Planning a vist to the Lake? Don’t forget Fido! – Lake Tahoe Dog Beaches
All summer long, Lake Tahoe is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With mild days and cool nights, it’s been a quick reprieve for visitors trying to escape the Valley heats and the foggy Bay area afternoons. Surrounded by natural beauty, there is just so many things to do! But it’s not just you and me who enjoy the countless hiking trails, the beaches and the massive boulders begging to be climbed, it’s paradise for your four legged friends too, and Tahoe welcomes them with open arms.
Most trails in Tahoe can be enjoyed with your pooch. Please keep a leash handy as some trails prefer dogs on them, otherwise, voice controlled is fine. Please be sure to use your judgement on how your dogs would react to the outdoors. There is a difference between a dog that goes hiking with you every weekend and one that enjoys being pampered on your lap. Bring water for your thirsty pets and be sure to pick up after them. Below are a few hiking trails that you and your best friend can enjoy together!
Fallen LeafThis is a 3.5 mile easy stroll to a beautiful lake. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic! From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Highway 89 and turn left on Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Follow the road past the campground to the Fallen Leaf Lake Trailhead.
English: Fallen Leaf Lake in winter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Echo Lake Trail This 12 mile trail begins at lower Echo Lake and end at Lake Aloha. Over summer, you and your dog can take the water taxi that crosses Echo Lake, and shorten your hike by 5 miles. A wilderness permit is required for this hike. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Highway 50 for 9.6 miles and turn right on Echo Lakes Road. Continue to an intersection and turn left. Park in the upper lot at the Echo Lakes Resort.
Ralston Peak Trail This scenic 8 mile hike into Desolation Wilderness gets you up close and personal with Horsetail Falls. A wilderness permit is required for thishike. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive 13.5 miles south on Highway 50 and turn right at Camp Sacramento. Drive down this dirt road and park at the church. The Ralston Peak trailhead is on the left side of the road.
Mount Tallac This is a strenuous 10 mile hike. You will climb 5 miles and gain over 3,000 feet of elevation to arrive at the top of Mount Tallac, where you will have truly unbelievable views of all of Lake tahoe. A wilderness permit is required for this hike. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Highway 89 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on the dirt road at the Mount Tallac Trailhead sign across from Baldwin Beach
After all of this hiking, I can’t imagine doing anything besides jumping in the Lake to cool off! Of course, your dog will want to splash in there with you! Hey, you weren’t the only one doing all that work!
Kiva Beach which is 2. 5 miles north of the Y and if you’re in the Stateline area, North Beach at Zephyr Cove are both pet friendly. When you aren’t sharing a dip in the Lake, please keep your pooches leashed.
Tallac Historic Site Dogs are also allowed on-leash at the Tallac Historic Site, at the beach or on the grounds, where you can check out the historic estates: Pope, Valhalla, and Baldwin. The houses are beautiful and offer a look at the lifestyles of Tahoe’s early rich and famous. Tallac also boasts concerts and fun festivals happening all summer long. Tallac Historic Site is open daily mid-June through mid-September, and is located on Hwy 89, north of Camp Richardson Resort.
If your pet is a social butterfly, located within Bijou Community Park, there is a fenced in dog park which allows off-leash play for both large and small dogs. The Bijou Dog Park is located at 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd., and it’s open daily, closed Monday mornings from 8am to 11am for maintenance.
After all of this fun time in the sun, I’m sure you and your pooch are hunting for the place to enjoy some delicious food! The following restaurants have Danny Deck outdoor patios that give you and your pet an opportunity to share a meal together.
As the day is winding down and the evening has started to cool off, it’s probably time to head back to homes like The Wild Ranger Lodge for a small nap. Pinnacle Lake Tahoe Getaways has plenty of vacation rentals that will make your four legged friends feel right at home. You no longer have to worry about leaving your pets behind. Come and enjoy all that Lake Tahoe has to offer! Our summers go by as quickly as those pups grow up!
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