Great Mountain Bike Trails in Lake Tahoe

Are you looking to discover some amazing mountain bike trails in lake tahoe? I've compiled a list of three of the best in the region.

1. Flume Trail: This is one of the most scenic trails in the world! The trail overlooks cliffs that plummet into the pristine blue waters of lake tahoe. If you want to have great overlooks while you ride, this trail is definitely for you! It's a steep climb in the beginning but it's definitely worth it. Most of the trail is singletrack.

2. Kingsbury grade to bench overlook: This trail is a great technical, singletrack ride. There are numerous boulders scattered over the trail in places and it gives you the opportunity to improve your technical mountain bike skills. When you get to the bench at the top of the summit, you have an amazing view of the entire lake tahoe basis. Overall there are a lot of ups and downs on this trail but the climbs aren't very grueling.

3. Mr. Toads Wild Ride: You will find the start of this gem at the top of Luther pass. The trail begins with a singletrack climb, but then it turns into some of the most fun singletrack terrain of your life. Be wary, though. It can be quite technical at some points and there are plenty of opportunities for you to go over the handlebars.

These are my favorites in the tahoe Basin. If you're looking for a more detailed description of any of these, go into any local bike shop. I'm sure they will be more than happy to give you info.

Lake Tahoe Weddings - Lakeside Wedding Locations

If you're thinking about "tying the knot" and desire a beautiful and unique outdoor wedding location, you may want to consider having a Lake Tahoe wedding. The south shore of Lake Tahoe offers fantastic lakeside venues where you can have your ceremony, and there are many romantic beach locations to choose from. Every potential wedding site has its own distinctive appeal, each quite diverse from the other. A pleasant surprise, too, is that you will find that having your wedding take place at the edge of the water's of Tahoe may be far less expensive than you might have imagined.

Regan Beach and Emerald Bay are only but two of the many popular spots in Tahoe for the bride and groom to marry. Regan Beach has several places for the couple to choose from to have their ceremony and post ceremony photographs. You can be right at the waters edge in the sand or slightly elevated above Lake level in a grassy, park-like setting.

Lakeside weddings in Tahoe are relatively inexpensive. A simple wedding without a lot of frills can be as low as $195, which includes the minister at the location, a marriage license, and the notary fees. Also, after the ceremony, the minister will transport the original marriage license he issued to you at completion of the ceremony to the county recorder's office where you will receive a recorded copy of your marriage license.

Additionally, if you are a little flexible with the time of your wedding, you may be able to pick a location of your choice and not have to reserve that particular location you've chosen, which helps keep the cost and any budget concerns to a minimal by avoiding reservation fees. So, if cost is a factor, a little flexibility can save you a bundle.

What other place in the world can you have a wedding that matches the beauty of Lake Tahoe for under $200? Though cost and beauty are only a couple of reasons why many brides and grooms make the journey to the "Lake in the Sky", there are many more. Did I mention it is a great place for a honeymoon too?

Lake Tahoe weddings have provided a lifetime memory for countless couples who have fallen in love, a memory made all within a truly romantic setting. Tahoe's Lakeside venues have been a primary destination for wedding couples for decades and continue to increase in popularity as a favorite spot to wed. If it's a Lakeside wedding with a view you're after, consider the option of an outdoor beach wedding alongside the crystal clear, blue waters of Tahoe as the ceremonial site for your once in a lifetime event.

Emerald Bay - Winter Wedding Wonderland of Lake Tahoe

If a destination wedding is in your plans, you may want to consider one of the hottest spots in America. Emerald Bay has long been a popular place for couples to exchange their wedding vows, and the winter season is no exception. Lake Tahoe weddings take place year-round over the bay regardless of the time of year.

Located along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay towers 300 feet above the Lake, offering a panoramic view of the alpine "Lake in the Sky" surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Couples who arrive at Emerald Bay on their wedding day are in awe of the breath-taking views they experience as they climb the path to the wedding location on the bluff.

