5 Northern Nevada Outdoor Activities to Try this Weekend

Wondering how to get your family off the couch this summer? These dog-day recreations help put the fun back in fitness—and may just bring your family closer together, too.

Hiking – Trail trekking is one of the best outlets to enjoy the natural treasures of Northern Nevada. If you’re looking to spend family time on foot, Echo Lakes Trail is an ideal option. Carved out between some of the highest peaks around Lake Tahoe, the shady Echo Lakes Trail affords one of the best views of the Basin from an outlook near its starting point. The trail has multiple entry points so you can plan as short or as long of a hike as you’d like. Younger children will enjoy the 2.5-mile trek to the far end of Upper Echo Lake, while the more challenging 6-mile hike to Lake Aloha is perfect if you’re looking for a daylong jaunt. Dogs are allowed to join in the fun free of their leashes.

Biking – Mountain biking trails are in abundance along the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, but if you’re looking for an easier trail that’s perfect for the whole family, try the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path. Just a quick jaunt from Highway 50 at El Dorado Beach, this paved path winds its way around South Lake Tahoe as it crosses Trout Creek and Upper Truckee River. A number of great destinations are also accessible from the bike path. Stop off at Pope Beach or Baldwin Beach for a picnic by the shore, or take in the scene at the beautifully restored Baldwin Estate. At the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, kids can observe the native Kokanee salmon through an underwater viewing chamber. You can enjoy a good bike ride in town, too. Carson City boasts a number of bike lanes and designated routes for a leisurely tour of the city. Check out www.musclepowered.org/resources for printable maps.

Kayaking – When it comes to exploring the Lake itself, there’s no better way than in a kayak. Timber Cove Marina is one of the best spots for kayaking. Rent your kayaks at Kayak Tahoe and enjoy family time on the crystal waters of South Lake Tahoe. Looking to take that special someone on a date that’s both adventurous and romantic? Turn your dry bag into a picnic basket and kayak out to one of the many secluded beaches that surround Emerald Bay for a romantic picnic getaway. It’s OK if that special someone can’t come along; kayaking with your dog is also allowed.

Paddleboarding – If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try stand-up paddleboarding. This fast growing water sport may look difficult, but it’s fun and relaxing once you get the hang of it. For the best paddleboarding, head up to Kings Beach on North Lake Tahoe and take a guided paddleboard tour of Crystal Bay courtesy of Tahoe Paddle & Oar, where you can explore the bay’s natural hot springs and enormous boulder mazes.

Fishing – Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer, you can get your kids hooked at Sawmill Pond in South Lake Tahoe. This fishing locale is just for kids ages 15 and under, though parents can help out if it’s their little one’s first time behind the reel. Another popular fishing hole is Fallen Leaf Lake, the second largest lake in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Boat rentals are available here, so dust off your old rods and tackle box and head out on the water. If you’re lucky, you might catch the elusive Lahontan cutthroat trout, which was recently reintroduced to Fallen Leaf Lake after being wiped out by over-fishing in the 1930s.

We live in a beautiful area here in Nevada. Get out of the house and enjoy it!

Looking for more ideas to get your family moving? Check out Here’s to Your Health magazine, which comes out four times a year and includes fun activities for every season! Download a FREE copy by clicking here.