Recreation & Public Access FAQs

When will the Greenway be built and what will it cost?

The South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail is a 3.86 mile trail project making a connection between Sierra Tract and Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe. The project will be constructed in phases and the total project cost is approximately $12 million. The first phase of the project, Phase 1a, was completed in 2015 and connects the Bijou neighborhood to the edge of Bijou Meadow (Herbert Avenue to Glenwood Way). The next two phases, Phases 1b and 2, will construct the trail across Bijou Meadow into the Bijou Community Park, connect with existing trails at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC), cross Trout Creek, and end at Sierra Boulevard. Planning and construction costs for Phases 1b and 2 total approximately $4 million and construction is planned to begin in 2019. Both phases are fully funded. Future phases will extend east from Herbert Avenue to Ski Run Boulevard and Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

Where does the Conservancy’s funding come from?

The Conservancy’s funding comes from a number of sources. The Conservancy administers funds from general bond sales that are associated with bond measures that were voted on and passed by the citizens of the State of California. We also receive proceeds from the Lake Tahoe License Plate, California State Environmental License Plate, and a small amount of the agency’s annual budget is derived from the State’s General Fund. The Conservancy also receives limited revenue from uses on Conservancy-owned properties.

Where can I access the Lake Tahoe Water Trail?

The Conservancy owns lakefront property available for non-motorized car-top launching on both the North and South shores.

The Conservancy’s premier launch location, in Carnelian Bay east of the Sierra Boat Company marina, offers free parking, a developed car-top launch site, restrooms, and a concessionaire operating the Watermen Landing café and offering SUP and kayak rentals.

Launching can also occur from the North Tahoe Beach in the Kings Beach Community with free on-site parking and restrooms.

Other Conservancy-owned North Shore lakefront opportunities for free launching include Secline Beach (Kings Beach), Moondunes Beach and Sandy Beach (Tahoe Vista), and Lake Forest Beach (west side of Bristlecone in Lake Forest). Seasonal restrooms serve many of these sites, but they have no on-site parking. Access to these beaches occurs from roadside parking and is often limited.

Other public entities also offer access to the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. These US Forest Service, California State Parks, and local entities such as the City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City Public Utility District, and the North Tahoe Public Utility District.

Additional access information, including access opportunities in Nevada, can be found at www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Can I paddle my kayak around Lake Tahoe?

Paddling on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail can be a day use or overnight experience. Day trips on the Water Trail can begin at most public beaches, including many owned by the Conservancy. Much of Lake Tahoe is also accessible for short overnight paddle trips. Between Lake Forest in the north and Zephyr Cove in the southeast, multiple campgrounds offer overnight stops accessible from the lake.  Lakefront lodges also welcome Lake Tahoe Water Trail users, extending the shoreline accessible for easy overnight trips to Incline Village. The experience of circumnavigating the entire lake is possible for experienced athletes. Due to camping restrictions on the East Shore, the circumnavigation that begins and ends at Sand Harbor requires at least two days of 16 mile paddling.

Additional overnight access information can be found at www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

What Should I do before going on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail?

Aquatic invasive species pose a major threat to the ecological health and beauty of Lake Tahoe. Self-inspection and decontamination of your non-motorized watercraft is essential to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Keepers Stewardship Community offers a free self-inspection and decontamination training for non-motorized watercraft users in order to help protect Lake Tahoe from the introduction and spread of invasive species. Paddlers who complete the online course will receive a Completion of Training card and sticker for their watercraft to signify their completion of the training.

Learn more about the Tahoe Keepers Stewardship Community and become a member at: http://tahoeboatinspections.com/about-the-tahoe-keepers/