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Best outdoor activities in South Lake Tahoe

Last updated on 22 May 2025

South Lake Tahoe in California is a breathtaking destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore the best routes and hiking memories from thousands of Relive users - regardless of your level, you can use Relive to create an immersive memory of your hike, and share it with your hiking buddies! Whether you're looking for easy hikes in South Lake Tahoe or challenging trails, this stunning area has something for everyone.

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South Lake Tahoe in California is a breathtaking destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore the best routes and hiking memories from thousands of Relive users - regardless of your level, you can use Relive to create an immersive memory of your hike, and share it with your hiking buddies! Whether you're looking for easy hikes in South Lake Tahoe or challenging trails, this stunning area has something for everyone.

One of the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe is to explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the surrounding mountains and forests. The Emerald Bay State Park hiking trails are particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lake and lush forests. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Desolation Wilderness in California provides rugged terrain and pristine alpine lakes.

When it comes to hiking in South Lake Tahoe, the options are endless. The Rubicon Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering stunning lake views and diverse terrain. For a family-friendly option, the Cascade Falls Trail is an easy hike that rewards you with a beautiful waterfall at the end.

South Lake Tahoe, CA, is a year-round destination, but the best time for hiking is typically from late spring to early fall. Summer brings warm temperatures and clear skies, perfect for exploring the outdoors. However, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

When planning your South Lake Tahoe outdoor activities, don't forget to check out the South Lake Tahoe hiking map to find the perfect trail for your skill level. Many trailheads offer ample parking, but it's best to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot. The surface type varies from well-maintained paths to rocky terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

For those wondering what to do in South Lake Tahoe beyond hiking, the area offers a plethora of activities. Visit the scenic Heavenly Gondola for panoramic views, or take a dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Tahoe. The South Lake Tahoe city center is bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

When it comes to the best hikes near South Lake Tahoe, don't miss out on the Van Sickle Bi-State Park, which offers trails suitable for all skill levels and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For those seeking hikes close to South Lake Tahoe, the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is a picturesque option that's easily accessible from the city.

Hiking around South Lake Tahoe is generally busiest during summer weekends and holidays. For a more serene experience, consider visiting during weekdays or in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Most hiking trails in South Lake Tahoe are pet-friendly, but be sure to keep your furry friends on a leash and clean up after them. The area is also great for families, with many kid-friendly trails and activities available.

So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camera for those South Lake Tahoe photos, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this outdoor paradise. Whether you're tackling the best South Lake Tahoe hikes or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime in this stunning corner of California.

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Top routes around South Lake Tahoe

Explore and get inspiration from some of the best routes around South Lake Tahoe

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Hiking hard
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4:53

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10.7 mi

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3061 ft

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Hiking moderate
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2:12

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5.8 mi

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1258 ft

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Hiking easy
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1:09

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2.8 mi

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907 ft

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Hiking easy
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0:43

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2.2 mi

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278 ft

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Hiking moderate
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2:10

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4.2 mi

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1678 ft

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Hiking moderate
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1:52

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5.2 mi

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2121 ft

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Hiking moderate
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1:37

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4.9 mi

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1066 ft

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Hiking hard
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4:33

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9.3 mi

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3781 ft

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Hiking moderate
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2:45

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7.3 mi

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2898 ft

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Hiking easy
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0:47

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2.4 mi

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137 ft

What you can do with Relive

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    Track your route

    Track your route and add photos of the best moments to create your story

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    Route Phone

    Turn your activities into 1-minute videos ready to share!

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    Share your memories

    Did an epic activity last year? Turn it into memories worth sharing

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Relive logo shadow
Track your route

Track your route and add photos of the best moments to create your story

Relive logo shadow
Route Phone

Turn your activities into 1-minute videos ready to share!

Relive logo shadow
Share your memories

Did an epic activity last year? Turn it into memories worth sharing

Image of phone with Relive video
Get the Relive app

Create and share your outdoor memories!

Apple AppStore
Google Play
Apple AppStore
Google Play

Top memories around South Lake Tahoe

Explore unique memories created by other Relive users around South Lake Tahoe


Frequently
asked questions

Yes, Relive is a freemium application. You can use it for free and create a basic video. If you want more advanced features such as adding more photos and adding music, you can subscribe to our Relive Plus offering.

Absolutely not. You can create your 3D videos within a couple of minutes. We already pre-populate everything for you— all you need is to create a title for your video, make sure you have the right media (photos or videos) you want to include, and pick your video settings.

Yes, you can do this in 2 ways. You can either upload your activity/route file to Relive if you have it, or you can connect your external tracker to automatically upload all your past data.

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Record your hike and turn it into an amazing 3D video with photos, notes, music and more!

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