serenityinall

Good evening. I am taking a last minute trip to South Lake Tahoe on October 21st. I only have four full days there. This is my first trip and I am overwhelmed as to where to begin my explorations. I also feel that I am "between" seasons, so there may not be much open. Is this the case?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. A friend mentioned that I should drive to San Francisco for the day, but San Fran will have way to much for me to want to explore for a one day trip.

Also, what travel clothes should I bring to this area? Thanks so much!


I am tempted to make the drive to Yosemite as I do not know when I make get another chance to see it (if ever). Otherwise, what are recommendations? Summer is over, skiing has not

nevermind

Tahoe is great any time of year, but I love it best between seasons. The nights will be nippy, if not downright cold. The days will most likely be chilly, but comfortable. It has already snowed twice this month, which is a bit early, so who knows what will happen.

What do you like to do? There are lots of bike trails on the west side of the lake. There is also good hiking. There are cruises available on the Lake. See this website for some info: http://www.zephyrcove.com/tahoe-queen.php You can drive all the way around the lake, stopping whenever the mood strikes. So much depends on the weather, which seems somewhat unpredictable this year.

Weather permitting, riding the Heavenly Gondola is fun. See http://www.skiheavenly.com/

If you are into gambling, the casinos are opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are a number of side trips you could take. If you go west, there are a number of areas with lots of charm from the gold mining days. East of Tahoe is Genoa and Virginia City. You might also consider going to Bodie, a ghost town which is near Bridgeport.

Suzie

I'm sorry that the Heaven;y gondola will be closed during your visit in preparation for the upcoming ski season. There are such great views from the lookouts.

Squaw valley's tram is also closed. So it does seem kind of between seasons doesn't it?

You can take a beautiful lake cruise to Emerald bay.

Weather permitting you can take a drive to Hope Valley. This week ther were lots of photographers there snapping pics of the beautiful trees changing color.

Here is something I have always wanted to do:

Kit Carson Trail - Ghost Walk
Spirits of the past appear on a guided historic home walking tour. First tour departs at 9:00am, last tour is at 3:00pm. Tours leave every 30 minutes. Advance ticket purchase highly recommended as this event always sells out. Carson City, NV.
Call: (775) 687-7410 for more information

Improv at Harveys
Opening act and emcee for all shows is Howie Nave. Headliner Jeremy Hotz and featured act David Gee will be performing this week at Harveys Cabaret - Lake Tahoe
The Improv is dark on Mondays. Show time is 8 p.m. on all nights! Tickets are $25, Sunday and Tuesday – Friday, and $30 on Saturday. Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, NV
Call: (800) Harveys or (800) Harrahs for more information


Visit the Tllac Site near Camp Richardson
http://www.valhalla-tallac.com/visiting.html

Tour the Thunderbird Lodge:
http://www.thunderbirdlodge.org/tours.html

I would bring some warm clothes as it has snowed as the previous poster has indicated.

flanneruk

I was on Lake Tahoe about a week ago. Although there were traces of snow above 8000 ft, the weather was perfect for walking almost all the time. The views from most trails were stunning (very few other walkers around). We particularly loved the not-very-well marked trails arounf the south of Leaf Fall Lake.

There were a surprising number of people wrapped up as if it were cold - which it realkly, really wasn't. Except at night, we were in shirtsleeves all the time, though at higher elevations, legs had to be zipped back onto those shorts/longs trouser combinations.

The drives around the lake were, 90% of the time, glorious. Most viewpoints have trailheads, and it's really worth exploring them. I'd imagine at this time of the year the usual precautions against the risk of rapidly changing weather (above all, keep a supply of warmer, and waterproof clothes in a backpack) are particularly important.

South Lake Tahoe has those huge, ugly casinos along the state line, so this observation might not apply. But at the north end of the lake, the casinos were astonishingly homely places, with none of the Las Vegas flash, constant tension or perpetual huckstering.

Braunsky

I've not been to Lake Tahoe - it's on our list. As for Yosemite, check the national park web site before planning a drive of that length. The Tioga Pass entrance on the northwest corner of the park that you would use closes late fall and stays closed the entire winter. Late October may be late fall, I just don't remember. I found a decent book on the Tahoe area at Borders, Insiders' Guide to Reno & Lake Tahoe, by Jeanne Lauf Walpole. Fishing is supposed to be great, but you are advised to hire a guide and boat because the lake is so deep you'll need help finding the fish!

Suzie

Tioga Pass closes only due to snow. The weather for the rest of the week in that area is sunny. You should be able to use it but check before you go. Here's a phone number road conditions:

209-372-0200


If you can go to Yosemite via Tioga Pass it will be quite beautiful with the fall color. The daylight will be short though!

cabovacation

Yosemite is definitely worth the effort if you have time.

On an entirely different note...you will be more than amazed if you see the scope of the development that is taking place at Northstar at Tahoe, on the north shore. It is really kind of mind boggling.