Though what seems like an area of seclusion, particularly in the winter months, Emerald Bay is not a difficult drive and only about 20 miles from the heart of the City of South Lake Tahoe. It is there on the south shore that many couples prefer to hold their post-ceremony reception and to enjoy their honeymoon since Tahoe has a great deal more to offer once the wedding vows are consummated.

Beautiful resort areas that cater to couples line the main strip, and there are plenty of restaurants and event centers that host receptions. Close to the heart of town is Heavenly Village, comprised of a variety of shops and fine art galleries. In close proximity to the village is the Heavenly Ski gondola that skiers as well as non-skiers ride, available to the newlyweds who desire a scenic voyage up the slope of Heavenly's mountain.

There is an abundance of night life in the general vicinity as well if the couple wants to carry on the celebration into the late night hours. The downtown casinos offer gaming, outlandish nightclubs and showroom performances. In addition to the nightly entertainment, the local casinos offer luxurious honeymoon suites for the newly married.

Keep in mind that when planning a winter wedding in Tahoe on the bluff of Emerald Bay, there is the possibility of road closures due to winter storms. Highway 89 north, the two lane highway that brings you to Emerald Bay, does occasionally close for avalanche control after heavy snow has fallen. However, weddings on the bluff remain to be popular in the winter season, and over the years of performing weddings atop the bay, few brides and grooms have had to change their ceremony plans.

It is well worth mentioning, however, and a great comfort for brides and grooms to know that most wedding coordinators (if you're using one) always have a plan "B" in an alternately beautiful but protected location if winter conditions look threatening. Nevertheless, if the infrequent situation arises, please note that I've never known a married couple to be disappointed with a substitute location, largely due to the excitement and beauty Mother Nature adds to their wedding day.

There are some whopping advantages, though, for braving a winter wedding at Emerald Bay. The wintery atmosphere atop the bluff over the bay with the surrounding white-capped mountains provides a whole different wedding theme. The backdrop alone for the wedding photos is a big plus in favor of a winter wedding. You'll find the winter experience is quite unique compared to other wedding venues, and should a few snowfLakes fall during the vow exchange, it can only add to the nuance of your special day.

If a winter wedding is in your forecast, always remember that Lake Tahoe weddings high on the bluffs of Emerald Bay take place year-round. Through snow or shine, couples in love make the trek to Tahoe to make those promises to each other and exchange the symbolic rings of commitment. Being one of the most popularly photographed places in the world, Emerald Bay may very well be rising in the ranks of popularity for a winter wedding destination, even though the snowy season may seem quite daunting. That very well may be for the reason that a snowy, white wedding has an ambiance of uniqueness and charm all of its own.

Why Is Skiing at South Lake Tahoe So Popular?

Some well known ski resorts in South Lake Tahoe are Alpine Meadows (2,400 acres), Heavenly Mountain (4,800 acres) and Squaw Valley (4,000 acres). Each received, at least, four stars for family friendliness, downhill terrain and nightlife from reviewers on OnTheSnow.com. One snowboarder gave Heavenly Mountain high marks for the quality of the downhill terrain, but lamented that the area for snowboarders lacked rails to protect people from falling off the side.

Alpine Meadows received high marks for its terrain, too, though the person who wrote the review thought it was too small for anyone planning to ski there on more than one day. Another liked the fact that it was less crowded than other resorts. Squaw Valley received high marks for the quality of the snow and the food. The only drawback the reviewer mentioned was the fact that "not much is open after the resort closes at night."

Most of the resorts in South Lake Tahoe were recommended, by reviewers, for beginning, intermediate and advanced skiers. Some, such as Heavenly Mountain, Kirkwood, Sierra at Tahoe, Squaw Valley, and Mt. Rose, are also recommended for experts.

