Wildflowers in the Tahoe Basin provide a colorful feast for the eyes. You don’t have to be a botanist or an extreme adventurer to enjoy the local flora. Wildflower hikes can be short or long hikes, and something the whole family can do together.
Here are few favorite wildflower walkabouts from the staff at Barton Health and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.
At the Big Meadow Trailhead, head south and across the highway towards Big Meadow. Approximately 1 ½ miles into a steeper walk, you will find a large meadow covered in wildflowers. To stretch your legs some more, continue hiking to Round Lake (6.5 miles) and then up to Dardanelles Lake (8 miles).
Tahoe Mule Ears | The great thing about summer is the Mule Ears that grow all over the meadows. While the Lupines only last a few weeks, these little guys can last all summer (kinda) | Flickr User Christian Arballo | (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Directions: From Meyers, follow Highway 89 south towards Luther Pass. As the road climbs and just before the Luther Pass sign, turn left into Big Meadow Parking Area.
Galena Waterfall and Mount Rose
This hike has it all: a waterfall, vistas, and wildflowers. As you head to Galena Falls, the wildflowers take over within the first mile. Follow the trail and the flowers for another 1 ½ miles until you reach the Falls. Loop back on a maintenance road (5 miles) or peak seekers can summit Mount Rose (10 miles).
Directions: From US 50, take Nevada State Route 28 through Incline Village. Turn right on Country Club Drive, go two miles, and make a right on Nevada State Route 431/Mount Rose Highway. Drive 4 miles to the top of the mountain and a big meadow. Parking is on the left side.
Winnemucca Lake and Meiss Meadows
Wildflower hunting is a spectator sport at Winnemucca Lake (4 miles). The rich volcanic soil feeds blankets of alpine blooms. Smaller children will delight in a stroll to Frog Lake in the first mile, and ambitious hikers can make the climb beyond Winnemucca Lake to Round Top Lake and Fourth of July Lake (8 miles).
For a quieter retreat, use the Meiss Lake trailhead on the north side of Carson Pass. There are many pockets of wildflowers between Meiss Meadows and Showers Lake (10 miles). Stop at the Meiss family cabin where there can be a colorful wildflower display.
Meiss Meadow | Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit California | Flickr User jcookfisher | (CC BY 2.0)
Directions: Carson Pass stretches across California Highway 88, approximately 30 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. From South Lake Tahoe, go south on California Highway 89 to the “T” at Highway 88. Take Highway 88 West. Both trailheads are located at Carson Pass and have a user fee.
Lake Forest Beach
On the north shore, Lake Forest Beach attracts buttercups, lupines, and photographers. This small spot along the shore is one of the best places to snap a photo of Lake Tahoe with summer blossoms.
Directions: In Tahoe City, follow directions to Skylandia State Park, and take Bristlecone Street all the way to the end. Park on the road.
Wildflowers, a huge alpine lake, mountains, a clearing storm and a perfect sunset. Nature has a way of making everything perfect sometimes. | Lake Tahoe, California | Photo by Rachid Dahnoun via Instagram
Tips for wildflower pursuits
Bring a Field Guide and a Camera. You don’t have to be an expert, but identifying these colorful treasures can make the experience more memorable.
Timing. The optimal time to catch a glimpse of wildflowers at higher elevations is between mid-July and mid-August.
Where to Look. Find wildflowers in a variety of places – in the rocks, on the ground, on logs, and in marshy areas. Some alpine wildflowers require a magnifying glass to properly observe, while others may be up to three feet tall.
Look, But Don’t Take. Keeping the wildflowers in their habitat is good Leave No Trace ethic, and also leaves them for others to enjoy – including the bumblebees and butterflies!
Note: All hikes described are between 6,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level. Make sure you have a map, water, and plenty of snacks. Assess the weather forecast before hiking and bring layers. If not specified, mileage described is round- trip, in and back, but loops and other routes may be available.
Fallen Leaf is a beautiful spot to visit and get out on the water or enjoy excellent trails for an easy walk, strenuous hike or trail run, all with the reward of incredible views!
From Highway 89 (near Camp Richardson Resort), turn onto Fallen Leaf Road and access the easier trails just past the campground. Several spots on the shoulder are available for parking. The lake will be off to your right, and a 15-minute walk on fairly level ground (just one short climb up and over a short ridge) will get you to the water. This is my favorite place to run and part of the Kokanee Salmon trail runs held every fall.
Happy to See You Soon | Photo by Christian Arballo via Flickr
To access the more strenuous hiking trails, you need to continue driving a few miles down Fallen Leaf Road and park near the fire station. A fun loop is to head up to Angora Ridge from just behind the Chapel on the Angora Lake Trail.
