We shall be in the Lake Tahoe area for one week in September ( assuming there are no fires!) We would like the recommendations for a few full day excursions and a few overnight trips. We are open for anything -perhaps the Gold Rush area, or whatever sights there may be a little North and west of Tahoe - I have found some good threads for Yosemite-- just would like to see the sights and enjoy the beauty. Thank you for any suggestions.

If you are staying at Tahoe I don't see why you'd want any overnights (except IF you could possibly get into Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwanee for a couple of nights)

as for day trips some possibilities: 1) Virginia City, 2) Donner Lake/Truckee, 3) Plumas-Eureke State park and the general area up north along hwy 89, 4) Alpine County south of Tahoe

But there is enough to keep you busy at Tahoe that I'd probably only try 2 days trips at most.

What kind of stuff interests you? There's some interesting old mining towns (and some ghost towns) you could visit. There are museums in Carson City and Reno. There is a whitewater park in Reno where you can try out your kayaking skills. There are drives in the desert and drives in the mountains. There's also some hot springs nearby.

One drive I particularly enjoy is heading north from Tahoe on 89 up to Plumas-Eureka State Park and then driving over to Hwy 49 through the Gold Lakes Basin.

http://www.tomstienstra.com/tt091199.html

Then, follow 49 west down to Downieville and Nevada City along the Yuba and then back to Truckee and Tahoe via Hwy 20, I-80, and Hwy 89.

There are plenty of other scenic drives and there are some back roads you can drive too if you have the right vehicle.

In Sept you may catch the fall colors near Hope Valley, Woodfords & Markleeville. About an hour drive from South Shore on Hwy 89. Continue all the way to Hwy 395 - then turn north to Reno but stop in at historic Genoa, Nevada's first settlement since 1851. Easy to do in a day.

to my 3 responders - thank you so much - i have copied all the suggestions- as far as what we wish to do and see- anything-- not especially athletic- in our 50's- so no kiddy sights - those days are over!! we are looking forward to the sights of the Lake Tahoe/Donner area, but, just wondered what else is out there --

Walker River Canyon.
Bodie State Park (Ghost Town)
Mono Lake
Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite ( you will regret this not being an overnight, it's so beautiful)
Mammoth - Devil's Postpile

overton,

If you have never rafted the Truckee River - do it. It's a blast! Cold water feels good in the hot weather and it's just enough to be fun, not scary.