Lake Tahoe History
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In 1844 explorers John Fremont and Kit Carson discovered Lake Tahoe. In the summer Lake Tahoe Basin was a gathering place for three bands of peaceful Washoe Indians. The lake held spiritual meaning for the tribe and many sacred ceremonies were held along the southern shores.
Lake Tahoe had many names before Tahoe became official in 1945. The Washoe called it “Daowaga” meaning “edge of the lake.” It was called “Bon pland” after a French botanist and also “Mountain Lake” and “Bigler Lake” after California’s third governor.
The California Gold Rush lured immigrants and fortune seekers to the rugged Sierras. Prospective miners used Donner and Beck worth Passes to the north and Carson Pass to the south to circumnavigate the treacherous Tahoe Basin.
In 1859 Highway 50, then called the “Bonanza Road,” was the first West- to-East road across the mountains. The road was built to handle travelers eager to cash in on Virginia City’s Comstock Lode.
As traffic over the “Bonanza Road” increased, small businesses such as way stations, stables and toll houses began to spring up to collect fares for traveling the privately owned sections of the road. These stations were the basis for most development in the area, from Friday’s Station at Stateline, which served as a Pony Express stopover, to Yank’s Resort in Meyer’s which was built in 1851.
The Comstock Lode increased the flow of traffic and people to Lake Tahoe Basin which in turn inflated the use of natural resources in the Tahoe Basin. Between 1869 and 1890, Tahoe’s forests were nearly stripped of trees due to fuel needed to support the labyrinth of mines being constructed beneath Virginia City. Lumber was pulled to the Lake’s shores by steam train and horse, dragged to Glen brook by steamers, pulled to the top of Spooner Summit and sent by flume to Carson City. From there, the logs were loaded onto trains and wagons bound for the mines. The decline of the Comstock Lode may have been the saving of the Tahoe forests.
By the turn of the century, Lake Tahoe had become the haven for the rich because of the natural beauty of the area. This period marked the heyday of steamship transportation around the lake. Visitors would attend lavish parties on board while cruising across the waters. Many steamers also delivered mail and supplies to the resorts around the lake’s rim.
During the 20s and 30s, the roads through the mountains were paved. Lake Tahoe was no longer available only to the rich. Travel improvements also marked the decline of the steamship era. Use of the automobile enabled people from every level of society to enjoy the magnificent “Lake in the Sky.” Smaller, middle class lodges began to develop as the affluent retreated to elaborate family hideaways.
Harvey and Llewllyn Gross opened Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall in 1944. It was a rustic cabin built with $10.00 worth of nails and displaying a weathered wagon wheel on the roof. At the same time, the Stateline area was far more crowded, but the Gross family faced competition from many other casinos in the area.
Development at Lake Tahoe began in earnest in the 1950s. Roads to the basin began to be plowed year round, enabling permanent residence. The 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley put Lake Tahoe firmly on the map as the skiing center of the western United States.
Today, Lake Tahoe continues to offer visitors a bit of many historic eras. While hotels, casinos and ski resorts draw millions of guests each year, the main attraction continues to be the quiet beauty of the Sierras and timeless inspiration of the lake itself, little changed from the days of the Washoe Indians.
Lake Tahoe Facts
Lake Tahoe is the world’s second-largest alpine lake, and the second-largest lake in North America.
We have listed some facts and figures about our beautiful lake below for your enjoyment:
Lake Tahoe is 21.6 miles long and 12.2 miles wide.
Lake Tahoe’s average depth is 989 feet; its deepest known point is a remarkable 1,645 feet.
Lake Tahoe is 99.1% pure, and from the surface one is able to see objects at a depth of 100 feet.
Surface temperature of the lake is 50°F in winter and 68°F in summer.
750 feet below the surface, the water temperature is a chilly 39.2°F to 41.5°F.
There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to cover the state of California with 14.5 inches of water!
1,400,000 TONS of water evaporate from the lake every day! But this only lowers the lake level 1/10th of an inch.
Lake Tahoe’s elevation is 6,228 feet above sea level.
It is 72 miles around Lake Tahoe and is approximately a two-hour drive.
Lake Tahoe is not a crater lake. It was formed by movement of the Earth’s crust, and is believed to have been a small lake or river originally. Volcanic activity did play a part in its formation by sealing both ends of the valley. There are 63 streams that flow into Lake Tahoe, and only one, the Truckee River, that flows out eastward into Pyramid Lake.
