LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – With so much to do, see, and experience in Tahoe, it’s no surprise that every year, over two million unique visitors spend an average of 15 million days in the region. This summer, Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council partners are sharing what to “Know Before You Go” to have a high-quality experience in Tahoe, and a reminder that taking care of Tahoe is everyone’s responsibility.

“We’ve learned a lot over the past several years about how to better manage visitation to popular sites in our region,” said Nettie Pardue, Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Council managing director. “To that end, we’re continuing to add and expand services like the new Emerald Bay Shuttle that we invite everyone to use in an effort to recreate responsibly and continue to enhance the Tahoe experience for all.”

Getting Around

• Use public transportation options. From free on-demand microtransit to new services like the daily shuttle service to Emerald Bay and free summer events Park & Ride in North Lake Tahoe and on the West Shore, it’s easy to sit back and let someone else do the driving while you take in the sights and leave the hassles of parking behind. Explore all transportation options at https://linkingtahoe.com/.

• Enjoy nature under your own power. Tahoe’s extensive paved trail systems offer a great way for pedestrians and cyclists to get outside, get around, and enjoy nature. In addition, complimentary bike valet services are offered at many regional events to encourage bike travel.

• Be aware of parking management programs being implemented to ease congestion on roadways and at popular recreation facilities, including day-use parking reservations at Sand Harbor. Paid parking fees at other recreation locations in Tahoe are contributing to the management of those areas for all to enjoy.

• A number of infrastructure projects are underway throughout the Basin affecting area roadways, particularly midweek. To stay updated on area roadway projects and their impacts, visit TahoeRoads.com, CalTrans QuickMaps, and NDOT Travel Info.

Trails & Recreation

• Find a new favorite spot. If the destination you’re trying to visit is full, find another place to explore. Visit TahoePublicBeaches.org for lake conditions and current operational and on-site offering updates at more than 40 public beaches. And, check trail conditions and status with Trailforks.

How to Help Take Care of Tahoe

Slowing down to get more out of your experience creates opportunities to help protect what makes Tahoe special. From maintaining lake clarity and Tahoe’s pristine beaches to caring for the forest and local wildlife, everyone plays an important role. This means:

• Leaving places cleaner than you found them by disposing of trash, human and dog waste in proper receptacles, or taking it with you when receptacles are full or unavailable.

• Bring a reusable water bottle to Drink Tahoe Tap and help reduce one of the top five types of litter found in Tahoe.

• Adhering to fire bans and restrictions, and signing up for Tahoe Alerts to be alerted in the case of an emergency.

• Helping to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by taking time to clean, drain, and dry paddleboards and kayaks as well as anything else that could be wet, before entering Tahoe area lakes and streams.

• Remember that bears and other wildlife live here, too. Find resources and tips for living, visiting and playing in Lake Tahoe bear country at tahoebears.org.

What to Expect if Celebrating America’s 250th in Tahoe

• Alcohol restrictions will be in place on the Truckee River, at Zephyr Cove and Shoals, Meeks Bay, Round Hill Pines, and at other select beaches over the holiday weekend.

• Public safety and law enforcement presence will be increased over the July 4 weekend and throughout the summer.

“Collectively, the partners who make up our Council view destination stewardship as a management tool to create a positive experience for everyone,” continued Pardue. “We consider this an open invitation for everyone who loves Tahoe to help manage the impact we each make as individuals on the Tahoe environment.”