APRIL AT LAKE TAHOE?
 

Is late April a good time to go to Lake Tahoe? I am planning a trip to Yosemite next April, which I have seen several people post here as a great time to visit, and thought that since I had never been to Lake Tahoe that I might like to spend a couple of days there also. But I really haven't seen much about Lake Tahoe at this time of year. Is it considered off-season then? What kind of weather can I expect? What about boat rides on the lake then? And which state, California or Nevada is better to find someplace to stay?

It is between 50-70 degrees farenhiet in Lake Tahoe at that time of year and is beautiful. Might be a bit cold for a boat ride, but you can dress for it. It is a great time to go and is off season. No crowds just the beauty and tranquility. Lots of casinos and shopping also.

We really enjoy Yosemite in April. Never been to Tahoe at that time of the year. I'm sure it can be nice. <BR><BR>Just want to mention that Hwy 120, Tioga Pass will NOT be open at this time of the year and you will have to travel either I-80 or Hwy 50 down to Hwy 49, then Hwy 120 to get into Yosemite. It's not a really big deal, just wanted you to know.<BR><BR>Utahtea

I've been to Lake Tahoe several times in April and May - we generally go in the fall and spring when the weather is beautiful and the crowds aren't there. Spring is great because the snow is melting so waterfalls crop up all over the place. Also, I think that the way the hillsides look with the trees and rocks poking out from the snow is spectacular. <BR><BR>The weather will probably be chilly at night, and chilly to warm during the day. I have friends who have skied at that time, but they tell me it's not that great because the snow isn't fresh. <BR><BR>As far as where to stay, it depends on what you are looking for. If you want casinos and action, definitely stay in or near the casinos. South Lake Tahoe is a fairly good sized town with lots of hotels, motels, stores, restaurants, and so on. The Nevada side just north of the casino area is Zephyr Cove. We really like the Zephyr Cove resort. It's right on the lake, has fully equiped cabins, a sandy shore to stroll on and a boat dock. There is also a restaurant and a small bar. It gets pretty crowded there during the summer months, but shouldn't be too crowded in April. And the drive to the casinos is only about 10-15 minutes so you are close if you want to go to a bugget or do a little gambling. <BR><BR>When we want to really get away, just to relax by the lake, we go to Brockway Springs resort in Kings Beach. The town of Kings Beach isn't much, but the resort is nice, right on the lake. No sandy beach or boat dock though. You would have to drive somewhere for that. <BR><BR>I've never stayed on the west shore, but I like to go to Tahoe City and Truckee. Both are small with a nice character. If anybody has any recommendations for cabins around Tahoe City, let me know.

We have only been to Tahoe and Yosemite once, in 1999. We were there the 3rd week of June and there was still patches on snow on the ground! We live in Florida so we were shocked (and excited) to see it. So obviously it will be considerably cooler and possibly snowy in April. The weather was pleasant but rather chilly in the morning and after dark. Days were sunny and between 75-80 degrees. The week after our visit was the beginning of "high" season, but our rates were reasonable. We stayed near the NV/CA border at a smallish hotel called The Inn By The Lake. The nearby casinos had free shuttle service to get you there and back. We LOVED this trip.