Find Your Awe:
How do you measure the intangible? During the summer of 2025, Dr. Paul Piff and his research team from the University of California, Irvine, set out to measure awe at Lake Tahoe. The results? You’ll have to see them to believe them.
Watch the Series TrailerWatch the Docuseries
Episode 1
Searching for Awe in Lake Tahoe
Also available on Outside TV
In an era of doomscrolling, a loneliness epidemic and political division, what connects us? Social Psychologist Dr. Paul Piff embarks on an unprecedented research project at Lake Tahoe to find out.
Episode 2
The Answers Are Out Here
Also available on Outside TV
Arriving at the Tahoe Lab, the UCI research team embarks on a journey to measure how awe impacts our happiness, gratitude, relationships and other aspects of our psychological well-being.
Episode 3
What If Feeling Small Is Good For You?
Also available on Outside TV
How can experiencing awe for just 2 minutes have measurable effects for all of us? Follow the research team as they wrap up the Tahoe Lab, and share the unprecedented results.
The Scientific Search for Connection
Awe is an emotion experienced in the presence of something so vast that it transcends your current understanding of the world. And, through a combination of experiments and surveys, the research team examined the awe-inspiring effects of Lake Tahoe and the positive consequences these effects have on people’s well-being, social connection and concern for nature.
“We’re trying to map out the ways in which experiences of awe and experiences of nature help people solve essential problems in their lives.”
Dr. Paul Piff
Averaged from seven studies with 1000+ participants conducted around Lake Tahoe.
Just two minutes of mindful appreciation of Tahoe can significantly increase happiness.
Awe-filled experiences make people feel more connected to the environment and responsible for protecting it.
Social Psychologist, Expert on Awe
University of California, Irvine
Paul Piff is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Irvine, who has studied awe and its psychological and social effects for more than a decade.
Prominent Media & Publications:
Using experiments and correlational surveys, the team measured how awe around Tahoe influenced social and pro-environmental attitudes. Experiments compared people who experienced awe with a control group. In surveys, participants reported their current emotions, and the team tested how well those emotions, including awe, predicted their attitudes.
Just two minutes of awe can make a difference.
How long does it take to feel the power of awe? Turns out, not long at all. Using the Heavenly Gondola as their lab, the team set out to understand how just two minutes of intentionality on an awe-inspiring view can impact happiness, connection to the world and openness to having difficult conversations.
Awe is scientifically measurable and powerful.
Awe is a powerful thing. But can it be felt by those with you? This experiment paired partners at the always-magical Emerald Bay to understand how awe can be experienced through someone else’s eyes.
A little awe can go a long way.
Kayaking on Tahoe’s majestic blue waters can be an experience of a lifetime. Quite literally. With this experiment, the team set out to understand how awe and its benefits stay with you even after you leave.
Awe improves well-being.
We know going for a hike is physically good for you. But what other benefits can a jaunt through nature have? With this experiment, the team set out to explore the emotional impacts an awe-enhanced hike on the Van Sickle Trail would have on someone.
Outdoor adventures here. Live entertainment, nightlife, dining and relaxation there. And jaw-dropping, breathtaking natural views everywhere. Awe comes in many forms on the South Shore, and we’ve put together some awe-tineraries to help you find it.
From the lead scientists to the study participants, it takes a lot of people to explore the effects of awe in Tahoe. Get to know those that took part in this groundbreaking study.
Dr. Matthew Billet
Matthew Billet is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. His research examines how cultural worldviews shape our understanding of the world and can help or hinder our capacity to coordinate on pressing issues, like climate change, global pandemics and risks from emerging technologies.
Adrian Ballinger
A professional mountain climber, guide and founder of Alpenglow Expeditions, Adrian spends his days safely guiding others through awe-filled nature experiences, from Tahoe to Everest.
Emma White
A suicide prevention expert and founder of the Life Is Worth It organization, Emma visits Tahoe to clear her mind, breathe and feel whole. To allow nature to help her disconnect and reset.
BillyHawk Enos
As a member of the Washoe Tribe, BillyHawk Enos has a spiritual connection to Lake Tahoe and nature.
No Worries Amigo Hiking Club
A community of hiking enthusiasts using the powers of nature to combat anxiety, depression, mental health issues and day-to-day struggles. It’s all about hiking more, worrying less and feeling good.
L. Renee Blount
As an adventure photographer, L. Renee gets to capture, experience and share moments of awe in nature every single day.
Kris Deeter, MD, Alison Brolic, Stephanie Falk
Friends and hiking partners, the group finds the connective and restorative powers of being out in nature.
Altitude & Awe
November 21
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
US 395
at Bally’s Lake Tahoe
December 31 – January 1
5:00 pm – 2:00 am
The Loft Tahoe New Year’s Eve Ultra Lounge Party
December 31
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Sax & Champagne: New Year’s Eve Celebration
at the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe
January 2
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Xtreme International Ice Racing
at the Tahoe Blue Event Center
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