Lake Tahoe Water Trail

Overview

Lake Tahoe boasts 72 miles of scenic shoreline, sandy beaches, and rocky inlets – paradise for kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, and other non-motorized watercraft users. Participation in this use exploded in recent years while facility improvement and expansion has not. Basic access information such as the location of parking and restrooms is still difficult to find.

Mapped routes along lakes, known as water trails, are successful throughout the country in sharing public access information. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a network of launch sites, picnic areas, restaurants, campgrounds, and overnight lodging facilities for recreational paddlers to enjoy year-round. The Water Trail offers day trip and overnight trip information with way finding, safety, and interpretive tips at www.laketahoewatertrail.org. The Conservancy, in partnership with shoreline-oriented businesses and other public agencies, supports the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. In 2015, the Conservancy contracted with the Sierra Business Council (SBC) to promote the creation of Wayfinding Trail Signage, which will help address access issues. In addition, SBC is working to increase public outreach and education about the Trail while supporting the development of a sustainable organization.

The Conservancy also supports regional efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species related to non-motorized watercraft. Find out how to keep your watercraft clean, drained, and dry, and become a Tahoe Keeper at tahoeboatinspections.com/tahoe-keepers.