Lake Tahoe is divided into North and South Lakes. Both areas provide similar activities year round, but North Lake is known for being a bit more laid back than South Lake. We’ve spent most of our winter visits in South Lake, but for our summer trip we split time between both and enjoyed each one as much as the other.

When to visit Lake Tahoe in the Summer with Your Dog

With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, Tahoe is a year round destination for all types of travelers. It’s particularly fun to visit with your dog in the summer when more activities are open to them – like the aerial gondolas and mountain trails at the ski resorts and fun water activities.

For the full season experience, plan your visit after Memorial Day through Labor Day, when most services, tours, and activities (including aerial gondolas, water tours, and summer trails) are available. We once came to Tahoe for Memorial Day weekend and it snowed!

I would also avoid coming on a holiday weekend, like 4th of July. Lodging will be really expensive and the lake will be packed. I’d also keep an eye out for golf tournaments that can raise prices and lead to congestion – there are a handful that are played every year in the Tahoe area.

Lake Tahoe Weather in the Summer and What to Pack

Summer in Lake Tahoe offers warm, sunny days and cool, refreshing nights, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Daytime temperatures often range from the mid-70s to low 80s, but mornings and evenings can dip into the 40s, so layers are essential. The high elevation means the sun is strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself. Don’t forget a lightweight jacket or hoodie for cooler nights by the lake, and if you plan to hike or explore, sturdy shoes and plenty of water are key. Since summer thunderstorms occasionally roll in, a compact rain jacket is a good idea. For your dog, pack extra water for them, too, as the dry air and altitude can lead to quicker dehydration and don’t forget any water gear – life jackets are required for most tour outings.

How to Choose Between North and South Lake Tahoe in the Summer

Choosing between North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe in the summer depends on the type of experience you want to have with your dog. While both regions offer incredible scenery, outdoor activities, and dog-friendly lodging, they each have a distinct vibe that can shape your trip.

Why Choose North Lake Tahoe in Summer

North Lake Tahoe is ideal for travelers looking for a quieter, more laid-back summer escape with their dog. This side of the lake is known for its peaceful beaches, scenic mountain views, and slower pace. You’ll find more open space for lakeside walks, relaxed river floats, and uncrowded hiking trails.

North Tahoe is especially appealing if your dog enjoys calmer environments and you prefer spending your days exploring nature, relaxing by the water, and unwinding in cozy cabins or boutique-style lodging. Towns like Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Truckee provide easy access to outdoor adventures without the high-energy atmosphere of larger resort areas.

Why Choose South Lake Tahoe in Summer

South Lake Tahoe is best for travelers who want a more energetic, activity-packed summer vacation with their dog. This area offers some of the most popular dog-friendly beaches, water tours, and lakeside attractions. It’s also home to more restaurants with outdoor patios, shopping areas, and entertainment options.

If you enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, running on the beach, or spending time near lively waterfronts, South Tahoe is a great fit. The walkable downtown areas and proximity to dining in the village create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to visitors who want both outdoor fun and convenient access.

Can You Do Both?

If your schedule allows, combining North and South Lake Tahoe in one summer trip is a fantastic way to experience the best of both worlds. Many visitors spend a few days enjoying North Tahoe’s peaceful trails and river floats before heading south for beach days, water tours, and sunset viewpoints.

I’d highly recommend this approach so you can see more of what Tahoe has to offer. But no matter which side you choose, both North and South Lake Tahoe offer incredible opportunities for dog-friendly summer adventures. By matching your destination to your travel style and your pup’s personality, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable and stress-free Tahoe getaway.

Where to Stay When visiting Lake Tahoe

Finding the right dog-friendly place to stay in Lake Tahoe can make or break your summer trip. From lakefront resorts to cozy mountain cabins, Tahoe offers a wide range of accommodations that welcome pets — but policies, fees, and amenities can vary widely. Before booking, always confirm pet restrictions, nightly fees, and whether your dog will have access to outdoor space.

Here’s how to choose the best area and type of lodging based on your travel style and summer plans.

Dog-Friendly Stays in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is ideal for travelers looking for peaceful, nature-focused accommodations with easy access to trails, rivers, and quiet beaches. Many dog-friendly properties in this area feature cabin-style layouts, outdoor patios, and proximity to open space — perfect for pups who love fresh air and room to roam.