The Upper Truckee River is the main source that feeds the lake.
Types of fish common to Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River are Silver, Brown and Cutthroat Trout, and Kokanee Salmon and Mackinaw.
The two highest peaks around Lake Tahoe are Mt. Tallac at 9,735 feet and Freel Peak at 10,881 feet. Mt. Tallac is famous for its “Snow Cross” marking.
Two-thirds of the lake lies within California, and 29 percent is in El Dorado County.
Lake Tahoe receives an average annual snowfall of 215 inches, and the upper elevations may receive 300 to 500 inches.
Lake Tahoe has its share of below-freezing days and nights, but the Lake itself has never frozen over. On occasion, Emerald Bay has been covered with a layer of ice, and ice forms in cold protected inlets. However, Lake Tahoe’s great depth and huge volume of water always in motion keep it from becoming the world’s largest ice rink.
Average days of sunshine are 307, and this is great for enjoying the six campgrounds, eleven parks and beaches around the lake.
There are two people known to have swam across the lake. The first woman was Earline Christopherson in 1962. She swam this in 13 hours and 37 minutes, and she was only 16 at the time! Fred Rogers from South San Francisco accomplished this feat in 1955.
A trip west on Highway 89 will bring you to “Vikingsholm” in Emerald Bay. Heiress Mrs. Lora Josephine Moore Knight built this beautiful home in 1928, and furnished it with pieces from Norway, Finland and Sweden. Of special interest is the single-room “Tea House” built on the island in the middle of Emerald Bay, where Mrs. Knight would take her guests by boat for afternoon “Tea”!
Lake Tahoe has had many names: Bonpland, Mountain Lake, Fremont’s Lake, Lake Bigler, and Big Truckee Lake, until it was officially named Lake Tahoe in 1945. This means “Big Water” in Washoe Indian language.
Vacation Health Tips
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is caused by less oxygen in the air at Lake Tahoe than at sea level, since the elevation of our area is approximately 6,235 feet (elevation at Tramway Drive is 7,334). Common symptoms of altitude sick- ness include headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, shortness of breath with exertion and restless sleep.
These effects are due to chemical changes in your blood stream from lower oxygen content in the air. These effects are common and your body will adjust within 2-3 days and symptoms will gradually disappear.
If you develop altitude sickness, you should avoid over exertion, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. It is also advisable to eat lightly and drink alcohol in moderation. If any of these symptoms become severe or worse, rather than better, you should see a physician. If you have a heart condition or history of high blood pressure, check with your doctor before planing trips to the mountains.
Dehydration
Mountain air at high altitude is very dry, and compounded with the lower oxygen content results in more rapid breathing. Both of these factors lead to increased fluid requirements. If you are outside and active here, your fluid requirement will be double that of at home. You should drink at least eight (8) glasses of water or its equivalent. Some electrolyte solutions like Gatorade are also helpful in cases of more severe dehydration and should not be counted as fluid intake. Drinking water out of mountain lakes and streams is, unfortunately, not recommended, no matter how clean they appear to be. Proper water treatment with purification tablets, pump filters or boil- ing, is needed. If you do drink water from a stream or lake and become ill, you should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the water in cells freezes. Superficial frostbite usually involves fingertips, ears, nose, toes and cheeks of the face. Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness and whitish discoloration of the skin.
Deep frostbite is more serious and can lead to death of the cells involved, leaving open wounds very susceptible to infection and tetanus.
It is important to take precautions to prevent frostbite, particularly on colder or windy days and during stormy weather. Cover all exposed areas of your body. You may need to go inside and warm yourself more frequently during cold weather. Also, have a friend check your face and ears for whitish discoloration that you may not notice.
If you develop frostbite, you should go indoors immediately. Do not rub frostbitten skin. If possible, immerse your fingers or toes in lukewarm, but not hot water.
If the skin does not return to its normal color, blisters develop, pain persists after thawing, numbness persists, or significant swelling is present, it will be necessary to seek medical attention.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls lower than normal (98.6) and the body is unable to generate sufficient heat to keep the temperature in the normal range. When this occurs, the body’s organ systems malfunction. If hypo- thermia goes unrecognized and untreated, it can become more severe and lead to serious organ malfunction and possibly death.
