoe. Extend your stay through the week to take advantage of additional savings and more open space.

TIP: Check out North Lake Tahoe’s Know Before You Go Guide for all the information you need to plan your trip, including these itineraries.

Photo credit from top left: North Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Paul Dryer.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View