In North Tahoe and Truckee, you’ll find:

• Boutique hotels and eco-resorts

• Private cabins and vacation rentals

• Glamping-style stays and modern lodges

These properties are well-suited for longer stays, remote workers, and travelers who want a slower-paced summer escape. North Tahoe lodging also tends to offer easier access to river floats, scenic hikes, and less crowded shoreline areas.

👉 For specific recommendations and pet policies, see our Ultimate Guide to Lake Tahoe

Dog-Friendly Stays in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe offers the widest selection of dog-friendly hotels and resorts, making it a great choice for travelers who want convenience, walkability, and access to popular attractions. Many properties are located near beaches, shorelines, restaurants, and shopping districts, allowing you to explore without driving everywhere.

In South Tahoe, you’ll find:

• Full-service resorts with pet amenities

• Centrally located hotels near the lake

• Vacation rentals close to downtown

This area works especially well if you plan to spend time kayaking, visiting dog-friendly beaches, or dining on outdoor patios. While some hotels may have higher pet fees, the tradeoff is proximity to activities and entertainment.

👉 For specific recommendations and pet policies, see our Ultimate Guide to Lake Tahoe

Tips for Booking Dog-Friendly Lodging in Tahoe

Before confirming your reservation, keep these summer-specific tips in mind:

• Ask about pet fees, size limits, and breed restrictions

• Confirm whether dogs can be left alone in the room

• Look for properties near shade, grass, or walking paths

• Prioritize air conditioning during peak summer months

• Check if outdoor spaces are securely fenced

Booking early is highly recommended for summer travel, especially for pet-friendly properties, which tend to sell out faster than standard rooms.

Dog-Friendly Summer Activities in North & South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of the best summer destinations in the West for traveling with a dog. From alpine hikes and shoreline strolls to paddling adventures and snowmelt-fed rivers, there’s no shortage of ways to explore together. While both North and South Lake Tahoe offer incredible outdoor access, each area delivers a slightly different experience.

Here’s how to make the most of summer with your pup on both sides of the lake.

Dog-friendly Activities for Your South Lake Tahoe Itinerary

We know it can be tough building an itinerary for a place to visit that has SO many things for you to do. That’s why we’ve rounded up all our favorite dog-friendly activities that we enjoyed (and will warn you against those that we didn’t).

Catch a Sunset over Emerald Bay

To catch the sunset at Emerald Bay you’ll want to show up around 7 p.m. to catch the sun going down behind the trees, which is a perfect time for photos, and then grab a bench and stick around for the colors to change in the sky as sunset approaches around 8:20 p.m.

There is another viewpoint across the lake, Emerald Bay State Park Lookout, that’s worth checking out, but before sunset. This viewpoint also has a designated parking lot and if it’s full there is some room on the shoulder of the main road to park. The location of this viewpoint loses visibility of the sun by 7 p.m. from the sun setting behind the trees, so plan to visit this spot first and then head a few minutes down the road to Inspiration Point if you want to do both.

Hike as Many Dog-friendly Trails As You Have Time For

In the summer, hiking and hitting the water are the two main dog-friendly attractions in Tahoe. AllTrails also has a great interactive map that shows all the dog-friendly trails around Lake Tahoe, so it’s really easy to find ones near your lodging or determine which ones make your must hike list. We did all of our hiking in South Lake and loved every trail we picked.

I typically look for easy to medium hikes that will take no more than 3 hours to explore. We like to do most of our hiking in the morning so it aligns with Ruby’s usual morning walks and this usually allows us to beat the crowds and have nice lighting and space for photos.

Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe. This trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, but we would consider it relatively easy. There are a few tree obstacles along the way and a couple inclines, but the trail is relatively cleared and flat. The trail is mainly dirt with rock structures throughout, so you will need to watch your footing.

This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round, although the road is not plowed in the winter, and is beautiful to visit anytime. We encountered several dogs along our hike and from time to time some were off leash.