Hypothermia is obviously more common in the winter months and during outdoor activity. Several variables contribute to the development of hypothermia: outdoor temperature, length of exposure, age, general health status, alcohol consumption and wet clothing. To avoid developing hypothermia wear warm, layered, dry clothing, take plenty of indoor breaks on cold days and avoid alcohol consumption.
Early symptoms of hypothermia include fatigue, mood changes, distorted thinking and impaired motor skills. If you or any of your friends begin to show signs of symptoms mentioned above, the person needs to be placed indoors and in dry clothing immediately. If the symptoms do not improve within two hours, or if they become worse, seek medical attention.
Sunburn
The sun’s rays are much more powerful at Lake Tahoe due to the increased elevation. We receive approximately five (5) times the amount of ultra- violet rays here as compared to sea level, due to the thinner atmosphere. People with light colored hair and eyes are even more susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. We recommend high- protection sunscreen with one of the esters of PABA. For initial exposure use 15 or 20 SPF. There are also lip balms with PABA or zinc oxide. If you develop sunburn without blisters it may be help- ful to apply cool compresses, take aspirin for pain and Benadryl for itching. When blisters develop it is considered a second degree burn. Do not pop blisters and stay out of the sun. You should see a physician for facial blisters with cloudy or pus-type drainage.
Sunglasses effective in blocking ultraviolet radiation are also necessary to protect your eyes, especially if you are out on the lake. Sunburned eyes need medical attention for significant pain, drainage, blurred vision or scratchy sensation.
Insect Bites
Most insect bites do not require medical attention and can be treated at home. Remove the stinger if possible; apply cool compresses to area and keep it elevated. Usually this treatment will suffice. You should seek medical attention if you have an allergy to the offending insect. Symptoms of allergy include skin rash, itching and difficulty breathing. If you have difficulty breathing, you should phone the nearest emergency medical service for an ambulance. Other important symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, red streaks on the skin or pus drainage from the bite area. Any person with symptoms should seek medical care.
Prevention is the key. If you are going into an area where you are likely to be exposed to many insects, Be sure to use a good insect repellent. Avoid wearing perfume, or perfumed lotions and cosmetics as they may attract insects. Also keep exposed skin covered, especially after dark.
Many common insect repellents have the potential to cause toxic reactions if repeatedly applied directly on children’s skin. One offend-ing chemical is diet hyltoluamide, found in most over-the-counter insect repellents. It should be applied only when needed, in small amounts, and not repeatedly for more than one or two days. A small amount can be put on the child’s clothing, hat brim or baby carrier rather than on the skin.
Winter Activities
Winter Facts
The sun shines an average of 307 days each year, but snow can fall during any month. At lake level, the area receives an average of 125 inches of snow annually. Higher elevations can receive an average of 300 to 500 inches annually.
The Tahoe Basin is famous for its rare crystalline snow. The area boasts more than 8,800 acres of ski resort property – 15 alpine and 13 nordic areas. The longest run (Skyline to Sand Dunes to Crossover to Olympic Downhill to 075, at Heavenly) is 5-1/2 miles, and the greatest vertical drop (from summit to the California base, also at Heavenly) descends some 3,500 feet. Ski season typically runs mid-November through mid-April.
Heavenly
Information and Snowphone: 775-586-7000
Heavenly, one of America’s largest ski areas, is only minutes away with its sprawling slopes that span the California/Nevada border. At 10,067 feet, Heavenly has the highest elevation in theTahoe Basin, providing unparalleled views ofLake Tahoe, the surrounding mountains and the Nevada desert.
Special Highlights
• 4,800 acres, 91 trails, 30 lifts
• The largest bi-state ski resort with skiing in both California and Nevada
• Gondola at Heavenly–year-round sightseeing opportunity brings you to a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation deck
• Tahoe’s highest mountain with a 3,500-foot vertical drop and a 5.5-mile mountain descent
• 360 inches of annual snowfall and 80% of all winter days are filled with that famous California sunshine
• Children 4 and under ski free
Fast Facts
Terrain: 20% beginner, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert
Lifts: 1 aerial tram, 2 high speed six-person chair, 7 high speed quads, 5 triple chairs, 4 double chairs, 6 surface lifts, 4 magic carpets Base elevation: 6,540’ CA, 7,200’ NV
Summit elevation: 10,067’
Vertical drop: 3,500’
Longest run: 5.5 miles
Gondola: A “must see and do” attraction, a seasonal sightseeing opportunity unlike any other! The eight-passenger cabins take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe.
