📷 Photo by Clayton Cardinalli on UnsplashLake Tahoe loop
Around the clear blue lake on the California–Nevada border, with Emerald Bay and old Truckee.
- Distance
- approx. 145 km (90 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 36 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- States
- NV, CA
- Best time to go
- April–May and October
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- September 1, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 145 km (90 mi) with 4 stops, from Reno to Truckee. About 1 h 36 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and October. No toll roads expected for a car.
More road trips in Nevada, California · More road trips from Reno
Photos along the route
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Route description
From Reno, take US-395 south to Carson City, then US-50 west over Spooner Summit and down along the east shore of Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe. The lake straddles the California–Nevada border, and the east shore has quieter beaches and viewpoints.
From South Lake Tahoe, CA-89 winds north to Emerald Bay, a green inlet with a tiny island crowned by a stone teahouse. A steep trail drops about a mile to the Vikingsholm mansion on the shore, and the climb back up is harder than the walk down. Parking at the overlooks fills early, and the road around the bay is narrow with steep drops and can close in winter.
Continue north on CA-89 through Tahoe City, then along the Truckee River to Truckee, an old railroad town with a historic main street on I-80. From there, I-80 returns to Reno. Summer weekends are busy, and in winter chains may be required on all the mountain roads.
Which stops are on Lake Tahoe loop?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Reno
NV - 280 km
South Lake Tahoe
CA - 314 km
Emerald Bay
ViewsSouth Lake Tahoe, CAA green bay with a tiny island teahouse. A steep trail drops to the Vikingsholm mansion on the shore.
- 450 km
Truckee
CA
How do you drive Lake Tahoe loop in 2 days?
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Reno → South Lake Tahoe · 50 mi · 0 h 54 minOvernight nearby, for example: Silver City RV Resort (14 mi); Caples Lake Campground (17 mi).
- Day 2: South Lake Tahoe → Truckee · 40 mi · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Emerald Bay.Overnight nearby, for example: Silver Creek Campground (7 mi); William Kent Campground (13 mi).
When is the best time for Lake Tahoe loop?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Lake Tahoe loop?
2-day road trip of about 145 km (90 mi) with 4 stops, from Reno to Truckee. About 1 h 36 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Tahoe loop?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 36 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Tahoe loop start and end?
It starts in Reno and ends in Truckee.
Which states does Lake Tahoe loop pass through?
Nevada and California.
Where can you camp along Lake Tahoe loop?
OpenStreetMap lists 138 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: RV Park at Grand Sierra Resort, Silver City RV Resort and Caples Lake Campground.
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