Your Complete Lake Tahoe Summer Adventure Guide

Summers in Tahoe are magical, there’s no doubt about it. A trip to Lake Tahoe can offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Read through our comprehensive guide for all the best tricks for Lake Tahoe summer fun. Pro tip: If you are only visiting for one day, check out our guide meant for day trips.

Hike By Waterfalls

Start your day with a hike of Shirley Canyon at Palisades Tahoe. In the late spring and early summer, the Shirley Canyon trail features cascading waterfalls and a rushing creek. In our humble opinion, Little Bear Café has some of the best sandwiches in the Tahoe area. Before heading out on your hike, we recommend picking up a sandwich to eat once you get to Shirley Lake. Starting on June 20th, if you hike two more miles from Shirley Lake, you can take our Aerial Tram back to the base area.

High Camp Day

Ready for a day chock-full of adventure? Grab your tickets and take the Aerial Tram to High Camp at 8,200′. On your 10-minute ride up, our Aerial Tram operators will tell you a bit about the history of Palisades Tahoe and answer any questions you might have. Well-behaved, leashed dogs may take the Tram. Pro tip: Ikon Pass holders don’t need Aerial Tram tickets. Your 2025/26 pass gives you free summer access to the Tram! 

Hop on a FREE Guided Naturalist Walk. This gentle hike is a great option for learning about the area and the local flora and fauna. You can choose between two departure times: 11am or 1:30pm. One of our knowledgeable Mountain Hosts will lead a tour twice a day, departing from the High Camp deck. Inquire at the Activities Desk at High Camp if you have any questions about how to join. 

Get those roller skates on & hit the rink at 8,200 feet. Our roller skating rink at High Camp is one of the most unique offerings in the Tahoe area. With views of the lake and the mountains, this is another fun activity for the family. Roller Skating is FREE. Bring your own roller skates or enjoy rentals, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Helmets are available, and all persons under 18 years of age are required to wear a helmet while using the roller rink.

Hungry for a lunch break? Check out the High Camp BBQ, a local’s favorite. It offers a dining experience unlike any other. Look out over sweeping mountain views while enjoying a ribeye Philly cheesesteak or the Pastrami straight out of the smoker. 

Mountain Culture

Take a fascinating trip back in time to 1960 Winter Games. The Olympic Museum showcases authentic Team USA uniforms, news articles, and video presentations. The museum also features gear from more recent champions including Julia Mancuso, Travis Ganong, Marco Sullivan, and Nate Holland. We are proud of our heritage and to be one of the frontrunner mountains training the future champions . As one of the few mountains in the nation to currently have a professional athlete team, read up on our pro athlete team and their continuation of our legacy.

Take time to visit the Washoe Display, open daily at High Camp. This educational experience offers valuable insights into the past and present of the Washoe Tribe through artifacts and language transcripts. If you’re visiting on June 27, July 18, August 23, September 26, or October 10th, consider joining a Washoe Cultural Talk – these inspiring presentations cover topics ranging from local wildlife to the significance of the resort’s name change.

Check out disc golf or go on a hike to check out all of the beautiful wildflowers. Other hikes are available from High Camp depending on snow melt and access. Check with a Mountain Host before riding the Aerial Tram to get the best idea on what’s open.

After activities and lunch, head back down on the Tram for a drink on the patio at Rocker, Uncorked, or Tremigo.

Yoga, Bike and Lake Day

Start the day with a relaxing yoga class in a beautiful, airy studio. Since class times vary, check out the class schedule to see what time works for you. You can typically drop in to any of our mat-based yoga classes. However, we recommend that you register in advance for aerial classes since our number of hammocks is limited. Pro tip: If you are here on a Wednesday, check out First Street Yoga for a free yoga class from 5-6pm, taught by Palisades Tahoe Yoga instructors.

In our humble opinion, Little Bear Café has some of the best sandwiches in the Tahoe area. Before heading out, we recommend picking up a sandwich to fuel your day. Start the morning off with a bike ride along the Truckee River. Rent your bikes right here in The Village Activity Center across from the Aerial Tram. Pick from a Cruiser Bike or an E Bike.  

Once you are set up with your bikes, get ready to embark on your ride. Head out of Olympic Valley and at the light, cross the street and get on the bike trail towards Alpine and Tahoe City. Tahoe City is 5 miles on this scenic and paved path, perfect for kids, bike trailers, or cruiser bikes. Bring your bathing suit and a towel – there are lots of great places to take a dip in the river along the way or go for a swim in Lake Tahoe once you arrive in Tahoe City. Pro tip: If you are biking on a Thursday, check out the Farmers Market at Commons Beach, you won’t be able to miss it. 

Via Ferrata Climb

Book a spot on Tahoe’s Via Ferrata to climb the iconic Tram Face. Learn to navigate this famous rock face on a protected climbing route with permanent steel anchors and cables that keep climbers safely connected to the rock 100% of the time. There are several different route options on the Via Ferrata, all operated by local guide service Alpenglow Expeditions. This one-of-a-kind activity is available for anyone for ages 10+.

