Lake Tahoe Basin National Management Unit - California

Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous blue lake that is also one of the deepest, cleanest, highest, and coldest lakes in the world. The lake itself sits at 6,225 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the stunning, rugged granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada range in an alpine bowl.

The area is a haven for tourists in both the summer and winter. While summertime attracts throngs of swimmers, hikers and mountain bikers, the winter makes for a perfect place to go skiing. The Lake Tahoe area has arguably some of the best downhill skiing anywhere in North America and many from the Bay Area flock to ski resorts like Heavenly, Homewood and Kirkwood. If you prefer to hit the casinos rather than hitting the slopes, head to the eastern part of the lake which is situated in Nevada and attracts gamblers year-round.