OT: Lake Tahoe

[vav]

Hi forum;

Couple of questions about LT.

We are a big party of family/friends staying for 3-4 nights at LT.

8 adults, 4 teenagers and 6 kids ages 2-10

What is the best side / shore to stay? We are coming from San Jose fwiw

This is for July 18-21

Any other tips are welcome.

ps. I'd love to rent a gravel/MTB to escape the madness for a few hours too :D

edit: also, any difference between using VRBO vs Airbnb?

[FlashUNC]

I'm partial to the south shore myself, but that time of year you'll be able to get around to Squaw, Truckee, wherever you want to go without much issue.

I'm a fan of the Bridgetender as a fun food/beer spot. And downtown Truckee is a good time.

[maj]

No recommendations for a VRBO or Airbnb. We have stayed at the Hyatt in the Incline Village area (north shore) a few times and highly recommend it. Very nice location.

https://laketahoe.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

.

[Ken Robb]

We much prefer the North Shore. There are quite a few rentals around Carnelian Bay. We have more favorite restaurants to suggest than you have days to enjoy them.
OTOH if you want casino action South Shore is where they are. There are some just over the state line on the North Shore but they are pretty bare-bones gambling parlors.

The house we usually rent is 4br, 2BA so too small for your gang and it, like many others, has a one week minimum rental.

[Look585]

The gravel riding around Boca/Stampede reservoirs is amazing. These rides are out your door if you stay around Truckee.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=1575734&postcount=2

Emigrant Trail
http://i62.tinypic.com/2uqcdvk.jpg

Henness Pass Road.
http://i60.tinypic.com/zogcck.jpg

[christian]

Incline Village. Can rent bikes at the Ski Loft in Incline. Can self-shuttle Tyrolean DH and ride DH at Northstar and Diamond Peak (new for 2017). Can ride XC on the flume trail etc. My folks bought a place in Incline last year and it is a wonderful location.

[Ken Robb]

Another idea: Donner lake is smaller and a lot warmer. There is a public day fee beach at the west end and there are private beaches next to it and at the east end. The private beaches are free to residents in certain sub-divisions and that sometimes includes renters. There is also a resort on the north shore of Donner that might have accommodations for you to rent.

[OtayBW]

Hi forum;

Couple of questions about LT.

We are a big party of family/friends staying for 3-4 nights at LT.

8 adults, 4 teenagers and 6 kids ages 2-10

What is the best side / shore to stay? We are coming from San Jose fwiw

This is for July 18-21

Any other tips are welcome.

ps. I'd love to rent a gravel/MTB to escape the madness for a few hours too :D

edit: also, any difference between using VRBO vs Airbnb?
My first priority would be to secure a place with as many bathrooms as possible (and maybe a nice front porch)! :banana:

[Elefantino]

Great DH and CC MTB at Incline/Diamond Peak. Also Northstar. Stay on the north side. Lots of great ABNB opportunities in Incline or near Tahoe City.

[pdmtong]

Great DH and CC MTB at Incline/Diamond Peak. Also Northstar. Stay on the north side. Lots of great ABNB opportunities in Incline or near Tahoe City.

Before you get all excited about lift-assisted DH at Northstar, a DH rental will be $149 and lift is $54.

I have a 140mm Stumpjumper FSR that can handle everything but the double blacks and also because i am not trying for massive air or drops.

So if you want to spread your rental costs, rent a AM for the "CC" riding and then use it at N* as well. It's doable albeit less point and shoot.

You will want to have a full face and some armor though. never was it more apparent than on my first crash why full face on those trails is IMHO mandatory. it doesn't matter how skilled you are...those rocks are sharp and hurt.

[donevwil]

My wife and I really enjoy staying at Northstar Village. We spend most of the day on the trail, in Truckee or North Lake and then have a quiet retreat for the evening with good food/drink options. The trail system in all directions is spectacular, North Lake is easily accessible and there's plenty of entertainment/distractions/etc. for all ages. A bit far to South Lake, but we got that out of our systems in college. Truckee is a great town worth some time.

[vav]

Thanks for the replies.

@ Look585: Those roads look very welcoming.
@ Christian: I'll try to hit some of those trails
@ Ken: No casino action for us.

Mainly looking to some kayaking, swimming if the water temperature is right, hikes, bike rides...

[pdmtong]

Snowpack is 185%. Water levels will be high and cold.

[Ken Robb]

If no casino action required I'd say North Shore and/or Donner Lake. It may be tough to find a big enough place for that many people that doesn't require a one week rental in the high season.

RE: water temps. There is a BIG difference in Lake Tahoe between the top 2 feet and 6 feet down. If you go to a beach where the drop-off from shore is gradual swimming will be more comfy.

Waterman's Landing is right on the lake at Carnelian Bay and my wife has rented kayaks from them. We always found a spot in their parking lot and the staff is very nice.

[Ken Robb]

I have to tell you: the first time I saw Lake Tahoe I said it was even more beautiful than the Kodachrome slides I had seen and I still feel that way. I was on a motorcycle ramble around California with my best pal and we climbed up on a boulder over the lake. He asked me what the stuff was floating below us. It was a bunch rocks on the sandy bottom in 12 feet of water. :D

[Hindmost]

Some good recommendations so far.

Definitely North Shore/ West Shore or Truckee if the focus is on family and outdoor activities.

For mtb/off-road biking, the trail network mentioned is fantastic. Runs between Truckee to Northstar and North Shore. The highest elevations may be still snowy and/or wet in July this year. Paco's in Truckee knows everything cycling in the Tahoe/Truckee area. There are great trails headed out of Donner Lake and Truckee. If you are looking for a semi-serious mtb excursion see: Flume Ride.

The Donner Lake suggestion is excellent if you are seeking a neighborhood feel, long lazy days by the water, sun and fun with kids etc.

Lake Tahoe, the water itself is freaking cold--for adults, the kids won't notice. You will have to spend some time by Tahoe just because it is so spectacular.

[Ken Robb]

For a fun meal, especially with kids, the deck at Gar Wood's in Carnelian Bay. The food is good and the view is spectacular. Lots of customers come by boat and use the dock. Just east of that is a boat dealer/marina that always has some spectacular classic wooden speedboats in the showroom. Much to my amazement they allow visitors in their extensive restoration shops if the visitors look responsible. I have fooled them several times. :D

[cuwinbs]

we had 12 people and stayed in tahoe city. We used vrbo and had a great time with plenty to do without driving far.