In order to access the trail, you’ll need to pay a $10 day use fee at the Fallen Leaf Lake Campgrounds entrance. The attendant will give you a tag to hang on your dash and then you’ll turn around and take the road to the left of the entrance towards the day use parking lot. The parking lot is about a half mile down the road and you’ll see it just beyond the trailhead on your left. There are about 20 spots in the day use lot and there is a trail just in front of the lot that you can take to intersect with the main route.

The trail starts off with gorgeous views of the lake where you can walk down to the shoreline. There were several dogs making their way to water for a splashing good time. There are also a few benches along the way if you’d like to sit and enjoy the view and on our way back we noticed several campers were heading to the water at mid-morning to stake out their spots.

As you continue to the left for the trail, you bob and weave along the lake’s edge offering varying views of the lake and landscape, as well as some shaded areas. The trail is generally pretty well defined for the first 1.5 miles. I’d recommend using AllTrails throughout your hike to stay on track, we got a bit turned around the further we got and wound up in a pretty undefined area that was just open forest.

AllTrails says this hike generally takes about an hour, but we spent two hours here with stops for photos and our little off-trailing adventure at the end.

Make sure you pack plenty of water for you and your dog and pack out all your belongings. One thing to note is there are not trash cans in the area, not even at the trailhead, so be prepared to carry anything your dog may leave behind.

Chimney Beach Trail

Chimney Beach Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Carson City, Nevada. This trail is a bit more central on the lake, but closer to South Lake, particularly if you’re staying near the Stateline area. This is a very popular area for hiking, paddle sports, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. We started our hike around 7:30 a.m. and had the trail and beach to ourselves.

There is a small, free parking lot at the trailhead that fills up fast in the summer. We were back to our car around 9 a.m. and the lot was full at that point with beachgoers for the day.

AllTrails considers this an easy route, and we’d agree for the way down, but there is quite an incline on your way back towards the parking lot. I’d plan for at least an hour to complete the out and back and allow for time to walk the beach a bit.

The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs should be on leash, but the two we encountered were off leash on the beach. We would’ve let Rue off leash too, but she was very fixated on the little chipmunks running around.

We had originally planned to do Secret Beach first before heading to Chimney Beach. The location we were navigating to for the trailhead didn’t make any sense and was supposed to be a quick out and back to the beach. Since we were tight on time because we were checking out that morning; we skipped it. From the AllTrails map, it seems like you could walk to Secret Beach and Chimney Beach from this one trail depending on which way you go at the fork in the trail. Starting from this point, Secret Beach is further so plan to start earlier and give yourself more time if you’re going to explore both.

Cave Rock Trail

Cave Rock Trail is recommended for sunrise views, but we’re not that early of risers so we opted for a sunset hike instead. This is a 0.8-mile out-and-back trail near Zephyr Cove, Nevada along the South Lake shore. There is a very small, free parking lot at the trailhead that can accommodates 5 or so cars, so arrive early or go during the week.

The trail itself is an easy walk on a dirt path with a gradual incline towards the overpass. There is a 5-minute scramble at the very end if you want to scale the overpass and see the sunset on the lake without obstructed views. Thankfully, we packed Rue’s K9 Sport Sack so we could do the scramble. If your dog is uneasy about the scramble or too big to carry, there are a few viewing points, like the one above and below, at the base of the scramble that are worth checking out. Your sunset view will be a little obstructed by Cave Rock, but I think these views are still worth the quick walk.

This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring, particularly at sunrise and sunset. We started our walk around 7:30 p.m., an hour before sunset, and there were several people here taking photos at the base for special occasions and several people that had scrambled to the top of Cave Rock for sunset views.

Once you’re at the top, there is plenty of room to find a perch to watch the sunset. We went towards the front edge for the perfect unobstructed view.

If you go to the top with your dog, you’ll want to make sure you leave when there’s still a little bit of light for the scramble down, which I always think is the harder part.

One thing to beware of are the gnats. There were large groups of them that were swarming us and quite annoying because they’d get really close to your face and as the sun went down they got worse.

