Tahoe Vista Trail

One way to get to the top of a tall mountain for a good view of the Lake Tahoe area is to climb it. Another much faster and easier way is to ride most of the way to the peak in an air-conditioned gondola.

The Heavenly Ski Resort's aerial tram takes passengers to a height of 8,250 feet in just six minutes and deposits them at the start of the Tahoe Vista Trail. From here, hikers can follow a well-marked path for about a mile along the ridgeline above South Lake Tahoe. The trek is rated as moderately strenuous and rises in elevation nearly 1,000 feet. There are three scenic vista points along the way and, when visibility is excellent, the view from the California-Nevada border area is extraordinary for up to 30 miles.

The tram for ascending to the Tahoe Vista Trail trailhead is located within Heavenly Resort. From South Lake Tahoe, take Ski Run Boulevard 2.5 miles to the tram station. Interpretive guided hikes are offered during the summer and fall from the Top of the Tram sun deck at 11am and 1pm daily. Self-guided hikes can be taken during trail hours from 11am to 6pm. Ticket prices for the tram are $12 for adults and $7.50 for children aged 12 and under.