A short walk from the Stateline, NV casinos, Van Sickle Bi-State Park is one the most accessible parks in the Tahoe Basin. A short climb from the trailhead quickly transports visitors to the serenity of the forest. The park’s easy to moderate trails are studded with rock outcroppings that present grand views of the largest alpine lake in North America and the surrounding peaks. The Rim Trail Connector provides a tie-in to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail, designated by National Geographic Adventure magazine as one of the nation’s top ten trails. The park is open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
There are two small, gorgeous lakes in Angora, accessible either by Angora Ridge Road or by driving Fallen Leaf Road to the end of the lake and hiking up about a half mile. The Upper Angora Lake is quite popular in the summer for cliff jumping, and you can also rent kayaks, paddle boards and more to further explore the area.
Emerald Bay is a short drive from South Lake Tahoe and can be accessed via Highway 89. It is the only inlet on the lake and is home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island. Emerald Bay is located within Emerald Bay State Park, just south of D.L. Bliss State Park, and spans 1,533 acres. Emerald Bay State Park is home to many landmarks, but most famously, the park is home to Vikingsholm Castle, a popular tourist destination rich in history and architecture.