A Ride Around Beautiful Lake Tahoe
One of the highlights of the region is a nice simple ride around Lake Tahoe a where you can get a real flavor for all the different communities and the incredible sights the area has. It’s not a very long ride, but it’s a great way to spend the afternoon. Now, there are times when this ride can be challenging, and I would not recommend it on a Saturday afternoon during the summer, but off season it can be beautiful. Also, while I describe the route as starting on the South Shore (it’s where I live), you can start on the North Shore or east shore just as easily. The ride is dotted with state parks, road pull outs, and little communities, plenty of fun for an enjoyable afternoon of riding and sightseeing.
This truly spectacular ride offers stunning scenery and interesting communities. From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 89 towards Tahoe City. Along the way you’ll pass scenic Camp Richardson and Emerald Bay State Park (a great place to take pictures). You can walk down to Vikingsholm Castle, one of the great examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States.
Ride a couple of miles further north to D.L Bliss State Park. From there you ride to Tahoe City. As you come into town, park at the Truckee River Outlet (another California State Park) and visit Fanny Bridge. You’ll understand the name as soon as you see it. As you come into Tahoe City you will want to veer right taking the signs into Tahoe City, you will be on Highway 28 heading east.
Tahoe City is really the heart of the North Shore, and as you ride through you will see shops and restaurants that line the highway. Feel free to stop, walk round and get the feel of the area.
As you continue on Highway 28 heading east you’ll ride along the lake taking in some incredible views and through a number of small communities including Kings Beach (pictured below) and Crystal Bay.
Once you arrive at Incline Village you’ll stay on Highway 28 heading south back to South Lake Tahoe. You might consider stopping for some photos at the spectacular Sand Harbor, where the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is held every year, located about 10 minutes south of Incline Village.
When Highway 28 meets up with Highway 50, follow Highway 50 west to South Lake Tahoe. About 4 miles from South Lake Tahoe is Zephyr Cove Resort, another great stopping point. From there is just a short ride back to South Shore.
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Oh yeah, Carl, thanks for this, and for the guidance around the lake last weekend. What a LOVELY circle!