California: Lake Tahoe Multisport Adventure

DAY 1

We’ll meet you today either at our hotel in Squaw Valley or at the Reno airport. Once we are all together, we’ll head south down the western shore of Lake Tahoe for an introductory hike. Destination? The lovely Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed spots in the nation (which clearly means it is beautiful!).  Our mild three- to four-mile hike provides a wonderful first look at Lake Tahoe and its only island — Fannette Island — which still has remnants of an old teahouse on it.  Right outside this stunning bay, the shore drops dramatically — the lake is 1600 feet deep here!  Pack your swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the lake to cool down after hiking. Tonight your guides will host a happy hour at The Plumpjack – our hotel and home for all four nights of this tour – to allow everyone to get to know one another and we’ll walk to dinner in Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Olympics.

DAY 2

Today is a day of skating or biking in the morning, and rafting in the afternoon. Our morning journey is on a wonderful paved path that we can access right from the front door of our hotel.  The trail wanders through the “neighborhood” of Squaw Valley with incredible views of the Sierras before it enters the woods and then meets up and parallels the turquoise-colored Truckee River. You can choose to roll to Tahoe City or all the way to Dollar Point before heading back for lunch (up to 15 miles).  This afternoon we have a fun and splashy seven-mile raft trip on the Truckee River (Lake Tahoe’s only outlet).  Our mostly Class II (pretty mild) route takes us through the High Sierra desert, with beautiful cottonwoods lining the riverbanks. Want to skip the most exciting part of the raft?  No problem — the rapids are at the end, and you can get out beforehand and hike to the take-out.  Tonight we’ll have dinner at an iconic Truckee restaurant.  Hopefully, you’ve saved a little energy to do some star-gazing from the outdoor hot tub at the PlumpJack after our meal!

DAY 3

Today our featured hike begins on the valley floor right from our hotel and goes up — and up — through wildflower-filled meadows, canyons, dramatic granite rock formations, forests, and babbling creeks. In all, you will have close to eight miles to trek to reach the top and will have gained nearly 2,000 feet in elevation.  Once you reach the top — High Camp — you’ll have stunning views of shimmering Lake Tahoe below.  You can save your knees by returning to the valley floor via a scenic tram ride. You’ll definitely want to be sure you pack your camera today!  Tonight, we’ll head to the lively town of Tahoe City, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, for dinner.

DAY 4

This morning we shuttle a few miles to Black Canyon, where we begin our skate or bike in Black Canyon and then along the West Shore Bike Path.  The undulating trail passes beautiful homes, crosses under canopies of majestic Sugar Pines, and parallels Lake Tahoe and some of its peaceful beaches.  You can choose distances from five to 20 miles.  After lunch in Tahoe City, we’ll head to Commons Beach, where you’ll have your choice of kayaking or stand-up-paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe (instruction will be provided), taking a fun inner-tube float down the mellow Truckee River, or calling it a day and doing a bit of exploring on your own.  At tonight’s farewell dinner, we’ll celebrate our fun-filled days together.

DAY 5

We save the best for last! Today we hike two and a half miles to reach a series of secluded lakes surrounded by steep granite walls.  It will be a great way to get your heart pumping and camera snapping. If you prefer something a bit mellower, the valley bike trail is another option. We get you back to the hotel in time to shower and check out before setting everyone loose for lunch. We will provide a ride back to the Reno airport for those who are flying home today.