Lake Tahoe Travel Tips

• A short but steep hike nine miles north of South Lake's sprawl leads from the road down to gorgeous Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm Castle. Bring a bathing suit and swim out to Fannette, Tahoe's only island.
• For an all-day hike to the 10,778-foot peak of Mt. Rose, catch the trailhead near the summit of NV 431. The six-mile round trip rewards you with great views of the lake, Reno, and the valley surrounding the city.
• Mountain bikes are permitted on half of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail that circles the lake. It's easy to access the 15-mile stretch from Spooner Summit (on US 50) south to Kingsbury Grade (NV 207), in the shadow of 9,000-foot peaks.
• Several downhill ski resorts operate lifts in the summer for bikers and hikers. Northstar's chairlifts are equipped with bike racks to take you from the Village to mid-mountain elevations above 7,000 feet and 100 miles of marked trails.