Golf and Spa Afternoon

Challenge yourself to a round at The Links at Everline, a stunning course at the heart of Olympic Valley. This course is a mix of scenic and technical. Call The Links at Everline to book a tee time, and test your skills.

If golfing isn’t your chosen pastime, unwind with a spa day. Visit The Spa at Everline to indulge in our latest treatments at an unbeatable price. Palisades Tahoe Lodging guests enjoy 15% off any treatment at The Spa at Everline. Simply book your treatment and present the discount card found in your keycard packet to redeem the offer. 
 
With your treatment, you’ll also enjoy access to our Oasis Pool Complex, steam room, dry sauna, and complimentary parking. Treat yourself to relaxation amidst the serene beauty of our natural surroundings. 

Kids Adventure Camp

The Kids Adventure Camp is a perfect way to ensure a fun day for your little ones while you relax. Starting June 16, Kids Adventure Camp will be open to kids ages 5-13 from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Kids Adventure Camp allows kids to explore the mountains through interactive activities including hikes, scavenger hunts, Aerial Tram rides, and more. Pricing starts at $160/day, or $700 for five days. 25/26 Ikon Pass holders get a 10% discount with the promo code IKONSUMMERKIDS. Child must be a passholder and pass will be verified at check-in.

More Details

• Flexible offer: pick any day that works for your family’s schedule – $160 per daily adventure
• Mix and match: buy a 5 Pack where days can shared between siblings and save up to $100 
• Leadership: camps are led by Tyler King, Director of our Palisades Kids Ski & Snowboard School. 
• Inclusive offer: camps include lunch, snacks, and all activities such as Aerial Tram rides, Eco-hikes, roller skating, arts and crafts, and more! 

Free Weekly Events

What day of the week are you staying in Lake Tahoe? Depending on what day of the week you visit, you could experience anything from bluegrass music, free yoga, bingo, or a live alphorn performance.

Day of Week	Event	Description	Time
Tuesday	Bluesdays Concert Series	The Village comes alive every Tuesday night with top blues artists from around the country. Enjoy free live music, outdoor bar service, and dining from local restaurants.	6pm-8:30pm
Wednesday	First Street Yoga	Unwind midweek with our free outdoor yoga series held every Wednesday in The Village. Taught by a rotating lineup of talented local instructors, these evening sessions offer a rejuvenating experience set against the stunning mountain backdrop.	5pm-6pm
Select Thursdays	The Great Bingo Revival	Join the legendary Rusty Reams for high-energy, family-friendly bingo nights. With new restaurant venues each week, free-to-play rounds, and a chance to win great prizes, it’s the most lively way to spend a summer events.  Dates: July 17, 24, 31; August 7, 14, 21	5pm-6pm
Select Fridays	SunSets Live Music Series	Celebrate summer Fridays with live music under the open sky. The SunSets series brings a rotating lineup of local favorites to The Village for relaxing, high-vibe evenings filled with music, fresh mountain air, and community energy. Dates: July 11, 28, 25; August 1, 8, 22	5 pm-7pm

One-Off Events 

• Big Blue ½ Marathon (June 14): Race from Palisades to the Truckee River. 
• Broken Arrow Skyrace (June 19–22): Elite and recreational runners tackle epic Sierra trails, vertical climbs, and post-race celebrations. 
• TrailCon (June 24–25): The heart of trail running—panels, keynote, Hall of Fame, vendor village, and more. 
• Western States Endurance Run (June 28): The original 100-miler, from Palisades Tahoe to Auburn. 
• Wild Lotus Yoga Festival (July 11–13): Yoga, meditation, and music in the Village. 
• Tevis Cup (July 20): The oldest 100-mile endurance trail ride on horseback. 
• Brews, Jazz & Funk (August 16): Live music and beer from 10+ breweries. 
• Alpen Wine Fest (August 31): 40+ wineries, live music, and mountain views. 
• Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings (September 5): Six bands and six restaurants battle for “Best Wings” and “Best Band.” 
• Adventure Van Expo (September 20–21): Vendors, live entertainment, food, and beverages. 
• Oktoberfest (September 27): German beer, music, dancing, and games. 
• Made in Tahoe Festival (October 11–12): Artisans, workshops, and live performances celebrating all things local. 

Planning Your Visit

Seasonal Considerations: The Aerial Tram opens daily starting June 20th. Weather conditions can affect tram operations, so always check current conditions before your visit.

Weather Awareness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts using the Palisades Tahoe App and be prepared to adjust plans if thunderstorms are predicted, especially for the extreme hiking.

What to Bring: Pack layers, sunscreen, water, and a camera. If you are hiking, add extra water, sturdy hiking boots, and high-energy snacks.