It would appear that one of the reasons skiing in South Tahoe is so popular is because of the overall experience people receive at the South Shore's various resorts. skiing, in general, is an expensive pastime. So, if you plan to go to South Lake Tahoe for your first - or next - ski trip, you will most likely get your money's worth, even if you can only afford to stay for a weekend.

If you're going to South Lake Tahoe for the first time, you will be happy to know that people who reviewed the South Shore's many resorts found their experiences to be above average. Skiing here is so popular because of the great skiing and, apparently, the equally great overall resort experience.

Golf Tahoe Style - Edgewood Lake Tahoe

Get a New Feel for Golf at Edgewood Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for its great scenic views and its ski season. Lake Tahoe also offers some of the best golfing in the world. Eastwood Lake Tahoe is considered one of the premiere golf courses in the country.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe offers a challenging golf experience. It is located on the south shores of Lake Tahoe. It is 7379 yards and 6,200 feet above sea level. Eastwood Lake Tahoe is set in the Sierra Mountains and has some amazing scenery to accompany the course.

It is an 18 hole course with a Par 72. It features a driving range, restaurant, bar and pro shop.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe is located at Hwy 50 at Lake Parkway in Stateline, Nevada.

Edgewood was designed by George Fazio and opened in 1968. golf Digest magazine calls it one of America's best golf courses. It hosts the American Century Celebrity golf Championship.

Golf in the Lake Tahoe region does not get any better then doing so at edgewood Lake Tahoe. It just provides so much more than any golfing experience should. The views are breath taking and even a little distracting at times. The crisp air makes golfers feel as if they have a new take on the game.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe offers more then a green. It offers an experience can not get anywhere else. It is an extreme version of golf with the high altitude and the tall mountains. The atmosphere is rich and inviting. Playing at edgewood Lake Tahoe is an experience no golf enthusiast can miss.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe is beyond the imagination. It goes beyond just being a golf course. It truly is an experience. It is something that every golfer needs to experience. It is playing golf at a new level.

Lake Tahoe - Fun Facts and Fun Things to Do

Considered as a year-round vacation resort, lake tahoe is home to over a dozen ski and snow boarding facilities, top-rated golf courses, and is the center of a myriad of other fun activities including hiking, boating, gaming, sightseeing and more. What's more, the "lake of the Sky" is a sought after wedding and honeymoon destination for adventurous couples looking to unite in matrimony. With all its grandeur in addition to its partiality towards satisfying enthralling interests and providing congenial opportunities, lake tahoe is truly a bravura getaway attraction for those in quest of a thrill-seeking weekend or simply planning a tranquil, all-encompassing vacation.

Lake tahoe borders two states and is situated in Northern California and Nevada amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an altitude of 6,225 feet above sea level. It is the second deepest lake in the United States having a maximum depth of 1,645 feet and is the third largest alpine lake in the world. Renowned for its natural beauty and adventurous attributes, tahoe also has an enriching history of origin.

Historically, the belief was that the lake tahoe basin was of volcanic origin. However, the valid theory is that tahoe's basin was formed by faulting fractures in the earth's crust. Faulting fractures cause blocks of earth to move up or down. The uplifting blocks are what created the Carson Range to the east of the lake, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west. Downward moving blocks created the lake tahoe Basin that's presently situated in-between these mammoth mountain ranges.

World-class ski resorts have been developed due to these earthly shifts, producing plenty of winter fun in tahoe. Seven of these world-class ski resorts that are quite popular include Mt. Rose, Northstar at tahoe, Squaw Valley USA, Sierra at tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Kirkwood, and Heavenly Ski Resort. Heavenly is an enormous draw for winter tourism as it is a well-known resort with 4,800 acres of ski terrain that spans across two states, California and Nevada.

Golfing is big in tahoe in the summer months and early fall. Particularly notable as one of America's top golf courses and host to a variety of major golf events including the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, Edgewood tahoe is a first-rate facility that is conveniently located on the south shore on the Nevada state line. Many well-known personalities have golfed on the extraordinary course of Edgewood.