Other hikes to consider in South Lake Tahoe:

• Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trails (Easy–Moderate): This park right near Heavenly Village offers multiple loop options with lake views, wooded scenery, and open ridges. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the terrain stretches from gentle paths to more rugged ridgelines if you want a bit more adventure.
• Taylor Creek Trail (Easy Walk): A classic South Tahoe favorite, this easy trail follows Taylor Creek through riparian habitat and opens up to views around Fallen Leaf Lake. Many locals and visitors bring pups here for a gentle, dog-friendly summer stroll — plus there are natural shady spots and creek access for cooling off.
• Lake of the Sky / Sky Trail to Tallac Historic Site (Easy–Moderate): While trail conditions vary, many dog parents enjoy the Lake of the Sky Trail which connects scenic forest paths with historic areas near the Tallac Historic Site and Kiva Beach. The route provides gentle elevation and a mix of shade and views, ideal for summer exploration.

Kayak On Lake Tahoe in a Clear Kayak

When visiting Tahoe in the summer, you have to spend a day on the water! Boat rentals were a bit pricey for just the three of us for a half-day rental, so we went with the next best thing – clear kayaks!

Clearly Tahoe

Clearly Tahoe runs one dog-friendly tour the Scenic Shoreline tour along the shoreline between Zephyr Cove and Cave Rock near South Lake Tahoe. The tour has a max of 6-8 kayaks plus your guide and you can either kayak as a single or double. There is a max weight limit of 30lbs for your dog in your kayak.

Upon the day of your tour, you’ll meet at a shopping plaza near the Nevada Stateline, check in with Clearly Tahoe at their blue booth, and then their shuttle will take you to the water to depart on your kayak. After your tour, the same shuttle will take you back to the shopping center where you’ll return your life jackets and dry bags.

We opted for the morning tour to beat the afternoon heat. Our tour started at 8:45 a.m. and we needed to check-in by 8:30 a.m. The tour itself lasts for 3 hours.

Each kayak comes equipped with a bucket seat for you to sit on and a rubber pad your dog can sit on. We took Ruby’s travel mat, but she didn’t use it. The tour also supplies mini coolers with water and snacks for each kayak.

Our tour guide was great and took pictures and videos for us as we explored, while also sharing a lot of interesting facts about Lake Tahoe and it’s surrounding areas. She even ended up pulling one of our kayaks when we turned ours into a double because Ruby wouldn’t settle if Mike and I weren’t right by each other.

The tour itself is very relaxing. The water is calm and you’re traveling a short distance east and west of your drop in spot to explore the shoreline. Being able to see through to the clear blue water, gold flecked sand, and boulders below you is a really cool experience.

Stretch Your Paws on Kiva Beach

California in general is known for its beaches, particularly their dog-friendly ones, but the beaches in Tahoe are a little different. For one thing, they’re not made of sand. They’re rock beaches and some are more finely grained than others. Second, most of the beaches are for humans and there’s a small section of them where dogs are allowed to accompany their humans. This means they’re generally pretty crowded and boundaries can be an issue.

There are several dog-friendly beaches around Lake Tahoe, but if you’re short on time you should only spend your time at Kiva Beach. We’ve been coming to this beach for years, but somehow it’s managed to stay a bit hidden. It’s also the closest beach in Tahoe to an actual sand beach, which trust me, does make a difference. Ruby doesn’t get her usual zooms or dig on rockier beaches.

Kiva Beach is located right across the street from Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe and has it’s own free parking lot with a dog bag stand and trash cans. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the shore and as you veer to the left slightly through some large bushes the pathway opens up onto the beach.

Kiva Beach is also the largest dog-friendly beach of the four in Tahoe. The entire beach is open to dogs to stretch their legs and the beach has the perfect incline into the water for your dog to ease themselves in if they’re not a swimmer. And did we mention the views? I mean look at the picturesque mountains and trees surrounding this secret spot.

While this beach isn’t the most popular, I’d still recommend coming early to have the whole beach to yourself. We arrived around 7:30 a.m and it was so peaceful being the only ones here. A local with his two dogs showed up when we were on our way out around 9 a.m. We chatted with him briefly and he confirmed locals don’t really come to Kiva Beach for whatever reason, so it stays pretty quiet.

This would also be a great spot to SUP and launch directly from the beach. The water is very calm and the buoy is pretty far out for boat wakes.

Dog-Friendly Activities in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe is known for its quieter atmosphere, expansive forestland, and easy access to nature. This area is ideal for dog parents who want wide-open spaces, scenic trails, and fewer crowds.