A few hundred yards up the trail, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of Fallen Leaf and Lake Tahoe. At the top of the ridge, follow the trail forward to Angora Road, turn right and continue on the road to Angora Lakes. In the summer, make sure you have money to buy fresh-squeezed lemonade at the Angora Lakes store, a refreshing reward for your hiking efforts! You can return on the Church Trail or continue further down Angora Road to meet up with the Clark Trail, located behind the fire lookout. The Clark Trail will bring you back down just across from the store and marina.
Waterskiier on Fallen Leaf Lake | Photo by Filosoph via Flickr
From Memorial Day through September 30, the Fallen Leaf Store and Marina are open. The store includes a café that serves burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and fries during lunchtime. If you’re a water person, rent a paddleboat, kayak, or my preferred watercraft, a stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water! Often in the fall, the water stays calm and glassy through the morning, so I’ll take a lunchtime paddle break.
A quiet Fallen Leaf Lake Marina | Photo by Alexia Boulot via Flickr
You can reach the store at 530-544-5323 and the marina at 530-544-BOAT.
Fallen Leaf is a beautiful spot to visit and get out on the water or enjoy excellent trails for an easy walk, strenuous hike or trail run, all with the reward of incredible views!
From Highway 89 (near Camp Richardson Resort), turn onto Fallen Leaf Road and access the easier trails just past the campground. Several spots on the shoulder are available for parking. The lake will be off to your right, and a 15-minute walk on fairly level ground (just one short climb up and over a short ridge) will get you to the water. This is my favorite place to run and part of the Kokanee Salmon trail runs held every fall.
Happy to See You Soon | Photo by Christian Arballo via Flickr
To access the more strenuous hiking trails, you need to continue driving a few miles down Fallen Leaf Road and park near the fire station. A fun loop is to head up to Angora Ridge from just behind the Chapel on the Angora Lake Trail.
A few hundred yards up the trail, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of Fallen Leaf and Lake Tahoe. At the top of the ridge, follow the trail forward to Angora Road, turn right and continue on the road to Angora Lakes. In the summer, make sure you have money to buy fresh-squeezed lemonade at the Angora Lakes store, a refreshing reward for your hiking efforts! You can return on the Church Trail or continue further down Angora Road to meet up with the Clark Trail, located behind the fire lookout. The Clark Trail will bring you back down just across from the store and marina.
Waterskiier on Fallen Leaf Lake | Photo by Filosoph via Flickr
From Memorial Day through September 30, the Fallen Leaf Store and Marina are open. The store includes a café that serves burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and fries during lunchtime. If you’re a water person, rent a paddleboat, kayak, or my preferred watercraft, a stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water! Often in the fall, the water stays calm and glassy through the morning, so I’ll take a lunchtime paddle break.
A quiet Fallen Leaf Lake Marina | Photo by Alexia Boulot via Flickr
You can reach the store at 530-544-5323 and the marina at 530-544-BOAT.
Step-by-step, Lake Tahoe is slowly reawakening. From adventure businesses to restaurants and dining, they’ve begun the process of welcoming back visitors. To read about the steps they’ve taken to ensure your safety, check out our articles How Adventure Businesses Are Welcoming Back visitors and Cuisine, Brews, and Easy Livin’ how entertainment industry is keeping you safe. The next segment we’re delving into is by far the most important… where you stay! Because no matter how safe you are out there, you still need a play to put your head down. Here’s a sample of what our lodging partners are doing to make sure both guests and employees stay safe in this trying time.
Hotels
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite resort hotel is a great basecamp for visitors wanting access to it all AND in a safe environment. They’re utilizing new cleaning devices such as electro-static sprayers as well as screening team members each day prior to starting work. For the full run-down of what they’re doing, check out Tahoe Resort Hotel’s COVID page.
Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village
Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village
Another great option is just steps away from the casinos, the beaches, and the Heavenly village. It’s the Forest Suites Resort. Before and after your day’s adventures, you’ll be able to unwind, relax, and feel comfortable knowing that they’re doing their part to keep you healthy. This includes things like striving to leave rooms vacant for 24 hours between reservations and providing complimentary masks for your safety. For a more in-depth look at what they’ll be doing, check out Forest Suite’s Safety Page.
Short Term Rentals
Lake Tahoe Accommodations
Lake Tahoe Accommodations
One of the biggest names in short term rentals is Lake Tahoe Accommodations. They provide hundreds of properties all across the area. If you’re looking for a cozy cabin or an exquisite executive retreat, they’ll have something for you. In addition to providing flexibility with their book with confidence guarantee, they’re making sure to follow or exceed the CDC guidelines on cleaning each unit. For more on their policies and what they’re doing, check out the Lake Tahoe Accommodations COVID-19 Updates Page.
