Summer Information For South Lake Tahoe In California






Jul 2, 09

South Lake Tahoe
California

The Lake in the Sky

On the south shores of Lake Tahoe is a beautiful and historic area. American Indians knew how special this place was long before the first Europeans set eyes on the "Lake of the Sky."

That name for the lake comes from the Washoe name "Da ow a ga," which was poorly pronounced as Tahoe. The Washoe would camp here during the summer months to escape the heat of the Carson Valley and Truckee Meadows.

Fun in the Sun

Today South Lake Tahoe offers a wide array of activities in a spectacular setting, including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and picnicking.

Visitors have access to three public, city maintained beaches: Connolley Beach, El Dorado Beach and Regan Beach. South Lake Tahoe Recreation Area, right in the city, offers a recreation and swimming pool complex, a boat ramp and a lakeside campground.

There are many state and federal public recreation areas as well, especially in the unincorporated portion of El Dorado County. Included are several beaches, hiking trails and paved biking routes.

Hikers and bikers can enjoy countless miles of trails in the area ranging from gentle and easy to steep and strenuous. Whatever your skill level, there is probably a trail to fit your needs. Horseshoe Falls, just over the Western Slope, takes hikers up to the Desolation Wilderness - this is said to be some of the best hiking in the Sierra.

The Waters of Tahoe

With all this water, you know there has got to be good fishing. Several area waterways offer some excellent opportunities.

The biggest of these is, of course, Lake Tahoe. This 22-milelong, 12-mile wide lake is said to hold water that is 97 percent pure. The clear, deep blue waters reach an average depth of 989 feet.

Lake Tahoe harbors several species, the most common of which is the lake trout or Mackinaw. German browns, kokanee salmon and rainbow trout also can be found here. Guide services are available for those wishing to help guarantee a big catch for the day. Other popular waters include Fallen Leaf Lake, the West Fork of the Carson River and Caples Lake.

A variety of events light up the summer here. The Valhalla Renaissance Faire at Camp Richardson Campgrounds is a trip back to the time of jousting, jugglers and sword fights. Medieval crafts, food and beer and wine tastings are sure to delight.

The Great Gatsby Festival, AirFest and America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (around Lake Tahoe) are just a few of the other exciting happenings awaiting summer visitors.

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