Nicole Szanto - Moon Tahoe & Reno: Local Spots, Getaway Ideas, Hiking & Skiing

Emerald Bay from the top of Eagle Falls.

Theres a Tahoe for every season. In winter, days speed by as you rush down the slick slopes. In autumn, you can wander in golden and red valleys. Summer days call for jumping off boulders into the lakes crisp water. In spring, trails painted with wildflowers lead to alpine lakes you may have all to yourself. Any time of year, take to the mountains to hike, bike, and climb, or get out on the lake by sailboat or kayak. Then relax with a soak in natural hot springs. With the shifting colors of the sunset, these days fade into nights spent sampling craft brews or sharing fireside smores.

To the east, granite mountains give way to stark desert and Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World. The nickname fits now more than ever, as the towns Wild West saloon hospitality blends with a newer, more modern sensibility, marked by Burning Man creativity. Casinos radiating neon nostalgia sit side-by-side with a growing Midtown district filled with urban art and farm-to-table restaurants. Throw back a beer at a century-old bar, or sip spirits in a high-tech distillery.

Now is your time in Tahoe: when the sapphire blue of the water pierces the pine-studded greenery and your heart skips a beat.

the Potholes in Eldorado National Forest

climber on Tahoes Via Ferrata

Take a : Discover Tahoes breathtaking scenery on trails to alpine lakes, secret beaches, and mighty peaks.

Hit the : Bask in the sunshine on one of Tahoes 270 sunny days a year.

Get : Enjoy Renos colorful murals, Burning Man sculptures, and world-class exhibits.

Catch the Sunset: Watch the sun sink into the lake from the granite crags of .

Drive : Make the spellbinding drive around Lake Tahoes 72-mile border, stopping at scenic viewpoints and meandering through charming mountain towns.

Sample Local Brews: See whats on tap at Tahoes award-winning craft .

Ride Back to the Wild West: In nearby frontier towns you can soak in .

Paddle Emerald Bay: Explore its crystalline waters and rocky shores by .

Where to Go

South Shore

The South Shore is Tahoes rambunctious side. Its casinos and strip malls might not radiate mountain charm, but they certainly come with a lot of liveliness. This is the spot for travelers who want to pair alpine adventure with a bustling social scene and phenomenal entertainment. The South Shore provides the easiest access to Desolation Wilderness, Emerald Bay, and D. L. Bliss State Park. The ski areas of Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe are located on Tahoes South Shore.

North and West Shores

Hugging Tahoes laid-back North and West Shores are cozy mountain towns and picturesque beaches. The West Shore is quieter than the North Shore, with only a few small enclaves and little in the way of amenities. Tahoe City is the biggest town on this part of the lake, with a walkable downtown, restaurants, and beaches. Twenty minutes north of Tahoe is Truckee, a hip mountain town with an Old West feel. Truckee has its own lake, Donner Lake, and is close to many of the North Shores ski resorts.

Tahoe in autumn

East Shore

Miles of untouched land and isolated beaches represent the East Shore. The least developed part of Tahoe, the East Shore is an amazing escape for those looking to lose the crowds and be one with naturethis is the place to find your own private pocket of shoreline. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is home to Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake and Backcountry, and Cave Rock.