Hiking & Scenic Walks

North Tahoe and Truckee offer miles of dog-friendly hiking routes through pine forests, alpine meadows, and along mountain rivers. Many trails in this region provide shaded paths and gentle elevation changes, making them great for summer walks with active pups.

• West Martis Creek Trail (Easy): A flat, peaceful loop trail perfect for pups who enjoy wide, open space and gentle terrain. This trail stays mostly even and is a local favorite for summer walks with your dog.
• Pinedrop Trail (Easy): A paved, easy 2.6-mile loop in North Lake Tahoe Regional Park — great for dogs who like room to roam and even accommodates strollers or wheelchairs. It’s a good all-around summer walk with shaded tree cover and a relaxed pace.
• Tahoe Rim & Watson Lake Loop (Moderate): This scenic 3.9-mile loop near Carnelian Bay combines gentle rolling hills with lake views and wildflower fields in summer. Dogs on leash will enjoy the varied terrain and quiet beauty of this Tahoe classic.
• Martis Creek Trail Loop (Easy-Moderate): Just south of Truckee, this roughly 4.3-mile loop through wildflower meadows and open forests offers plenty of space for dogs to sniff and explore. It’s one of the most recommended year-round dog walks in the region.
• Eagle Rock Trail (Short & View-Focused): If you’re after a shorter adventure with a big payoff, this ~1.5-mile round trip offers panoramic views of the lake — perfect for a sunset stroll with your four-legged companion.
• Truckee River Legacy Trail (Flat Paved): This long, mostly flat paved path along the Truckee River makes a great choice for dogs of all ages. Start from downtown Truckee for an easy morning or evening walk, with river views and shaded stretches.
• Donner Lake Rim Trail (Moderate): Part of a growing trail system around Donner Lake, this hike winds through forests and overlooks with beautiful mountain and lake vistas. Dogs on leash can enjoy longer outings here, especially in the cooler morning hours.
• Shirley Canyon Trail (Moderate): Near Olympic Valley, this ~3.6-mile route is a great summertime option with waterfalls, granite scenery, and cool shade — a fun choice if you want a bit more rugged terrain for you and your pup.
• Monkey Rock (Moderate): This scenic trail near Tahoe City is a local favorite for panoramic lake views without a long or technical climb. Dogs on leash will enjoy the mix of shaded forest paths and open granite outcrops as you ascend toward the rock outcrop. Once you reach the summit, the views over Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains make for an epic reward and great photos with your pup.

Float on Truckee River

Floating the Truckee River is the activity of the season. You can either float the river with your own devices – we saw several people in fun pool floats or on their SUP/kayak – or rent through various rafting companies.

We opted to rent a large raft for our group of six plus the two dogs through Truckee River Raft Rentals (orange paddles!). It was $65/person and the rental company provides the raft, life jackets for humans, a couple oars for steering away from trees and boulders, and transportation at the end of the float back to your car.

Upon your arrival in Tahoe City, you’ll park in their designated lot and check in with their staff. They’ll evaluate the size of your group and how much stuff you have and then place you in the right size raft. We brought two small yeti coolers for the six of us filled with water, beer and snacks to keep at the front and back of the raft. You will also want to make sure you take a life jacket for your dog to wear.

You’ll drop into the water at the check-in location and then it’s time to relax and enjoy. The water is calm for most of the float so you really don’t need to paddle and there are plenty of areas to pull off, take a dip in the river, and just hang out. It’ll take two to three hours to complete the five mile float depending on how often you stop.

As you near the end of the float at River Ranch Patio, there are small rapids for the last 2-3 minutes where you’ll need to hang onto your dog for the bumpy/bouncy ride. There are guides from the rental company at the patio that will direct you to your unloading spot and help you get all your belongings out of the raft.

You can either stop for a drink at River Ranch Patio (last call was around 4 p.m. when we got off the river and I heard they might not be dog-friendly), or head to the front and wait for the shuttle to take you back to your car.

This was such a fun activity that the whole group really enjoyed – even the dogs! To catch a glimpse into our day floating on the Truckee River, check out our recap on TikTok.

Explore Downtown Truckee & Donner Lake

Downtown Truckee

Downtown Truckee, California has maintained it’s old-west mountain charm and is a cute town to walk around and explore for a morning. The main strip is on Donner Pass Rd. and is home to several restaurants, shops, and coffee spots.

