Beautiful Lake Tahoe is one of the largest fresh-water lakes in the United States, and lies high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the boundary between California and Nevada. This lake has long been a world-renowned major tourist attraction, which offers unlimited summer and winter recreational activities.
The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a designated water route along the 72-mile shoreline that connects public launch/landing sites that include wayfinding signage, restrooms and facilities, parking, and public transit. Paddlers of all skill levels can plan a safe and fun eco-friendly paddle trip along the Water Trail using the mapped paddle routes, water safety and conservation tips, and weather resources found on the website, https://laketahoewatertrail.org/, and waterproof Map & Access Guide – available in English and Spanish.
Public launch and landing sites in Nevada are located at Sand Harbor State Park, Cave Rock State Park, Zephyr Cove Resort, Round Hill Pines Beach Resort, and Nevada Beach.
The 72-mile water route has been segmented into 7 Day Trip Maps for out-and-back paddles from one beach or point-to-point excursions that connect Water Trail public beach sites. Each Day Trip mapped paddle route is approximately 10 miles in length and includes details about waterfront attractions. Check each Day Trip Map for beach access fees, route distances, accessibility, and difficulty levels. You can also rent paddle gear at most beaches.
With safety top of mind, the Water Trail mobile friendly website includes an interactive route-planning map to identify launch and landing sites, real-time wind and weather conditions https://laketahoewatertrail.org/weather/ , downloadable Day Trip maps for out and back paddle trips, and an easy to use File a Float plan tool to inform others about your planned paddle adventure.
The waterproof guide also features water safety, summer wind and weather patterns, out and back day trip routes, campgrounds, and conservation and aquatic invasive species prevention tips to help paddlers have a safe and fun adventure while practicing good stewardship that protects the watershed.
Fed by snowmelt, the lake water temperature is always frigid, even on the hottest days of summer, and lake conditions can change in an instant.
Before heading out, check wind and weather forecasts and plan your trip using the mapped paddle routes and outfitters listed on LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org. Always wear your life jacket - it will keep you warm and insulated and keep your head above the water. Carry a whistle and flashlight, wear bright clothing to make yourself visible to other boaters, and File a Float plan.
Check the websites below for information on launch restrictions and boat inspection requirements.
To purchase a detailed waterproof Map & Access Guide of the Water Trail, visit the LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org website.
See the VisitLakeTahoe website for places to stay, eat and recreate at the Lake.
See the TravelNevada website on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
Nevada Division of State Parks:
Click Here for information on boat inspections and launching a watercraft onto Lake Tahoe
Visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website for information on the lake and fishing reports.
There are several organizations that manage Lake Tahoe and its shoreline. Depending on the area you are paddling, visit the appropriate website(s) below for additional information, specific regulations, and important notices and alerts.
Download map files for your own use.
There are multiple parking and launch sites all around the lake – see map for locations and details.
Use the online Route Planning Interactive map at https://laketahoewatertrail.org/maps/ to find public launch/landing sites and 7 Day Trip Maps.
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