Five Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Lake Tahoe
Who doesn’t love a great sunset over the water? Luckily, there are quite a few places to catch the sunset in the Lake Tahoe area. Here are a few of my favorites.
Lakeview Commons, South Lake Tahoe, California
Cotton candy clouds at Live at Lakeview
Located at the corner of Highway 50 and Lakeview Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, this easy-to-access spot is usually bustling. During the summer, you can stake out a bbq, rent a paddle board or visit the high-class concession stand for gourmet hot dogs or local ice cream. You can also enjoy live music Thursday nights at Live at Lakeview. If crowds aren’t your thing, visit Lakeview Commons in the winter, when it is significantly less busy.
2. Tahoe Rim Trail from the Mount Rose Highway, Incline Village, Nevada
Looking toward the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe
A quick, 1.5 mile flat hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Mount Rose Highway trailhead will bring you to a great spot to camp out and watch the sunset. There are plenty of flat rocks to post up on and get comfortable while you watch the sunset over the West Shore mountains of Lake Tahoe. I’d recommend bringing in a couple of beers and some snacks.
3. Trout Creek Meadow/Lily Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California
Smoke particles in the air make for astounding sunsets.
If you’re looking for an easy to access, but not crowded beach in South Lake Tahoe, I have to recommend Trout Creek Meadow/Lily Beach. You can access this area from the west end of San Francisco Avenue in the Al Tahoe neighborhood or from the bike path behind Meek’s Lumber. The meadow is a great place for bird and wildlife watching, so be on the lookout for coyotes and waterfowl of all kinds. Dogs must be on leash (and are banned during certain key bird breeding seasons) and no alcohol!
4. Hidden Beach, Incline Village, Nevada
Sunset over the East Shore boulders is a Tahoe must-see.
I’ve talked about my love for hidden beach in a previous post. Check it out here!
5. The Top of Mount Tallac, South Lake Tahoe, California
Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe from a different angle.
For our more adventurous sunset seekers, you could take a late afternoon hike up Mount Tallac, watch the sunset over Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, and then hike down under a full moon. This is a strenuous 9.5 out and back hike, with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain that starts at 6,500 feet. The views are definitely worth it!! Be prepared for the hike, especially if you plan to come down at night. You’ll need headlamps (plus extra batteries) and confidence in your ability to follow the trail in the dark.
Want even more great places to watch the sunset in Lake Tahoe? Click here for more of my suggestions.