Off-the-Beaten Path Stand Up Paddleboarding Destinations in Lake Tahoe
When you are stand up paddleboarding in South Lake Tahoe, there is one very obvious destination - Lake Tahoe. There are many great beaches to launch from in South Lake Tahoe like El Dorado Beach or Pope Beach where you will be instantly be surrounded by crystal clear waters, lush green pines, and views of the majestic Sierra Nevadas, hopefully snowcapped.
Once you have had experience stand up paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe and have your sea legs under you, you may find that it is time to strike out from some of the busier beaches in and explore more secluded lakes and waterways in the area where you will have a variety of options for new sights, new levels of difficulty, and a more relaxing retreat.
When you are ready to travel with your stand up paddleboard, here are some of his best locations to check out.
Where to SUP on Lake Tahoe
Even when you are ready for some more adventurous paddleboarding, our first recommendations are always still going to be on Lake Tahoe. The lake is simply stunning and with almost 200 square miles of water, you will never run out of new spots to visit.
When you are first getting started out with stand up paddleboarding, starting at El Dorado Beach is a great choice. It is easy to put in from the sandy beach and get the hang of paddling in the shallow waters.
Kiva Beach is another popular beach in South Lake Tahoe that offers a slightly different experience as it incorporates wetlands. This means fewer people and more diverse opportunities to explore on your SUP. You will also have the perfect view of Mt Tallac while you paddle.
These beaches are also convenient if you are renting an SUP in South Lake Tahoe from SUP Tahoe with only a five minute drive to the beach. This way, you will be able to maximize the time you hop out with your board.
If you have more time and want to go a little further on your stand up paddleboard, these are some of the other great options still on Lake Tahoe:
Emerald Bay - Known for its almost too-pretty-to-be-possible turquoise waters, as well as the home to Fannette Island and Vikingsholm, stand up paddleboarding around Emerald Bay will be the highlight of any trip. There is not really an ideal launch place from within Emerald Bay, but the adventurous can stand up paddleboard there from nearby Baldwin Beach. Although the shores around Emerald Bay are extremely popular, you will likely be one of the few people out on the water.
Rubicon Point - Located in the beautiful D.L. Bliss State Park just to the northwest of South Lake Tahoe, some of the best views here are underwater as you can see the boulders and rock formations through the clear water in Rubicon Bay. When you need to cool off, pull your SUP up alongside Rooster Rock to jump into the water. You can also go further south to pass the historic Rubicon Point Lighthouse or even make it all the way to Emerald Bay.
Cave Rock - About 20 minutes away from South Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side is Cave Rock. You can launch from the beach here and paddle out to look back on Cave Rock, a volcanic formation that towers above Lake Tahoe. This is a more advanced paddleboarding site since the winds can be stronger on this side of the lake. Cave Rock is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the lake.
Zephyr Cove - slightly closer than Cave Rock on the Nevada side, Zephyr Cove has a more beachy and resort-like feel. This makes for a slightly busier South Lake Tahoe SUP location, but it is good for beginners who want a change from the local South Lake Tahoe beaches as well as some great sunsets if you take your board out at twilight.
The wonderful thing about stand up paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe is that you can never go wrong with any of these locations. Whether you have an hour to spend on the water or a whole day to get as far as you can around the lake, the views are sure to be spectacular.
If you want to limit the number of people out at the same time as you while still visiting some of the more popular locations on Lake Tahoe, try going earlier in the morning or towards the evening. You can also plan your South Lake Tahoe stand up paddleboarding adventure earlier in the season in April and May, or later in September and October to avoid crowds.
SUP Options Outside of Lake Tahoe
Although Lake Tahoe is the highlight for many visitors, the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding Sierra Nevadas have hundreds of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. When you need a change, pack up your SUP and head to:
Falling Leaf Lake - Fallen Leaf Lake is located a 10 minute drive away from South Lake Tahoe. It offers many of the same stunning views of the surroundings as Lake Tahoe with clear waters and often fewer people.
Echo Lake - If you go west on Highway 50, you can get to both Lower Echo Lake and Upper Echo Lake. Their impressive granite cliff faces and sparkling waters are more of a hidden gem in the area. These lakes are a fantastic place to try out stand up paddleboard fishing as well with plenty of salmon and trout in the water. Note that there is a $5 launch fee for stand up paddleboards.
Spooner Lake - Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Spooner Lake is in the Spooner Backcountry. In the fall, it is surrounded by aspen with a mirror-like surface that reflects the surrounding trees and mountains.
Caples Lake - A little further out in Kirkwood, Caples Lake has 600 acres of water and beautiful surrounding scenery to enjoy. The drive passes through Hope Valley, which in fall is home to stunning golden aspen, some of which you may be able to see while paddleboarding on the lake.
For those willing to go further, there are even more great locations for stand up paddleboarding around all of Lake Tahoe, both in the lake and in the many lakes and rivers nearby. As you plan your summer destinations for where to SUP in South Lake Tahoe, do not forget to also book your stand up paddleboard for rent at SUP Tahoe online and be ready for adventure when you arrive.