Ski School: 250 professional ski instructors offer a variety of programs.
Children’s Services: Snow Explorers, for children ages 4-12, offers an exciting adventure into the world of alpine skiing and snowboarding amenities.
Ski Shuttles: Free and frequent throughout the South Shore.
Website: www.skiheavenly.com
Kirkwood
Information
209-258-6000
Snowphone
877-Kirkwood
Kirkwood, located 35 miles south of Lake Tahoe on Highway 88, has the highest base elevation in Northern California at 7,800 feet and a peak elevation of 9,800 feet. Its 2,300 acres have a northern exposure, assuring abundant high quality snow with an early season opening and a late close. Set in one of the most beautiful mountain valleys imaginable, Kirkwood provides the classic ski vacation with true alpine village atmosphere.
Special Highlights
• Special rates and programs for children
• Special rate tickets for teens, college students and young adults
• First Time skier packages
• 40 and over ski clinics
• Women only clinics
• Elan super side cut skis and fast track to carving ski clinics
Fast Facts
Terrain: 12% beginner, 30% intermediate, 38% advanced/expert 20%
Lifts: 6 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 3 surface lifts, 2 quads (high speed) Base elevation: 7,800’
Summit elevation: 9,800’
Vertical drop: 2,000’
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Ski School: Kirkwood offers programs including beginner specials, group and private clinics, advanced workshops, race clinics and more.
Children’s Services: Mighty Mountain for children ages 4+; licensed child care for ages 3-6.
Amenities: Five bars and restaurants, general store, ski shop, rental shops, sleigh rides and an 80 km. cross country area.
Ski Shuttles: Depart daily throughout the South Shore, reservations required.
Website: www.kirkwood.com
Sierra at Tahoe
Information
530-659-7453
Snowphone
530-659-7475
Sierra at Tahoe is situated 12 miles west of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Highway 50 and features 2,000 acres of El Dorado National Forest land. Three mountainsides make up this wind-protected resort: The Base Area, The Backside and The West Bowl, including one of Tahoe’s longest runs, Sugar-n-Spice, 2 1/2 miles long. From the top, skiers have a spectacular lake view in one direction and 2,212 vertical feet of ski adventure in another.
Special Highlights
• Vertical Plus™ - an innovative, electronic frequent snowsports program
• Three state-of-the-art express quad chairlifts
• Fun Zones for skiers and snowboarders alike
Fast Facts
Terrain: 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert
Lifts: 3 express quads, 5 double, 1 triple, 3 surface lifts
Base elevation: 6,640’
Summit elevation: 8,852’
Vertical drop: 2,212’
Longest run: 2.5 miles
Ski Improvement Center: Professional certified “Coaches” available to enhance your sliding, gliding and riding abilities through a variety of clinics and workshops - 4 years old to 70+.
Children’s Programs: Burton Star Wars Children’s Center: Ages 4-12 ski and 7-12 snowboard. Dyno Tykes Daycare: Ages 2-5
Amenities: The day lodge with 2 cafeterias, a deli, sun deck BBQ and Pub. Grand View Grill overlooks Lake Tahoe with a café and sun deck.
Ski Shuttles: Complimentary shuttles 5 times daily from 38 South Shore properties and once each day from the west slope.
Website: www.sierraattahoe.com
Additional Ski Areas
The Lake Tahoe area has over 15 major ski resorts offering downhill and cross-country skiing. Here are more names and numbers you may need:
Alpine Meadows
530-583-4232
Diamond Peak
775-832-1177
Homewood
530-525-2992
Mt. Rose
775-849-0704
Northstar at Tahoe
530-562-1010
Squaw Valley, U.S.A
530-583-6985
Sugar Bowl
530-426-3651
Cross Country Ski Areas
Diamond Peak
775-832-1177
Sorensons Hope Valley Cross Country
530-694-2203
Kirkwood Cross Country
209-258-7248
Northstar at Tahoe Cross Country
530-562-1010
Winter Activities: In the winter, kids can sled on slopes in designated areas. Many shops sell or rent sleds, toboggans and tubes. All the local ski resorts have ski instruction for kids and many have day care facilities. Snow Park area and permits.
Horse-Drawn Winter Sleigh Rides - View our ad here.
Borges Tahoe Sleigh and Carriage Rides
October - March
Sand Harbor State Park
1-hour reservations / private narrated tour
Click HERE to learn more or to book your tour.
775-588-2953
Ice Skating
City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Skating Rink (open year round)
530-542-6262
530-544-7465
Summer Activities
Beaches
Some of South Tahoe’s popular public beaches include Baldwin, Regan, Nevada, Zephyr Cove, Emerald Bay, Kiva, Pope, Camp Richardson, Timber Cove and Roundhill Pines.
Biking
You’re really on your own when you hit the trails at Tahoe. The area is chock-full of logging roads, mountain trails and bike paths built for fun. Mountain bikes, touring bikes, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are available for rent at area bike shops.
Campgrounds, RV Parks
From the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service, request the Lake of the Sky Journal, an outdoor recreation guide that includes a complete campground roster. Camping is generally on a first-come, first-served basis, though individual and group reservations can be arranged. For general information about any of the activities available in the South Lake Tahoe area, call 1-800-AT-TAHOE.
Horseback Riding
Get in touch with your cowgirl or cowboy spirit by exploring the area on horseback. Horses can be rented by the hour for a guided ride and pack trips can be arranged. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Rides available at Zephyr Cove Stables.
Horse-Drawn Scenic Summer Tour
Borges Tahoe Sleigh and Carriage Rides: 1-hour reservations / narrated tour
View our ad HERE in the Eat.Play.Shop section of this directory.
In Lake Tahoe's warmer months, you can reserve a romantic horse-drawn private ride in one of our two amazing tours available, our Horse-drawn Victorian Vis-à-vis private tour or our Modern & Zippy Electric Carriage. As you meander along to the shores of Lake Tahoe, your driver will point out geographic interest spots, special activities in the area and share with you bits of Tahoe history. Visit us May – September in the Heavenly Village Area. Click HERE to learn more or to book your tour. 775-588-2953
Hiking, Backpacking, Camping
The perimeter of Lake Tahoe spans thousands of square miles on forest service land. On the southwest side, D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks occupy almost 2,000 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada. Emerald Bay was designated a Registered Natural Landmark in 1969 and is famous for being one of the most beautiful and most photographed areas in the United States.
Ice Skating
Year-round ice skating is available at the City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Skating Rink. For more information, call (530) 544-7465.
Tennis
Public courts are found at Round Hill Pines Beach, South Tahoe High School, South Tahoe Middle School and Zephyr Cove Park/Whittell High School. In some cases, reservations are required.
Water Sports
Name your pleasure—boating, kayaks, jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boards. Convenient marinas include Camp Richardson Marina, Lakeside, Ski Run, Tahoe Keys, Timber Cove and Zephyr Cove and Roundhill Pines.
Heavenly Gondola: A “must see and do” attraction, a year-round sightseeing opportunity unlike any other! The eight-passenger cabins take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe. Brings you to a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation deck at 9,123 feet where you’re treated to views of the Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness, and shore-to-shore views of Lake Tahoe. For more information, call (775) 586-7000, or visit their website at www.skiheavenly.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy Shakespeare at the Lake. Located on the beach at scenic Sand Harbor State Park, the Festival offers Shakespeare and other live performances seven nights a week during July and August in an intimate lakeside amphitheater, complimented by Shakespeare’s Kitchen, a gourmet kitchen and full bar. For more information and tickets, visit www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com/Regal or call 800-74-SHOWS.
Tahoe Rim Trail: This 150-mile hiking and equestrian trail follows the ridge around the lake’s basin and is now in its final stage of completion. Passing through six counties in two states, this loop trail incorporates a portion of the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail and affords panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the adjacent valleys. Volunteers have been the backbone in constructing the Tahoe Rim Trail since the project began in 1984. You can do your part by clearing and constructing the trail while you’re on vacation. Call for an information packet. (775) 298-0012.
Tahoe Vista Trail: Take Heavenly’s Aerial Tram to the beginning of the trail, which starts 8,250 feet up and traverses a mile of ridgeline above southeastern Lake Tahoe. On clear days, the view from the trail extends for some 30 miles. Guided hikes are available by U.S. Forest Service- trained guides. Offered twice daily through fall, guided hikes are free and last about 90 minutes, interpreting the natural history of the lake basin. Late summer sunsets are even more spectacular when seen from the trails. No reservations necessary; tram ticket required. Call for rates. Trail hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (775) 586-7000.
Activities for Kids
Biking: Pedal along Lake Tahoe’s many bike paths. Maps located at any bike shop or the Tahoe Douglas Visitor Center. Bike rentals are available at many bike shops.
Birkholm's Water Ski School: We provide everything you will need for your wakesurfing, water skiing or wakeboarding experience on beautiful Lake Tahoe.
We Specialize in children and family lessons / charters. We can teach 1 to 2 people how to water ski / wakeboard in 1 hour. For children our instructors can use in the water instruction, which puts the instructor in the water right next to the student to see exactly what he or she may be doing right or wrong, and let them know immediately. We believe this is an easier and quicker way of learning how to water ski and wakeboard. This teaching process ensures a successful water skiing and wakeboarding experience and progression. This technique is especially beneficial when teaching young children. It provides children, young and old with a sense of confidence and stability needed for a successful and memorable water ski / wakeboard experience. With our quality instruction, equipment, and boats we are confident your experience with us will be memorable and rewarding.
Click HERE to book a Lake Tahoe water sports adventure you’ll never forget.
Lakeside Beaches: Pick up a map with the locations of the beaches around the lake. Maps are available at the Tahoe-Douglas Visitor Center.
Parks and Recreation: The local Parks and Recreation Departments organize field trips, day camps and activities during the summer. Call South Lake Tahoe 530-542-6055.
The Lake Tahoe Museum: Learn about Lake Tahoe’s past by watching a video and viewing historical exhibits. Hours vary, call first. 530-541-5458 located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., So. Lake Tahoe.
Video Arcades: All the South Shore casinos except Harrah’s, Harvey’s and MontBleu have video arcades. On the North Shore, the Crystal Bay Club, Tahoe Biltmore, Hyatt and Bowl Incline all have video arcades.
Bear Country
Tahoe Basin is Bear Country. Your food and garbage is a threat to the survival of these animals by damaging their health, making them vulnerable to traffic or leading to dangerous behavior. Once bears get your food or garbage, they continue to seek it out. Their natural fear of people fades and they may become aggressive. Treat your food and garbage as if it were poison to the bears because the result is often the same.
Bears are particularly prevalent this time of year and are active both day and night. Bears may be found anywhere in Tahoe Basin including in garages, parking lots, open stairways or hallways. They are attracted to human food or garbage and in trying to obtain it can cause thousands of dollars of damage to vehicles. Food should never be left in your vehicles. Take all food and related items indoors. All garbage must be placed inside the bear resistant dumpsters located throughout Tahoe Basin.
Bears can be dangerous and they don’t like surprises. When in bear country, make your presence known. A surprise encounter, particularly with a female and cubs, is especially dangerous. A normally placid mother may be quickly provoked if her cubs are disturbed or if you come between her and the cubs. Never attempt to touch, feed or approach a bear, regardless of its size.
Houses of Worship
Christian Fellowship
530-544-4357
3580 Blackwood Road
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Church of Christ of South Lake Tahoe
530-208-9509
Non-Denomination
3609 Vanda Lee Way • Sunday 11:00 a.m & 6:30 pm
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
530-544-4477
3460 Spruce Ave
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church of South Lake Tahoe
530-544-2743
1053 Wildwood
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Heavenly Valley Seventh-Day Adventist
530-544-3525
3609 Vanda Lee Way
Saturday 11:15 a.m.
Hope Lutheran Church of the Sierra
530-541-1975
930 Julie Lane
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church
530-544-3757
2733 US Hwy. 50
Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Tahoe
775-588-2080
1 Elks Point Road
Sunday 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. • Saturday 5:00 p.m.
Sierra Community Church
530-544-7055
Sierra Blvd. and Kubel Ave.
Sunday 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. • Saturday 6:30 p.m.
Temple Bat Yam
530-542-1211
3260 Pioneer Trail
Friday • 2nd & 4th Friday 7:30 p.m.
Summer Only:
St. Mary in the Pines Outdoor Chapel
530-544-3533
4017 Pine Blvd.
Sunday 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.
Lake Tahoe Map
This Directory Prepared By: Regal Publications 2024
(571) 329-4264 • www.regalpub.com