Tahoe Summer Sports

How Many Sports Can You Do In A Day?

Tahoe is a mecca for summer sports. Each day spent here is full of more things to do than hours in the day or days in the week. This year there is one more to add in there, skiing. Squaw Valley has decided to stay open on Saturday’s as long as conditions permit.  One of my favorite days consists of trying to fit in as many sports in one day as you can. With the long days, how many can you fit in? Load up the car with all your sports gear and get ready for an epic day.

Boating Sports
As the sun rises, the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe are flat and clear. Get out on a boat and water ski, wake board or try out surfing behind the boat. Breathe in the clean crisp air, jump in and feel the rush of the chilling blue water.

Snow in the Summer Sports
With Squaw Valley open on weekends, it’s time to head to the mountain. Put on your best retro outfit, summer shorts or maybe a bikini. Take the funitel up to mid-mountain and then head to Shirley Lake chair. The slopes are North facing here and some good corn turns will be found.

Biking & Hiking Sports
With thousands of trails in North Lake Tahoe, an adventure out in the woods is waiting. At the base of Squaw Valley, Shirley Canyon trail is beautiful this year with a raging river and multiple waterfalls along the way. This is a hiking only trail. For biking, head out of Squaw Valley and pick up the Western Sates trail just outside the Squaw entrance on HWY 89 towards Tahoe City or head up to the Tahoe City nordic center for a web of fantastic trails that wind up the hill for Lake Tahoe views and endless wildflower viewing.


Swimming Sports
The hot summer is warming up at this point. It’s time to jump in the lake. My favorite is going to Donner Lake. The South side of Donner Lake where there are 37 public piers. Pick your favorite spot or on busy days, share with other patrons. Look out…. Cannon ball! SPLASH!
  

Paddle Board & Kayaking Sport
To top off the day head to Waterman’s Landing on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and rent a paddle board or kayak. Get out on the water just in time for the sunset. Even better, plan it for the full moon and stay out as late as you can! This month, the full moon falls on Monday, August 7th.


You did it. You earned it. Now it’s time to eat. Close by Waterman’s Landing is Gar Woods, a great spot for dinner and their famous Wet Woody drinks. If you come back to Truckee, treat yourself to a dinner at Truckee Tavern where each cocktail is carefully hand crafted with top notch ingredients.

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012 

Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center

Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center

Whether you are visiting or a Tahoe local, the new museum at the Donner Memorial State Park is an educational, interesting and beautiful way to spend the afternoon.

Located on the east shore of Donner Lake, the new center opened in the summer of 2013. The 9,400 square feet museum is the central attraction along with the Donner Party historic sites, monument and nature trails for outdoor education.

The center’s theme is "Crossing Barriers Changing Lives". Exhibits include displays focused on the Donner Party, regional Native American history, construction of the Transcontinental Railroad through the Sierra by the Chinese workers, and development of roadways over Donner Pass. While it may seem like a lot to take in, the information is well laid out with short video clips to watch based on each topic. It is really amazing what has happened throughout history in this region.

Surrounding the museum you will find the very large Pioneer Monument and sites where the pioneers camped when trapped by the treacherous winter. The monument is dedicated to the pioneers who crossed the Sierra on their way west in 1846-47.
The Donner Party-legendary pioneers who fell victim to the harsh Sierra Nevada winter. Sadly, only 49 of the 89 members survived. The base of the monument is 22 feet tall marking the immense amount of snowfall from that winter.

Just across the parking lot from the monument you will find the start of a short 1/2 mile nature loop weaving through the nearby stream. Trail markers will point out several trees and other plants native to the area. This is an easy place to enjoy a mild fall day and soak up all that you have learned about the rich history that surrounds you.


Donner Memorial State Park Visitor CenterOpen 9am – 4pm
Entry is free, parking is $8/day

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012 

Fourth of July in Truckee/Tahoe

Fourth of July in Truckee/Tahoe

Saturday is the 4th of July and the best way to celebrate Independence Day is in a small town.  Truckee puts on a full display of quintessential Americana events.  Wake up early and start your day off right by heading down to Truckee fire station #92 and fill up on a delicious pancake breakfast with fellow community members.  Breakfast is served from 7am to 10am.  If you want to burn off some of those pancakes or just test your speed against some of the best in town, enter the Firecracker Mile race.  This 1 mile downhill race starts at 9:45 from the Gateway center on Donner Pass Road, follows the parade route and ends in downtown Truckee in front of the parade judging stand.  Click here to sign up early.   

From the finish line you can pick a spot along the parade route that travels down Donner Pass Road from Tahoe-Truckee High School ending in Historic Downtown Truckee.  Parade starts at 10am and is usually over around noon.  This year’s theme is “Live-Work-Play TRUCKEE” and will celebrate everyone in our community that enjoys life in the mountains every day or when visiting.  Don’t miss the fire engines, old cars, hometown floats, marching bands, dancing, bike riding, equestrian groups and so much more in-between.  

What’s next?… Beach time!  The shores of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake will be packed with kids, family, friends, food, drinks and plenty of fun.  With temperatures predicted to be in the 80’s, you can’t go wrong with some fun in the sun and water. 

Come nighttime, bring a blanket, lay back and get ready for the firework show!  Depending on what beach you end up at, there are a few firework shows to choose from.  Below is an outline of locations so you can be sure to get the best spot! 

Kings Beach
July 3rd Fireworks & Beach Party
Friday, July 3rd
4pm – 10pm 
A great option for those who want to see 2 nights of fireworks or want to skip the Fourth of July rush and celebrate early! 

Tahoe City, Commons Beach
Tahoe City’s 70th Annual 
4th of July Fireworks Show & Beach Bash
Saturday, July 4th
11am – 10pm 
This is the place to be on Lake Tahoe.  Fireworks can also be seen at other nearby beaches or by boat.  

Truckee, Donner Lake
Fourth of July at West End Beach
Saturday, July 4th
12pm – 10:30pm 
Many options for firework viewing.  These fireworks can be seen from any point on the Donner Lake shore or from above at Donner Summit or looking down over the edge from Tahoe Donner.  

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012