太浩湖

Blue as a topaz and encircled by majestic peaks, the massive 太浩湖 straddles the California-Nevada border and is a bucket-list essential. The 22-mile-long lake can fill a record book with its statistics: It’s the 10th deepest lake in the world, the second-deepest in the U.S. after Crater Lake, and boasts 72 miles of shoreline. It’s also one of the purest lakes in the world, with 99.99 percent purity, roughly the same as distilled water.

But of course, it’s not Tahoe’s numbers that one remembers after a visit. 是风景. An osprey diving into a ripple-less cove, a black bear drinking water at the lake’s edge, the setting sun lingering behind 山Tallac, a rosy-pink alpenglow lighting up snow-covered slopes. One look around—especially from drop-dead-gorgeous overlooks like Inspiration Point above 翡翠湾州立公园—and it’s easy to see why travelers have been flocking to 太浩湖 since the California Gold Rush. 值得庆幸的是, the locals take seriously the goal of preserving it all for future generations to enjoy—before visiting, make sure you read the region’s 提示 on how to experience it in a sustainable way.

Summer is Tahoe’s busiest season, when mountain-lovers hike the 塔霍湖环径, pedal along the lake’s paved bike trails, and strap on backpacks to explore the granite wonderland of 荒凉的荒野. Climbers (and those new to climbing) can also experience the Tahoe Via Ferrata, an assisted climbing activity that transforms previously complex and nearly impassable terrain into a course that’s safe for anyone to try.

6月, when the lakeside wildflowers come out, so do the water toys: sailboats, 单口paddleboards, 皮艇, and just about anything that floats—第1版滨 even offers the first on-the-water electric boat (EB) charging station on 太浩湖. Outfitters around the lake offer paddleboarding and kayaking tours for all levels, plus rentals for do-it-yourselfers. 特拉基’s 塔霍探险公司 leads guided full-moon paddles, and 太浩市皮艇 offers sunset kayak tours. If you’re an experienced paddler, it’s not hard to find a launching site—choose from 30 around the lake, 那就上车走吧.

For leisurely water fun—almost no paddling required—grab an inner tube or raft and float the 特拉基河. Start the day by renting gear in 太浩城 从服装商那里 特拉基河漂流 or 特拉基河 Raft Company. Then bob your way downstream over a blissful five miles to 河牧场小屋, an 1888 stone-and-timber inn and tavern that serves nachos and salads with a riverfront view. This rafting trip doesn’t deliver whitewater thrills—just quiet pools, 寒冷的游泳池, and plenty of opportunities for trailing your fingers in the water.

Small towns dot Tahoe’s shoreline, offering year-round charm. 在北岸， 国王海滩 wears a kick-back-and-relax vibe, especially on summer days when families and friends populate the sun-drenched sand at 国王海滩 State Recreation Area. Watch your kids build sand castles, or just throw down a beach towel and rip through that novel you’ve been meaning to read. Dozens of family-run motels and casual eateries make it possible to spend your entire vacation in this beach town and never wipe the sand off your feet.

If winter is your season, Tahoe has you covered with more than a dozen alpine resorts. Carve it up at the heavy-hitters—天上的, 太浩栅栏 (formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows), 北极星—or skip over to smaller, more intimate ski hills like 第1版 or 唐纳滑雪牧场. The fluffy white stuff usually starts falling in late November, 在某些年份, the spring melt holds off until June.

Even if you don’t ski or board, Tahoe’s non-skiing活动 make snow days fun: zip lines, 内胎道, 乘坐风景优美的贡多拉, groomed ice-skating rinks, snowshoe and snowmobiling trails, and a party-like atmosphere on and off the slopes. 一个很好的例子是 太浩朗姆酒小径, which celebrates what is considered by many to be the official libation of the area. Visit the trail’s six locations, many of them accessible by boat, and each with its own house rum punch or cocktail.

在冬天, remember to pay attention to road conditions: Chains, 全轮驱动, or snow tires are often required, and some storms may close roads. 检查 加州运输局网站 查看当前更新.