RnR Vacation Rentals
RnR Vacation Rentals Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for a private beach getaway or a comfy spot with access to hiking trails, RnR Vacation Rentals has got you covered. They take the hassle out of renting by allowing you to simply choose the property, agree to the terms, and pick your dates. And voila you’re off! From a well-being perspective, they’ve enhanced their procedures and implemented new protocols that is now called the RnR Clean & Safe stamp. For a closer look at the new policies, check out the RnR COVID page.
Boutique / Luxury
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Edgewood Lodge at Lake Tahoe
Sometimes you just need to splurge when going on vacation, and Edgewood Tahoe should be pretty high up on your list when visiting Lake Tahoe. Besides being where the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship is held annually, it’s also as they say, “luxury beyond limits.” You can see they pay attention to every detail especially your safety during this trying time. This includes a very thorough COVID-19 training regime to sanitizing things like elevators at least hourly. To learn more about their in-depth procedures, check out their Health & Sanitations Guideline document.
Coachman Hotel
Coachman Hotel Lake Tahoe
When imagining a modern European-style hotel, the Coachman comes to mind. The hotel is just as much part of the experience as the surroundings. The open design format allows communities to foster through such things as outdoor summer movies and nightly s’mores with friends. Of course, in response to the present challenges, the Coachman has updated their guidelines to still allow the experience of the hotel but make sure everyone including the staff stay safe. For the latest on their procedures and new offerings, check out the Coachman’s COVID-19 Page.
A true gateway to the mountains AND the gorgeous crystal-clear waters of Tahoe, expect the amenities and style of a modern resort but at more affordable inn-like prices. And just like any good place to stay, the beating heart is the beer garden that hosts the South Of North Brewing Company. While most amenities will be available such as the deck, fire-pits, and yard games, to take care of everyone’s safety, they’re now utilizing a 1HR reservation system. If you want to learn more about this along with how they’ve enhanced their cleaning procedures, check out the Basecamp Hotels COVID-19 page.
Casinos
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Need a place to tap into your inner rock star? Look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Enjoy the modern amenities, take in the picturesque views, and peruse the rock n’ roll memorabilia all cranked to 11. The staff at the Hard Rock makes sure you can enjoy all this and more within a safe environment through the new policy called Hard Rock Safe + Sound. Independently assessed by NSF International, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino must pass a 272-point inspection for them to welcome visitors. To learn more about this seal of approval, check out the Hard Rock’s Safe + Sound page.
Harrah’s & Harveys Casinos
Harrah’s Casino Resort Lake Tahoe
These two institutions within the Stateline casino corridor offer visitors the full array of amenities, hospitality, and fun you’d expect in Lake Tahoe. Harrah’s provides hotel guests angled windows so that you can maximize your view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. While Harveys continues its tradition of hospitality that it started in 1944 through its modern décor, chic stylings, and now Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. And for the well-being of you and the staff, they’ve worked closely with the WHO, CDC, and the US EPA to create an in-depth health & safety system that you can look at closely on the Caesars Health & Safety page.
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa Lake Tahoe
Since 2015’s $25 million renovations, MontBleu Resort has upgraded its look and feel alongside the already great entertainment and nightlife. From the award-winning steakhouse to the only provider of Ashiatsu massage in Tahoe, you’ll be well taken care of. Alongside the easy access to hiking and the lake, they’ve also taken steps to create an environment that both you and their team members are safe. To get a close look at them, check out the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa health and safety page.
The old saying of “cleanliness is next to godliness” rings true across all of our lodging partners in Tahoe South. Each of them is doing their best to ensure your safety by testing, re-testing, and practicing social distancing. For those that want to know more about what’s open, get tips on how to stay safe, and just get a lay of the land, be sure to check out our COVID / Health-Related pages found here:
Step-by-step, Lake Tahoe is slowly reawakening. From adventure businesses to restaurants and dining, they’ve begun the process of welcoming back visitors. To read about the steps they’ve taken to ensure your safety, check out our articles How Adventure Businesses Are Welcoming Back visitors and Cuisine, Brews, and Easy Livin’ how entertainment industry is keeping you safe. The next segment we’re delving into is by far the most important… where you stay! Because no matter how safe you are out there, you still need a play to put your head down. Here’s a sample of what our lodging partners are doing to make sure both guests and employees stay safe in this trying time.
Hotels
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite resort hotel is a great basecamp for visitors wanting access to it all AND in a safe environment. They’re utilizing new cleaning devices such as electro-static sprayers as well as screening team members each day prior to starting work. For the full run-down of what they’re doing, check out Tahoe Resort Hotel’s COVID page.
Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village
Forest Suites Resort at the Heavenly Village
Another great option is just steps away from the casinos, the beaches, and the Heavenly village. It’s the Forest Suites Resort. Before and after your day’s adventures, you’ll be able to unwind, relax, and feel comfortable knowing that they’re doing their part to keep you healthy. This includes things like striving to leave rooms vacant for 24 hours between reservations and providing complimentary masks for your safety. For a more in-depth look at what they’ll be doing, check out Forest Suite’s Safety Page.
Short Term Rentals
Lake Tahoe Accommodations
Lake Tahoe Accommodations
One of the biggest names in short term rentals is Lake Tahoe Accommodations. They provide hundreds of properties all across the area. If you’re looking for a cozy cabin or an exquisite executive retreat, they’ll have something for you. In addition to providing flexibility with their book with confidence guarantee, they’re making sure to follow or exceed the CDC guidelines on cleaning each unit. For more on their policies and what they’re doing, check out the Lake Tahoe Accommodations COVID-19 Updates Page.
RnR Vacation Rentals
RnR Vacation Rentals Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for a private beach getaway or a comfy spot with access to hiking trails, RnR Vacation Rentals has got you covered. They take the hassle out of renting by allowing you to simply choose the property, agree to the terms, and pick your dates. And voila you’re off! From a well-being perspective, they’ve enhanced their procedures and implemented new protocols that is now called the RnR Clean & Safe stamp. For a closer look at the new policies, check out the RnR COVID page.
Boutique / Luxury
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Edgewood Lodge at Lake Tahoe
Sometimes you just need to splurge when going on vacation, and Edgewood Tahoe should be pretty high up on your list when visiting Lake Tahoe. Besides being where the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship is held annually, it’s also as they say, “luxury beyond limits.” You can see they pay attention to every detail especially your safety during this trying time. This includes a very thorough COVID-19 training regime to sanitizing things like elevators at least hourly. To learn more about their in-depth procedures, check out their Health & Sanitations Guideline document.
Coachman Hotel
Coachman Hotel Lake Tahoe
When imagining a modern European-style hotel, the Coachman comes to mind. The hotel is just as much part of the experience as the surroundings. The open design format allows communities to foster through such things as outdoor summer movies and nightly s’mores with friends. Of course, in response to the present challenges, the Coachman has updated their guidelines to still allow the experience of the hotel but make sure everyone including the staff stay safe. For the latest on their procedures and new offerings, check out the Coachman’s COVID-19 Page.
A true gateway to the mountains AND the gorgeous crystal-clear waters of Tahoe, expect the amenities and style of a modern resort but at more affordable inn-like prices. And just like any good place to stay, the beating heart is the beer garden that hosts the South Of North Brewing Company. While most amenities will be available such as the deck, fire-pits, and yard games, to take care of everyone’s safety, they’re now utilizing a 1HR reservation system. If you want to learn more about this along with how they’ve enhanced their cleaning procedures, check out the Basecamp Hotels COVID-19 page.
Casinos
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Need a place to tap into your inner rock star? Look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Enjoy the modern amenities, take in the picturesque views, and peruse the rock n’ roll memorabilia all cranked to 11. The staff at the Hard Rock makes sure you can enjoy all this and more within a safe environment through the new policy called Hard Rock Safe + Sound. Independently assessed by NSF International, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino must pass a 272-point inspection for them to welcome visitors. To learn more about this seal of approval, check out the Hard Rock’s Safe + Sound page.
Harrah’s & Harveys Casinos
Harrah’s Casino Resort Lake Tahoe
These two institutions within the Stateline casino corridor offer visitors the full array of amenities, hospitality, and fun you’d expect in Lake Tahoe. Harrah’s provides hotel guests angled windows so that you can maximize your view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. While Harveys continues its tradition of hospitality that it started in 1944 through its modern décor, chic stylings, and now Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. And for the well-being of you and the staff, they’ve worked closely with the WHO, CDC, and the US EPA to create an in-depth health & safety system that you can look at closely on the Caesars Health & Safety page.
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa Lake Tahoe
Since 2015’s $25 million renovations, MontBleu Resort has upgraded its look and feel alongside the already great entertainment and nightlife. From the award-winning steakhouse to the only provider of Ashiatsu massage in Tahoe, you’ll be well taken care of. Alongside the easy access to hiking and the lake, they’ve also taken steps to create an environment that both you and their team members are safe. To get a close look at them, check out the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa health and safety page.
The old saying of “cleanliness is next to godliness” rings true across all of our lodging partners in Tahoe South. Each of them is doing their best to ensure your safety by testing, re-testing, and practicing social distancing. For those that want to know more about what’s open, get tips on how to stay safe, and just get a lay of the land, be sure to check out our COVID / Health-Related pages found here:
