Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its natural beauty. Its mountainous terrain paired with its crystalline blue waters is not only scenic, but perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, skiing, and more.
In fact, there’s no shortage of activities for nature lovers in Tahoe — it’s a paradise of natural wonders, sweeping vistas, and ancient forests.
At Embarc Dispensary, we love Lake Tahoe and can’t get enough of its landscape, so we wanted to share some of our favorite (and most epic) natural sights for anyone visiting Tahoe.
At Emerald Bay State Park, visitors can see one of the most photographed spots in the world. Eagle Point is a great place for picnics and offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion built in 1929, is also located within the park and is definitely worth a visit. The park is also home to a number of hiking and biking trails, one of the best trails being the Rubicon Trail which takes you all the way around Emerald Bay.
Located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe just north of Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss includes the Rubicon Point Light, the highest-elevation lighthouse in the United States. Take the popular trail in the lakeside forest and see a large balancing rock, while enjoying the deep forest trails.
The park is named in honor of timber and railroad magnate Duane Leroy Bliss, whose heirs donated 744 acres of land to the state in 1929, which has since grown to 2,149 acres.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, try the Tahoe Rim Trail. This 170-mile trail goes around the entire lake and offers breathtaking views the whole way. It’s perfect for those who love to hike, bike or even just take a leisurely stroll.
As the trail loops around the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Sierra Nevada mountains, it goes through Nevada and California. The trail ranges in elevation from 6,223 feet at the outlet of Lake Tahoe to 10,338 feet at Relay Peak in Nevada so it’s not for the faint of heart or for those who may not have the physical stamina to endure a challenging, high-altitude hike.
Our most extreme recommendation is Desolation Wilderness, for very experienced explorers only. If you’re brave enough to venture into Desolation Wilderness, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
This area is only for experienced hikers as there are no marked trails and you’re likely to encounter some dangerous wildlife, including bears. However, if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Those who choose to explore this dense wilderness will need ample gear, experience, and a permit before heading out.
At Sand Harbor, you can find one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Tahoe. This is a great place to relax, swim, paddleboard or just enjoy the stunning views.
There’s also a campground nearby if you want to extend your stay — and we recommend that you do. Beyond swimming here, you can also find some great hiking trails that will take you to some incredible lookout points.
While you’re in Tahoe, you have to visit Eagle Falls. This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area and it’s easy to see why.
The falls are absolutely stunning and the hike to get there is relatively short and easy, so the whole family can join in.
Once you’re at the falls, you can take a dip in the refreshing water or just enjoy the view. Especially in the hot summer months, this is a great way to cool off.
The Cave Rock Tunnel is a dual bore highway tunnel on U.S. Route 50 along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe approximately seven miles north of Stateline, in Douglas County, Nevada.
It passes through Cave Rock, a volcanic stone formation. To the Washoe Indian Tribe, Cave Rock is considered a sacred place and the tribe has placed restrictions on recreational activities in the vicinity of the tunnel but in this situation, the drive is the destination.
Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the lake below as you navigate the winding highways.
The Cascade Falls Trail is a short but strenuous hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The falls themselves are about 50 feet tall and cascade into a pool of water that’s perfect for swimming.
The hike is only about 1.5 miles round trip, but it is uphill the whole way. However, the views from the top are more than worth the effort.
Skylandia State Park is a small but beautiful park that’s located in the middle of Lake Tahoe. The park has a sandy beach, picnic areas and plenty of stunning views.
It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe. The park is unique because it’s only accessible by boat, so be sure to add it to your list of places to visit.
Though we may not be a state park or a natural landmark, Embarc Dispensary is a Tahoe cannabis staple. We pride ourselves on giving back to the communities we serve, so we donate 1% of all sales to the communities we serve.
We also designate half of our shelf space to diversity and inclusion because we believe that being an equitable cannabis dispensary is the only kind of cannabis business worth being.
Shop with us at our Tahoe store, located at 4035 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe and our friendly Guides will help you find the perfect cannabis products to pair with your journey through Tahoe.
