Lake Tahoe offers breathtaking views of the crystal clear lake, towering pine trees, and snow-capped mountains, earning it the title, the most beautiful drive in America. Part of the Pony Express Trail and home to the historic sacred grounds of the Washoe Indians, Lake Tahoe offers something for everyone year-round.
- Length
- 28 mi / 45.1 km
- Time to allow
- One hour to drive or a few hours to enjoy the byway.
- Fees
- None
Who looks after this road
- Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center · 775-588-4591 · their site
- Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau · 800-468-2463, 775-832-1606 · their site
We publish 7 places that sit on this road, listed in the order you meet them. This is not a route and not a drive time — it is the names, so you can put them into whatever navigation you already use.
“Off” is a straight line from the place to the road, rounded. It is not a driving distance, and the road itself is a simplified centre line, so treat a mile or two as noise.
Lake Tahoe, east shoreNVon the road
No guide of our own yet — the name is here so you can find it.
HeavenlyCA2 miles offSki or bike
Straddles CA-NV line; lake views from gondola
- Kind
- Ski Areas
GenoaNV5 miles off
No guide of our own yet — the name is here so you can find it.
Carson CityNV8 miles off
In our guide: 3 lakes · 2 animal attractions
Diamond PeakNV1 mile offSki or bike
Community-owned with Lake Tahoe views
- Kind
- Ski Areas
Northstar CaliforniaCA7 miles offSki or bike
Village resort with big summer bike park
- Kind
- Ski Areas
- Bike park in summer
- Summer bike park
GranlibakkenCA9 miles offSki or bike
Tiny lodge-run hill with sledding
- Kind
- Ski Areas