Another popular tahoe activity to partake in is hiking because there are a variety of trails around the lake leading to the most scenic views imaginable. Eagle Rock, for example, is a dormant volcano located on the west shore, and a 30 minute hike to the top reveals an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the rich blue waters of lake tahoe. In close proximity are the trails of Emerald Bay Falls. These are easily travelled paths leading to spectacular views of the falls and tri-colored bay. On the east shore is Spooner lake, which consists of hiking trails that lead to striking views of the Eastern Sierras.

Boating, parasailing and water skiing are the aquatic summer sports that happen around the lake with boat launches conveniently located throughout. Zephyr Cove Resort on the Nevada side and the Ski Run Marina in California are two places on the south shore of tahoe that provide skidoo and small paddleboat rentals for those who want to take part in this sort of summer fun.

Having an approximate diameter of twenty-two miles and a width of twelve, lake tahoe has a super long shoreline perimeter totaling seventy-two miles. This equates to loads of beaches for sun tanning or lounging, many of which are equipped with picnic tables, barbeque pits, playgrounds, and volleyball and tennis courts. Additionally, there are seasonal afternoon concerts at several beach locations about the lake to add to the summertime enjoyment.

Many times these same beach locations also serve as wedding venues throughout the year. Numerous amounts of engaged couples love the thrill of a lakeside wedding in the exciting town of tahoe. Regan Beach is one such spot on the south shore where newlyweds-to-be unite in marriage and then undergo the honeymoon celebration with what tahoe has to offer.

As you travel around the lake you'll discover many of the small towns frequently hold craft fairs, which offer another form of summer and springtime fun. These fairs are typically composed of jewelry, gift items, modern artwork and an assortment of other items of interest. You'll also find gaming casinos on the northern and southern shore of tahoe if you're interested in some fast-paced action. The casinos provide 24 hour entertainment including slot machines, table games, restaurants, outlandish nightclubs and nightly showroom performances.

Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list of the year-round fun in tahoe, but it is a small glimpse of what to expect when you arrive. If your preference is a leisurely walk along the sandy beaches or a power hike up the steepest mountain peak, skiing the mogul slopes of Heavenly or playing 18 holes on the finest golf course around, you can bet it's available at the "lake of the Sky". For the weekend thrill-seeker or laid-back vacationer alike, lake tahoe is a year-round, dazzling getaway that has it all.

Discover Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Squaw Valley And Napa Valley

The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range serves as a beautiful backdrop to a spectacular region known for its natural beauty and year round activities.

Lake tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Lake tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. The sun shines for three quarters of the year and the water in the lake is so pure that it is 99.7 percent clear! The 72 mile drive along the shores of lake tahoe is spectacular. It is listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA. In the winter months, the lake tahoe region becomes the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America. There are 19 ski resorts including terrain to challenge at all levels, and other winter pursuits such as sledding and snowmobiling.

Yosemite has become one of the ‘must sees’ for visitors to California. The rarefied mountain atmosphere of California’s Western Sierra is enhanced by the stunning scenic vistas of this truly unique part of the world. Yosemite is famous for its granite monoliths such as El Capitan, spectacular waterfalls and vast wilderness. Its scenic features include alpine wilderness, giant sequoia tree groves and the Yosemite Valley itself. The discovery of one tiny gold nugget set off the great California Gold Rush of 1849. You can still pan for gold. Experience what it was like to travel in the old days on a paddle steamer cruise, a steam train, or a Wells Fargo stagecoach. Discover quaint museums, tour a mine, explore caverns, taste your way through farm trails, or try white water rafting on some of the best rivers in the west.

The Squaw Valley is one of the top ski resorts in North America, and is world renowned. Squaw Valley resort hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1960. There is a large choice of activities to do here, including skiing and snowboarding.

