Ring Around the Lake

Surrounded on most sides by tall granite mountains, whose peaks rise far above the tree line, Lake Tahoe is the largest lake in California. Its nearby slopes feature fourteen ski centers open from October through May, and some areas are covered by patches of snow year-round. In the summer, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and mountain biking are popular activities. But in any season, a trek around the lake's perimeter is a journey of scenic wonders.

The "Ring Around the Lake" can be undertaken on foot or on horseback, by bike or by car. Those who wish to go on foot can follow the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which took 20 years to create and rivals the Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest trails among America's most rewarding hikes. Most visitors prefer to drive it by following the Tahoe Ring Road, which takes about three hours without stops.

Clockwise from South Lake Tahoe, U.S. Highway 50 leads away from the water toward Lake Tahoe Airport. A right turn on California State Route 89 leads over to beautiful Emerald Bay and Meeks Bay, following along the west shore to Tahoe City. From there, California State Highway 28 continues north to Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach before turning into Nevada Highway 28 at the state line.

The road raps around Crystal Bay and past Incline Village at Tahoe's northern edge before turning south through Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park en route to Spooner Summit. Upon reaching the intersection with U.S. Highway 50, a right turn will lead down the coast past Zephyr Cove, through the town called Stateline, and back to South Lake Tahoe.