California Mountain Road Trip - May 2013 - Part 3 - Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and the second deepest lake in the US, at 1,645', with an average depth of 1,000'. The surface of the lake is at 6,225' above sea level. We spent 3 nights in the town of South Lake Tahoe at the Alder Inn, a 1970's-vintage motel that had been renovated considerably, at least on the inside of the rooms. I doubt that the outside has changed much since the day it was built, but the rooms were very nicely done. Each was done in a different theme. The property changed hands recently, and new owner, who bought the place 2 weeks before we got there, told us they are planning to update the exterior soon to catch up to the interiors. This is a great place to stay in South Lake Tahoe.

We checked in late in the afternoon, then walked about 3 blocks down to the shore and had dinner. Afterwards we checked out the sunset on the lake.

The next day we rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain at Heavenly. The ride starts just a block from the shore of the lake, near the Nevada state line.

There isn't really a view from the lodge at the top of the line, but the observation deck partway up has some great views of the lake and surrounding areas. We hung out at the observation deck for a while just enjoying the view, then rode the rest of the way to the lodge at the top, where we wound up watching the UEFA Cup Championship soccer game before heading back down.

Later that afternoon we drove out to see Emerald Bay.

It turns out we weren't the only ones with that idea. The mountain road was crowded with tourists.

The Red Hut Cafe has been around since the late 1950's. Good breakfasts.

Lake Tahoe is known for its very clear water.

Cave Rock State Park on the Nevada side is a small park with some massive views.

Click here to see more images from Lake Tahoe.