ProPhotoSpots

Directions

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m), it is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.  Its depth is 1,645 ft (501 m), making it the USA's second-deepest (the deepest is Crater Lake in Oregon, being 300 ft (91 m) deeper, at 1,945 ft (593 m)).  Additionally, Lake Tahoe is listed as the 26th largest lake by volume in the world at 122,160,280 acre·ft (150.68249 km³).

The lake was formed about 2 million years ago and is a part of the Lake Tahoe Basin with the modern lake being shaped during the ice ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. The area surrounding the lake is also referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. Mountain and lake scenery are attractions throughout the year. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City, and Sacramento.

Emerald Bay Overlook is located about 6 miles northwest of  the town South Lake Tahoe on route 89 (also known as Emerald Bay Rd) just before the popular Vikingsholm Overlook.  Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Trailhead parking fills ups rather quickly during the summer months, this trailhead offers access to a nearby waterfall and hiking access to the lake.  For Google Maps driving directions to Emerald Bay Overlook click the green "View Map" icon and then select "Get Directions" in the upper left hand corner of Google Maps.  The best time to photograph Lake Tahoe is early May just before the summer resorts and campgrounds open up for the summer.  The downside to early May is most of the state park gates are closed so accessing some the areas requires longer hikes, so bring or rent a bicycle.  The Emerald Bay Overlooks and pull offs located along route 89 are open year round.  This photo was taken from a ledge located just above route 89 at the mouth of Emerald Bay at sunrise April 2012.