Essential Tips for Your First Tahoe Adventure: What New Visitors Should Know
Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous destination filled with natural beauty and mountain-town charm. It’s a truly unique place, and if you haven’t visited before, there are a few things that might surprise you. Here is a list of helpful things to know before you begin your Tahoe vacation.
High Altitude
Lake Tahoe’s natural rim sits at 6,225 feet above sea level, and many surrounding areas rise even higher. For comparison, Los Angeles is approximately 305 feet above sea level, and New York City is only about 33 feet. At 6,200 feet, there is roughly 20% less oxygen in the air than at sea level. This change in altitude can lead to dehydration, and some individuals may even experience altitude sickness. If you have any medical conditions, it’s important to understand how the elevation may affect you.
High elevation also influences a number of everyday things:
Increased sun exposure: Higher altitude means stronger UV rays, so be sure to bring plenty of sun protection.
Cooking adjustments: Recipes may need to be modified for high-altitude cooking.
Pressurized packaged foods: As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases while the pressure inside packaged foods stays the same. You’ll notice items like chip bags often look swollen.
Lower nighttime temperatures: High-altitude regions cool down quickly, and the temperature can drop significantly after sunset.
Dry Skin: High altitude and low humidity can cause your skin to dry out quickly. Be sure to pack lip balm and moisturizer.
Bears
Tahoe is home to a healthy population of black bears, and they are very active in the area. To protect both yourself and the bears, please make sure they do not gain access to any food. It is illegal to feed bears! Do not leave food or food wrappers in your vehicle or unattended outdoors, and be sure to dispose of trash properly in the correct containers. Bears have an incredible sense of smell, and they are very smart and determined.
There is a good chance you may see a bear during your stay. If you do, keep your distance and respect that it is a wild animal.
Other wildlife
In addition to bears, Tahoe is home to a variety of wildlife. This ranges from birds and mice, to bobcats and coyotes. Many species are very active at night, especially the bears, coyotes and raccoons. Keep yourself and the animals safe; do not provide them with a food source, keep your doors and windows closed when not in use, and always keep a safe distance. When you are in Tahoe, a wildlife encounter can happen at any time!
Low Water Temperatures
Even during the summer months, the lake water is very cold. Lake Tahoe stays around 39°F year-round, though shallow areas can warm up slightly during the summer. Please keep this in mind if you plan to swim or participate in water activities—the cold water can be quite shocking.
WiFi and Cell Service are not guaranteed
Lake Tahoe is high in the mountains and densely forested. The communities are small and remote. The mountains, foliage, and even the weather can cause an obstruction to a WiFi or cellular signal. The coverage can also be spotty; you may have a strong signal for a moment, then lose it further down the road. WiFi outages are common. Please keep this in mind when you are staying in the area. It can be very frustrating, but it can also be a great opportunity to unplug and enjoy the natural beauty around you!
Weather
The weather in Tahoe can be extreme. The peak of summer can have sunny days in the 90s with chilly evenings. Winter can boast a blizzard on Monday and a clear, sunny day by Friday. It is best to be prepared for weather changes throughout the day. Dress in layers, pack your sunscreen, and keep a jacket handy. Practical shoes are a must, especially in the colder seasons. If you find yourself under-packed, especially for winter weather, you might be able to find some decent snow gear at a local thrift store! Another thing to keep in mind: Air Conditioning is not common in Tahoe homes.
Winter Driving
Visiting Tahoe in the winter requires extra caution on the road. Snowy and icy conditions may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with snow tires or chains. In many cases, AWD or 4WD is necessary to access mountain roads and certain driveways. Take it slow and keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. Road closures happen often in the winter, so be prepared for a change in your travel plans.
A trip to Tahoe is guaranteed to be memorable. While this list is not exhaustive, it will help you prepare for a fun, safe, and enjoyable visit. There’s so much more to explore—so book your Lake Tahoe vacation toda