2025 El Dorado County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

#mountainhike The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 270-kilometer loop encircling the stunning Lake Tahoe, crossing through California and Nevada. This trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the lake, Sierra Nevada peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows. It typically takes 10-14 days to complete, but sections like Emerald Bay or Mount Rose are great for shorter hikes. The trail is well-maintained, with camping and water sources available along the route. Summer and early fall are the best times to hike, as snow can cover parts of the trail in winter. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a serene and scenic journey for hikers of all levels.

#northamericatrip Desolation Wilderness, located in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, is a breathtaking expanse of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests. This 63,960-acre wilderness area is a haven for hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers looking to escape into pristine backcountry beauty. 1. Getting There & Permits Accessible from multiple trailheads, including Echo Lakes and Eagle Lake, Desolation Wilderness offers convenient entry points for day trips and extended backpacking adventures. A wilderness permit is required for all visitors, with quotas in place during the summer to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Permits can be reserved online for overnight trips or obtained at ranger stations for day hikes. 2. Hiking & Backpacking The wilderness is home to a network of trails ranging from moderate day hikes to multi-day treks. Popular trails include the Eagle Falls Trail leading to Eagle Lake and the Velma Lakes Trail, which offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls and alpine meadows. For an unforgettable backpacking experience, explore Lake Aloha, a serene and expansive alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks. 3. Camping & Wildlife Camping is allowed in designated zones, but visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this fragile environment. The area is teeming with wildlife, including marmots, deer, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out for stunning wildflowers during the summer months. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views, serene solitude, or challenging trails, Desolation Wilderness is an unforgettable destination for outdoor adventurers and a crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada.

#northamericatrip The Rubicon Trail is one of California’s most renowned outdoor adventures, drawing off-road enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers from around the world. Stretching 22 miles through the rugged Sierra Nevada, this legendary trail offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and unforgettable experiences. 1. For Off-Road Enthusiasts The Rubicon Trail is considered a mecca for off-roading. Starting near Loon Lake and ending at Lake Tahoe, the trail features rocky climbs, steep descents, and stunning landscapes. Experienced drivers in properly equipped vehicles—typically 4x4s with high clearance—can tackle obstacles like Big Sluice and Cadillac Hill. If you’re new to off-roading, consider joining a guided group to learn the ropes. 2. Hiking and Scenic Beauty For those who prefer hiking, parts of the Rubicon Trail are accessible on foot. The trail winds through towering pines, granite slabs, and pristine alpine lakes. The section along Rubicon Springs offers a more relaxed hike with plenty of photo opportunities. 3. Camping and Wildlife Camping along the trail is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness. Popular spots like Buck Island Lake and Rubicon Springs provide peaceful retreats under the stars. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, eagles, and even the occasional black bear, so keep your camera handy. Whether you’re conquering it by vehicle or exploring on foot, the Rubicon Trail offers a unique adventure filled with natural beauty and thrilling challenges. It’s a must for any outdoor enthusiast.

#northamericatrip Start your day early with a scenic breakfast at The Red Hut Café in South Lake Tahoe, a local favorite known for its hearty breakfasts and delicious waffles. After fueling up, head straight to Emerald Bay State Park, one of the most photographed spots in Lake Tahoe. Hike down the Eagle Falls Trail for a breathtaking view of Emerald Bay’s turquoise waters, the iconic Fannette Island, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. By late morning, biking along the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, taking in panoramic views of the lake as you pass through quaint towns like Tahoe City. Stop by Donner Lake Overlook for a photo op, and then head to Sand Harbor on the east shore for a relaxing lakeside break. If you’re in the mood for adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard to glide across the clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountains. For lunch, head to The Lake House in South Lake Tahoe, where you can enjoy fresh, local seafood with a view of the lake. Afterward, stroll around the town or visit the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum for a bit of local culture. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to Heavenly Village, where you can ride the Heavenly Gondola to the top for panoramic views of the entire lake. If you’re visiting in winter, enjoy skiing or snowboarding on world-class slopes. Finish your day with a swim in the lake and then dinner at The Boathouse on the water, and soak in the tranquility of Lake Tahoe as the sun sets.

We went on a roadtrip to South Lake Tahoe and visited the astounding Emerald Bay. It was so beautiful with amazing mountain backdrop on the lake! We stayed there for about couple of hours. So peaceful. We’ll come back on winter time.

Beat the early summer heat with a stroll through a picturesque landscape. Early summer in Tahoe is right on the cusp of cold vs. not cold, so those who fear the cold may not dare to play in the water, but just hiking is also super fun! The scenery is so beautiful, it's like walking in a painting, and you just can't stop taking tourist photos. Walking under the warm sunshine, the rich aroma of pine wood surrounds you, healing both your eyes and lungs. In the previous post, I shared two photos of each scenic spot visited over the weekend, but there are even more beautiful hiking photos from the Memorial Point trail that are worth sharing and discussing in detail. Memorial Point Scenic Overlook - Start here! There's a breathtaking view of the deep blue lake with a vast vista, and you can start hiking south from here! Emerald Cove - The first water play spot south of Memorial Point, the distant water is wide and photographs very blue, while up close there's a small patch of clear green. But the beach access is actually quite small and the path down is steep, so as someone with a not-so-great sense of balance, I'm content just admiring the charming blue-green hues. Sunset Cove - Another water play spot further south, the beach is just a few steps down, and the shallow waters are filled with large, round, flat stones. Perfect for sitting on a rock and taking tourist photos! It blends people and the lake into the frame, creating an ethereal lake spirit vibe! Sand Harbor - At the end of the trail from Memorial Point is the large Sand Harbor stop, with a huge beach. Walk past the BBQ zone and over to the other side for another large beach. The water colors here are more varied, with the clear blue of the distant lake, the emerald waters nearby with boats floating on them, the sunset yellow of the fine sandy shallows, and the snow-capped mountains in the background. The local ducks and chipmunks are charming and will approach tourists for cookies, so if you bring snacks, it's fun to tease the little animals too~ Here's another photo from early in the morning just after getting out of the car, still wearing a thick coat, to reminisce about the chilly early mornin

Hey, ladies, come and listen to my wonderful experience of vacationing in Lake Tahoe! 🚗😍 ✨Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its azure lake and excellent mountain views. Skiing in winter and playing in the water in summer, super nice! 🎿🏄 It's nearly an 8-hour drive from LA, and you can choose to stay in South Lake Tahoe or on the Nevada side, both places are great! 🏞🌅 Check in at the famous ghost town Bodie and the strangely shaped limestone tower Tufa along the way, each place is a check-in holy land, absolutely let you take pictures! 📸✨ Lake Tahoe must check-in Spots： 1. Inspration Point overlooking the entire Emerald Bay & Fannette Island 2. Eagle Lake Outdoor scenery and adventure lovers must not miss Lake Tahoe! Let's feel the charm of nature together! 🌲🌊☀️

#fallingforfall homecoming, baseball, concerts, dress up, pumpkins, dia de los muertos and FALLING in love #fallingforfall