During our visit, we enjoyed breakfast at the old timey diner Coffee And after finding out Squeeze In only had one patio table. The food was just as you would expect and the pancake was totally worth the splurge.

After breakfast we did some shopping in CA 89. They have a home and clothing store just a block away from each other and I literally wanted to buy everything in the home store. We took a peek inside their new dog store Wild Ruff that had just opened. They had a great selection of outdoor gear, toys, and high-end treat brands. We found the “Welcome to Truckee” mural at the Post Office that’s a block up from the main downtown area and enjoyed a lavender latte from Drink Coffee Do Stuff.

If you have more time, go beyond downtown a few miles and check out Donner Pass and Donner Lake.

Note: This area is named after the ill-fated Donner Party explorers that migrated to California from Illinois and Missouri on the Oregon trail, and unfortunately, got trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountain range during winter.

Donner Lake

Donner Lake is one of the highlights when visiting the Truckee area. Donner Lake is a freshwater lake in Northeast California about 20 miles northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe.

The lake is surrounded by lake homes with docks, with a marina and a beach on the west end. The north side of the lake features 37 public piers that anyone can use to soak up the sun or gain access to the lake for swimming or water sports like kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. There’s also a tasty ice cream shop on the north side called Little Truckee Ice Creamery that makes all their recipes in house. The cookies and cream, cookie dough, and gingerbread ice creams were really tasty.

Donner Pass

Donner Pass is a 7,056-foot-high mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada, above Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park. This is where the Donner Party was trapped and now represents the most important transmontane route (rail and highway) connecting San Francisco with Reno. It also makes for a pretty viewpoint.

Ride an Aerial Gondola

In the summer, most aerial gondolas at ski resorts open up to dogs and you and your furry friend can enjoy the scenic views, hike the ski trails, and even enjoy lunch at some mountain tops that have amenities. Depending on where you’re staying, you have a few options for checking out an aerial tram/gondola with your dog.

Palisades Aerial Tram

The Palisades Aerial Tram runs from 11 a.m – 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountain vistas on it’s 10-minute ride up 2,000 vertical feet. Season pass holders and dogs ride free. Kids ride free with a purchase of an adult ticket. Their website recommends purchasing your lift ticket online 2 days in advance to take advantage of this deal. Ticket are $39/adult.

The tram will drop you at High Camp, where you can explore a vast network of trails, roller skate, and grab lunch at their marketplace or on the patio of Granite Bistro Cafe. Once you get back down, you can walk around The Village at Palisades and it’s many shops and restaurants.

We had a bit of a lodging snafu during our trip that put this activity further away from us than originally planned, so we weren’t able to check it out. It’s definitely still on our list for next time.

Note: You might formally know The Palisades as Squaw Valley Ski Resort. They changed their name in late 2021.

NorthStar Gondola

The NorthStar gondola experience starts on the Village Gondola, whose enclosed cabins run to the mid-mountain Lodge at Big Springs. From there, you can hop aboard a gondola on the Zephyr lift for a ride to the upper ridge-lines for sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the snow-crusted Sierra. Season pass holders and dogs ride for free. If you need a lift ticket, check their website or call for pricing. I read online that tickets were $6 and then when we went to the counter they were $23/adult.

The gondolas only run for so long, so make sure you head up the mountain so you can get all your exploring in. We, unfortunately, got a late start on the day we had planned to do this and decided not to spend the money for an up and back ride.

Instead, we rode the Highlands gondola at NorthStar that’s free and takes you up to the Ritz-Carlton, where we enjoyed cocktails and charcuterie on their beautiful patio.

Summer Safety Tips for Dog-Friendly Adventures in Tahoe

No matter where you explore, summer conditions at high elevation require extra preparation.

Keep your dog safe by:

• Carrying extra water and collapsible bowls

• Protecting paws from hot surfaces

• Taking midday breaks in shaded areas

• Watching for signs of altitude fatigue

• Using life vests during water activities

Proper planning ensures your dog stays comfortable and energized throughout your trip.

Drop us a comment if you have any questions about visiting Lake Tahoe with your dog!