10 Ways to Responsibly Enjoy Truckee & Lake Tahoe During Peak Summer Season

#1 Spread Out Over 40 Public Beaches

Explore public beaches scattered throughout Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Plan your visit for the off hours, either early in the morning (sunrise) or later in the evening (late afternoon), to avoid crowds and parking issues. Bike or take the TART (it's free!). Have a backup plan if parking for beaches looks tight, never double park or park in someone’s driveway.  Tickets and towing are no fun.

Learn more about Lake Tahoe’s beaches, West End Beach Park at Donner Lake, and Truckee’s lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. 

#2 Choose Less Traveled Trails

If you’re spending time on the trails, seek out off-the-beaten-path hikes.

#3 Choose Outdoor Dining

With new variants, COVID-19 is still a risk and local ordinances have been relaxed to allow for more outdoor dining in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Seek out Truckee’s spacious patios, porches, and decks and enjoy mouth-watering takeout or outdoor dining for your next meal.

#4 Enjoy the Mountains Without a Campfire or Fireworks

Fire safety remains a top priority for the region and Truckee’s district wide fire ban went into effect June 15. All campfires and anything that burns solid fuel are prohibited. Campfires continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in the Tahoe Basin; it is important for visitors and residents alike to know that open-flame devices and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers are not permitted. Learn how you can do your part to STOP wildfires from burning down Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Fire restrictions are also in effect in North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.

#5 Explore on a Bike!

Whether you prefer paved paths or dirt trails, Lake Tahoe and Truckee have an extensive trail network for cycling enthusiasts of all experience levels to enjoy. From the new Tahoe East Shore Trail to paved trails that surround the lake and the Truckee Legacy Trail, to mountain bike trails throughout the region, make a plan and ride in North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe or Truckee. Follow this important hiking etiquette and always wear a mask on paved paths and trails.

#6 Get on the Water

There are plenty of ways to experience Truckee and Lake Tahoe’s high alpine lakes. Kayak. Standup paddleboard. Wakesurf. Water ski. Parasail. Jet ski. Explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. Human-powered or not, the options are extensive. Rental operators and experiences are linked on destination websites: South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, and Truckee. Plan an early morning or evening water excursion to soak in the gorgeous sunrise or sunset and avoid crowds.

#7 Feel Good About Doing Your Part – Leave No Trace

Other rules and regulations are changing fast, but one thing remains the same – whether recreating at the beach, on the trail or elsewhere in Tahoe and Truckee, you can help Take Care of Tahoe by packing out and securing trash, cleaning up after dogs, not leaving cigarette butts behind, or allowing any kind of pollutant into the lake. Learn how to keep Tahoe and each other healthy and safe at takecaretahoe.org.