The Napa Valley is less than one hour’s drive north of San Francisco. The rolling hills and sun drenched valleys of Northern California’s wine country have welcomed visitors since before the Gold Rush. The Napa Valley produces some of the finest wines enjoyed world over. Even if it did not, it would still be considered the jewel in the crown of North California. Kissed with bay fog at the valley’s southern tip which borders the San Pablo Bay and continuing 30 miles north to the base of Mt St Helena, the valley ranges from 1 to 5 miles wide, and is protected by low mountains on the east and west. It is surrounded with acre after acre of world renowned vineyards!

Boat Weddings - Lake Tahoe Weddings on the Water

Lake Tahoe weddings take place around the Lake on the beaches, bluffs and bays, and weddings on the water are no exception. Boat weddings are quite popular in Tahoe and there is a large selection in the types of vessels you can choose from in order to make that walk into matrimony. Two of the larger and trendy crafts that you can pick from to float away on your wedding day are the renowned MS Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen.

The MS Dixie is a paddle wheeling boat that made its first appearance in Lake Tahoe in 1949. It was privately owned at the time but eventually became available to the public and is now a great tourist attraction as well as premier wedding location.

The MS Dixie sailed across the Lake for decades carting touring vacationers and couples entering into matrimony until it was replaced by the up to date MS Dixie II in 1993. It presently is Tahoe's largest paddle wheeler and can carry 570 passengers. Marriages aboard this luxurious ship provide an experience that brides and grooms treasure forever.

The Tahoe Queen is another optimal paddle wheeling luxury liner that can host your wedding day on the beautiful deep blue water of South Lake Tahoe. Built on the Mississippi River and than reconstructed after being transported to Tahoe, this magnificent craft is a lure for the sightseer and is a destination wedding attraction alike. Recent major renovations were performed upon this dinghy to reproduce the appeal and draw of the early 1900's when paddle wheelers were king.

Both of these state-of-the-art ships sail from the south shore of Lake Tahoe and you have the option to have your wedding occur while on a private cruise crossing the Lake or at port prior to departure. Arranging for your ceremony to take place aboard these sumptuous paddle wheelers in the manner you choose can be accomplished through either the MS Dixie's or Tahoe Queen's sales representatives or a local wedding coordinating facilitator.

Some of the amenities available for your wedding once you board these grand cruisers are exclusive use of one of the boat decks, seating for guests, traditional music, carpeted aisle runner, and optional uniformed captain to perform the ceremony. Keep in mind, however, that if the ship's captain performs the ceremony you must obtain your marriage license yourself prior to the wedding. This can be easily done through any county clerk's office in the State of California.

If a private cruise was not chartered for the entire wedding event, an option for the bride, groom and guests after the ceremony is to celebrate the remainder of the occasion on the ships sunset dinner and dance cruise where you'll experience an amazing sunset, incredible views, elegant dining, and live music to dance the night away. The length of the cruise is approximately 2 hours, and the ship may either sail over to Emerald Bay or along the shore of Lake Tahoe. Whichever course is sailed, though, both offer a stylish evening of enchantment with a romantic touch newlyweds will forever cherish.

Each of the paddle wheelers are conveniently situated for easy embarking on the south shore of Tahoe. Your wedding party and guests can board the Tahoe Queen at the Ski Run Marina, which is located on the California side of the Lake. The MS Dixie II is ported across the state line in Nevada and launches from the pier at Zephyr Cove Resort.

Boat weddings can expound your wedding day experience and present a most exhilarating memory of your once in a lifetime event. Sailing across beautiful Lake Tahoe is an experience unto itself, and to do it on your wedding day would be priceless. The Tahoe Queen and MS Dixie are all but two of the luxury vessels that you can choose from to facilitate this wedding dream. If it's an encounter with beauty and romance with the nuance of elegance you are expecting on your wedding day, floating across the Lake on a boat of opulence is a means to achieve that aspiration.