Get Going

Answers to all your questions about Lake Tahoe

Learn about the weather, find out how to get here, and much more in our FAQ section

Lake Tahoe Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Lake Tahoe is a national treasure because it’s one of the world’s largest, deepest, and clearest mountain lakes. The U.S. Forest Service and State of Nevada and California agencies manage nearly 85 percent of the Tahoe watershed land. The rest is private property. Learn more about why people love Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty and year-round recreational opportunities.

About Lake Tahoe

Where is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the border of California and Nevada, about a two-hour drive from Sacramento and three and a half hours from San Francisco. The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport which is just a one-hour drive. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, alpine scenery, and year-round outdoor recreation, it’s one of the most popular mountain destinations in the United States.

How long is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe stretches approximately 22 miles from north to south and is about 12 miles wide at its widest point. Its scenic shoreline spans 72 miles, making it a popular destination for boating, hiking, sightseeing, and exploring year-round.

How wide is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is approximately 11 miles wide at its widest point. Combined with its 22-mile length and 72 miles of shoreline, the lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and breathtaking alpine views.

How deep is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is 1,645 feet deep at its deepest point, making it the second deepest lake in the United States, only surpassed by Crater Lake. Its remarkable depth contributes to the lake’s famously clear, blue waters and stunning alpine beauty.

How long does it take to drive around Lake Tahoe?

Driving the full loop around Lake Tahoe takes about 2 to 3 hours without stopping. Most visitors allow 4 to 6 hours to enjoy scenic overlooks, beaches, hiking trails, and charming towns along the 72-mile route.

How many square miles is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe covers approximately 191 square miles, making it the largest alpine lake in North America. The surrounding Lake Tahoe watershed spans about 501 square miles, encompassing the marshes, forests, mountains, and streams that feed the lake.

What is the Weather Like in Lake Tahoe?

With an average of 278 sunny days a year, the chances are high that you will enjoy great weather conditions during your summer and winter vacations.

Average Highs and Lows:

	High	Low
Jan	37	16
Feb	39	18
Mar	44	21
Apr	50	26
May	60	32
Jun	69	38
Jul	79	43
Aug	79	42
Sep	80	37
Oct	58	31
Nov	47	24
Dec .	40	19

Additional weather resources:

What is the difference between the South Shore and North Shore of Lake Tahoe?

Both sides of the Lake are amazing. South Lake Tahoe has more options for Lodging, Dining, Recreation, and Nightlife.

How do I get to Lake Tahoe?

Flying to South Lake Tahoe

The closest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), located about a 1-hour drive from South Lake Tahoe. Rental cars, shuttle services, and private transportation are available from the airport to the lake.

Driving to South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is easily accessible by car from several major cities. The drive takes approximately 2 hours from Sacramento, 3.5 to 4 hours from San Francisco, and 1 hour from Reno, with scenic highways leading directly into the Tahoe Basin.

Is Lake Tahoe accessible?

Yes, many of Lake Tahoe’s most popular attractions are accessible to visitors with mobility and other accommodations needs. You’ll find accessible beaches, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, parks, and public facilities throughout the region, making it easier for everyone to experience Tahoe’s natural beauty. For more details, visit our accessibility information page.

Winter Ski Information

When does is start snowing in Lake Tahoe?

While it can snow in literally any month of the year, October is usually when the first storms that “stick” occur, meaning that some of the snow remains on the ground. Ski Season does not typically begin until late November, however, since the mountains need a solid base to be ready for shredding.

When does Ski Season begin and end at Lake Tahoe?

Usually, Ski Season begins by Thanksgiving (late November) and ends mid-April.

What Ski Resorts are at South Lake Tahoe?

There are over 20 ski areas around the lake. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort are the closest to the South Shore of the Lake. Plus, if you have an Epic or Ikon pass, you may have access to one or more of the three resorts on Lake Tahoe’s South shore.

Keep Tahoe Awesome

The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.

Learn the Rules

Other Lake Tahoe Facts

Lake Tahoe is the North American Continent’s largest Alpine lake; 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and covers a surface area of 191.6 square miles, and has 72 miles of shoreline.
At lake level, annual snowfall in South Lake Tahoe averages 125 inches. At alpine skiing elevations, the snowfall averages 300 to 500 inches each year.
Lake Tahoe is 2/3 in California and 1/3 in the State of Nevada.
The Lake’s surface is 6,226.95 feet above sea level and the natural rim is 6,223 feet above sea level, making it the highest lake of its size in the United States.
Mt. Tallac at 9,735 feet is the highest peak rising from the shoreline. The highest point in the Tahoe Basin is Freel Peak at 10,881 feet.
Lake Tahoe is the 3rd deepest lake in North America and the tenth deepest in the world. Tahoe’s deepest point is 1,645 feet near Crystal Bay. The average depth of Lake Tahoe is 989 feet.
The estimated 39.75 trillion gallons of water contained in the lake is 99.9 percent pure, with visibility to 75 feet below the surface.
Lake Tahoe is at least about 2.3 million years old, which makes it the oldest freshwater, permanent lake in North America and among the oldest globally.
Glaciers are responsible for carving out the broad U-shaped valleys that hold Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Cascade Lake.
63 streams flow into Lake Tahoe, but only one outlet, the Truckee River, runs past Reno and into Pyramid Lake.
Lake Tahoe loses much of its water to evaporation. If the water that evaporates from the lake every 24 hours could be recovered, it would supply the daily requirements of a city the size of Los Angeles.
Lake Tahoe Water Temperature: Although the summer’s heat can warm the upper 12 feet to a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Lake Tahoe never freezes over in the winter; this is due to the constant 39 degrees Fahrenheit, maintained at depths below 700 feet, largely because of the constant movement and volume of water.
Lake Tahoe’s tap water has been named the best tasting water in the country.
Lake Tahoe is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall!

Things to Do in Tahoe for Every Season

Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe activities.